|
Sept. 13.
Havering. |
601. Sec. Conway to Lord President Mandeville. Sends names
of the committees appointed to take examination of the business of
Amboyna and the King's directions therein. [Domestic, Jac. I.,
Conway's Letter Book, p. 152, Cal., p. 339.] |
| Sept. 15. |
602. [Carleton] to Sec. Conway. Received his letters of the 2nd
on the 12th inst. The directors of the East India Company have
picked subject of quarrel out of his proposition to the States General
(see inclosure, No. 597. I.), and four of their principal persons, Count
Gulenberg, Herr Van Nortwick, Mons. Aerssen and Joachimi, were
deputed to expostulate with him thereon. Account of what took
place. Told them he was sorry to see them busy themselves about
formality of words, when there was question on which depended
the continuation or rupture of an alliance, and that that which they
termed threatening they might more favourably interpret a necessary remonstrance. M. Aerssen laboured to disburden the States of
all blame, and desired that the Company's actions might not be
imputed to them, for upon further information his Majesty should
have what he had required—reparation and justification. After
much altercation, not without some heat, Carleton told them that
the publication of the placard against the pamphlet was hitherto
suspended in Zealand, and that a translate had been published at
Middleburg, a copy of which he put into Joachimi's hands as
deputy for that province. With which they all parted, somewhat
ashamed of this gross affront to their sovereignty. Told them it
could be none but the work of young Boreel, advocate of the Company, his brother secretary to the States of Zealand, and their
father chief of the East Indian Chamber at Middleburg. Referred
also to the protests of the English President at Jacatra, and enlarged
on the point of Pooloroon. They all said they were altogether
ignorant of the proceedings at Pooloroon. Carleton let them further
understand, not as a menace but a premonition, that because the
King had let pass four of their East Indian ships, they must presume
no longer on his forbearance, for the council of war he had established for the assistance of the Dutch should also look to the preservation of his own subjects, which would incur charge and reimbursement before any reconcilement could be made: and therefore he
wished to prevent mischief by a round resolution. So with fair promises on their part they parted. Beseeches him to "hold the like
hand," in what has since passed, as he has to his former labours, for
finds how much he needs it, not only for the rebuke he has had here,
but likewise for some cross interpretation he finds is made at home
of his proceedings by the English Company, who as little consider as
these men that he is his Majesty's servant, and not theirs. Incloses, |
|
602. I. Carleton to the Prince of Orange. Sees by a despatch just
received from England, to his very great regret, that his
Majesty is still little satisfied with the provisional declaration of the States, and though urgently solicited by his
subjects to make stay of Dutch ships from the East Indies
which have arrived in safety, it is to be feared his Majesty
will be driven to other resolutions such as the resentment
of the nation assembled in Parliament shall require, which
sees the honour of the King and Kingdom violated unless
they send hence more subject for contentment. Has little
hope of this, seeing the States are more busy in finding
fault with the words of his proposition than in ordaining
what is fit in an affair of such great consequence. Beseeches
him very humbly and most fervently to prevent the ills
that must arise through delay by his prudence and
authority, for there is no more time to lose. Hague,
1624, Sept. 14/24. French. [Together, eight pages. Holland
Corresp.] |
Sept. 16.
Hague. |
603. Carleton to Sec. Conway. Some of the Amsterdam Bewinthebbers have taken all the papers concerning the (Amboyna) business
to the States now assembled at Middleburg, with charge to answer
all matters. This Carleton knows will take up some days, and
thinks the States, who cease not to complain, are in no less pain
than himself [at this delay]. If it please his Majesty to attend the
event, either they must have more matter by these last ships than
yet appears (which Carleton believes they have not, for if they had
they would not be so long in divulging it), or else they will be constrained to give satisfaction. This by way of postscript to his letter
of yesterday. [Extract from Holland Corresp.] |
Sept. 16.
Amsterdam. |
604. Barlow to Carleton. An Englishman, who has been five
years in the service of the Dutch Company in the Moluccas at
Banda and Jacatra, has related to him the base usage of our men in
all places, and as to the business of Amboyna he says, that the
wiser sort of the Dutch at Jacatra "do wish it were to do," confessing
that the Dutch at Amboyna were too forward, and that the English
ought to have been sent to Jacatra, when not a man of them would
have lost his life. Lawrence Marcharke (Mareschalk), one of the
principal men at Amboyna next Governor Speult, has come home in
the Wapen van Delft, so it were fit notice were taken of him.
It is the opinion of many in the Indies that ours had not any intent
of treason, to take the castle of Amboyna being a thing no way
possible. Boreel is returned. Payment of the 23,906 ryals again put
off, under pretence of 1,100 ryals due to them. Has sent to London
a large packet of letters for our Company, which came by these
ships. The Company here did their uttermost best to put off the
determination of the States, in hope they might have with these
ships something that would help them, but does not conceive they
have. The English books were printed at Flushing, and some
English helped in it. [One page. Holland Corresp.] |
Sept. 17/27.
The Hague. |
605. [Carleton] to John Winge. Knows he cannot but have
heard of the barbarous and bloody execution of 10 of our countrymen at Amboyna, which, whilst the States were inquiring into, some
willing to make matters worse between the two Companies, set out
a pamphlet in Dutch to justify. This the States have suppressed
by placard as a libel; but finds it has been translated into English
and printed at Flushing in Zealand, in which some of our countrymen
helped. Prays him to inquire who they were and who set them to
work, for by it they may haply find who set the Governor of Amboyna
on work. If further he can learn anything upon the whole matter, now
the 17 Bewinthebbers are near him in Council at Middleburg,
Carleton will be glad to be advertised. [One page. Holland Corresp.] |
| Sept. 17/27. |
606. [Carleton] to Sir Peter Courteen. Sends certain papers
concerning the proceedings at Amboyna, the first news of which
came in June last by the Hare. Comments on the different reports
that were then current. The matter is so foul and so hotly complained of to the King by his subjects that the States have demanded
a reason of that violent proceeding from the Bewinthebbers, who
have hitherto suspended their absolute answer in expectation of the
ships which are now about a fortnight since arrived. The danger
of so much procrastination; for in England they are entering into a
course of taking that satisfaction which from hence is so long in
giving, and when once in that way, God knows when and where it
will stop. To think that time will adimere œgritudinem in this
case is a vanity, for neglect aggravates the offence. Now the 17 are
with him at Middleburgh, he will do well to have an eye on their
proceedings; for unless satisfaction be speedily given, it will undoubtedly be taken, and one Company, if not both, go to ruin.
Would be glad to receive the truth of what is brought by these last
ships—not a disguised truth or a feigned tale, as before, but such as
may be relied on—so he may govern himself without reproach in
the accommodation of this cross, unlucky accident. [Four pages,
Holland Corresp.] |
| Sept. 18. |
607. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Two hogsheads of low-priced tobacco to be bought for the Swallow, which
may be sold to the mariners at 8s. per lb. and not above. Mr.
Governor reported that the day before himself and committees had
attended the King at Whitehall. The first thing questioned by the
King was the business of his partnership with the Company, when
the Company's "reasons" were delivered to his Majesty, and also
the Company's petition, whereupon his Majesty declared his dislike
of the answer of the Dutch, saying that they were "malum necessarium:" but he would not leave off till he were righted in this
business; and amongst other things, his Majesty utterly dislikes the
Company's intimation to leave the trade, adding that he was told
that whatsoever he should do for the Company to support their
trade, yet their absolute resolution was to desert the trade: whereto
answer was given, that if this business of the Dutch might be righted
and the Company countenanced at home, they would pursue the
trade royally, otherwise they must of necessity leave it. The King
then promised forthwith to grant a commission to examine the
business of Amboyna, and that those named by the Company should
be inserted in the commission; for the printing of the book, he liked
it well, if it contained no bitterness against the States, but refers it
to the Commissioners to resolve as they shall think good. After
they had thus attended the King, they presented a book also to the
Prince, who took it in good part. This report being ended, Messrs.
Bell and Munnes were entreated to attend Mr. Secretary, either this
evening or in the morning, about the commission. The Palsgrave
to be repaired at an estimated charge of 1,300l. or 1,400l. Request
of Mr. Banggam's to have his chests delivered to him, but it was
ordered first to view them and then report what goods are in them.
He was then demanded the reason of relinquishing the Red Sea
trade, whereto he answered that the goods carried there last year
would scarce yield money, the reason he conceives to be the troubles
in Turkey, and that caravans cannot travel; also that the William
and Blessing took a junk of Choul, wherein some Turks of Mocha
and their goods were made prize of. Ordered that advice be given
to Surat, "that our people commit not outrages in the Red Sea."
Banggam's request for his wages referred. Consideration of the
necessity of keeping the six men "in a readiness" who came from
Amboyna, because there will be use of them before the Commissioners, and in the meantime of an allowance to be given to those
that have not wherewith to support their charge. And first, George
Sherrock, an honest, diligent young man, who petitioned for employment; he is to be entertained purser's mate of the London at 30s. a
month, for which he humbly thanked the Court. Next, Edward Collins;
he is to be again employed in the counting-house at 10s. a week.
[John] Beamonte, the next called in, said he was ready to attend
the Company when called, and desiring payment of 40l. due to him
out of Edward Grant's wages, a warrant was ordered accordingly.
John Powle, "another of the Amboyna men," requested employment
as a factor; said he lived at the Half Moon, in Bishopsgate Street,
that he lost near 2,000 ryals by the Dutch, which he had raised
by living frugally nine or ten years in those parts, and had given to
him divers gifts and legacies; his request to be considered. Ephraim
Ramsey said he lived at Charing Cross, that Lord Holderness intended to present him to the King, and that he was able to give the
King a relation of "the business;" ordered that Mr. Styles present
him to Lord Holderness, as desired. And lastly, Wm. Webber (sic),
who declared he had been an assistant at Amboyna, and had lost all
he had by the Dutch; that he desired employment again, and lives at
his brother's, at the sign of the Globe; he was willed to present
himself a month hence. All the above six men who came from
Amboyna will be ready to attend the Commissioners when required.
On petition of the men of the Rose, ordered that they be paid wages
for half the time of their captivity with the Dutch. Offer of Mr.
Strowde for 28,000 pieces of calicoes. Upon view of certificate
brought by Thos. Joyce of the cutting off of his right hand at
Ormuz, the Court bestowed upon him 20 nobles; his request for
employment to be considered. [Five pages and a half. Court
Minute Book, VII., 115–120.] |
Sept. 18.
[Theobalds.] |
608. Sec. Conway to Lord President Mandeville. It is the
King's pleasure that the two Chief Justices and the Judge of the
Admiralty, who are joined in committee with the Council on the
Amboyna business, have free voices, and that their opinion on any
disputed point of law be set down punctually and submitted to the
King's great wisdom and justice. [Domestic Corresp., Jac. I.,
Vol. CLXXII., Cal. p. 341.] |
| Sept. 18. |
609. Morris Abbott, Governor, Edward Allen, Christopher Eyre,
and Wm. Garway to Carleton. Perceive by his letter of the 10th
that he has a true sense of the wrongs they suffer, and out of a noble
desire to set all things right, he has undergone much labour, for
which they may not omit to return their humble thanks. What he
recommends as a secret shall not go past themselves, but all pieces
formerly sent came to their sight from Sec. Conway by his Majesty's
command. Send a late protest come out of the Indies and the
answer, together with some extracts out of their last letters, concerning which they purpose to attend his Majesty forthwith. For the
present business his Majesty has appointed a commission, and therefore, albeit Carleton's propositions are full of honour and reason, yet
being entered into a course directed by his Majesty, they are bound
to attend the issue thereof, except his propositions now come do
alter that course. Understand that in the three ships arrived from
Jacatra are come divers of the judges upon the execution at Amboyna,
whom they hope by his means will be laid hold of. [One page.
Holland Corresp.] |
| 1624 ? |
610. "Brief extracts of divers wrongs which the English East
India Company have lately sustained by the Dutch in the East Indies,
against which the English there have made protest and sent home
the copies thereof, wherein the particulars are at large expressed."
They are distinguished under separate heads:—Being condemned by
the. Dutch to pay a large amount upon the unjust complaint of
certain Chinamen; extortionate charges in the Moluccas, Amboyna,
and Banda; preventing the English from paying any part of the
soldiers' wages in victuals and cloths; assumption of regal authority
and subjecting the English to all manner of fines, confiscations, bodily
punishments, and hellish torments, and to death itself, as the Dutch
have lately inflicted upon 10 of the King's subjects; opposing free
trading to Bantam, although the King of Bantam and other Princes
offer the English commerce; fraudulent abuse in diverting the English fleets of defence to further the Dutch in their own particular
conquests; refusing to deliver up the island of Poloroon, where they
have lately put to death all the inhabitants under pretext of treason;
threats to oppose the English when they should fortify for their
defence and security in the East Indies. [One page. East Indies,
Vol. III., No. 42.]
[The protests herein referred to are dated 12th and 20th December
1623, and were received in London 29th May 1624. See ante
Nos. 364, 377.] |
| 1624? |
611. "A note of the names of those that were at the Council of
Amboyna, when the ten Englishmen, nine Japanese, and one Portugal
Marena were beheaded," viz., Harman Van Speult, governor, Isaac
de Browne, fiscal or judge, Mareskalke, chief merchant, and Crayvanger and Taylor, under merchants of the Castle; Peter Jonson Van
Zent, chief merchant of Loho: Raneer alias Cozen, chief merchant
of Larica; Carsbon, merchant of the Rotterdam; Windcopp, merchant
of the Amsterdam; Cloacke, merchant of the Flyboat; Fisker, merchant of the Unicorn; Captain Vogle, a land captain; and Captain
Newport, skipper of the Amsterdam. Endorsed, "The names of the
Amboyna judges." [Half a page. East Indies, Vol. III., No. 43.] |
| 1624? |
612. "Note of the judges of Amboyna." Herman van Speult was
formerly employed in Spain, "whence he came, if report be true, full
of the pox." Laurence de Mareschalk was an upper merchant in
some of the factories in the Moluccas; Leonard Cloke, merchant,
hath been long in the Indies; Marten Janson Vogel, now captain,
was formerly employed as their "tolke," and has long been there;
John Jooster Coopman, married, has long been there; Jacob Copper,
mariner, long employed to carry goods there; Pieter Van Santen,
under Coopman in one of the small factories; Clement Kerseboom,
under merchant, a man of small understanding; Herman Crayvanger,
under merchant, "a young fellow that would not be ruled by his
friends;" Rowland Taylor, an assistant and young fellow; Jan van
Nieuport, under Coopman; Isack de Bruyn, fiscal and doctor in law
of Zealand; Vincent Cortehalfe, secretary, of no learning, wholly at
the devotion of the Governor; "and for all the rest no other but as
servants to him and at his absolute command." Endorsed as above
by Carleton, and referred to in Barlow's letter of 26 Nov. See No. 691.
[One page. East Indies, Vol. III., No. 44.] |
| 1624? |
613. "The names of all such as sat in council about the cruel murders of our merchants at Amboyna, taken from the mouth of George
Furbush, a Scottish man of their own Company." Harman Van
Speult died in the Red Sea in the sight of this man; Isaac de Brune,
fiscal, said to be drowned in [the sic] Middelburg, but some report
him to be in the Netherlands; Vincent Corthalls, the secretary, was
here and went away from hence, but in what ship he knows not;
Casbone and Clock, merchants, are dead; Marescalk, Wincoop, Jean
van Leo, Peter van Zanton, Creyvanger, Fiscaer, Jean Yoost, Teller
[? Taylor]; Capt. Vogell, and Skippers Newport and Cooper have gone
home; and Reniere was a very youth at that time, and was none of
the Council. Written after 1624. Endorsed, "A note of their
names that sate in Council upon the bloody business in Amboyna."
[Three quarters of a page. East Indies, Vol. III., No. 45.] |
| Sept. 18. |
614. Morris Abbott to Carleton. By his letter of the 10th, as
by all others, the Company may well see how much they are obliged
to him for his incessant and. important following of this unhappy
fact; and if from a generality he happen sometimes to hear that
some small exception is taken against some particular, Abbott hopes
he will rather impute it to the diversities of opinion than otherwise,
himself ever acknowledging how much he is bound to Carleton for
his freedom to them. Their committees following the Court found
the King very much unsatisfied in anything received from the States,
and a commission thereupon awarded to divers lords and others to
take some course for the remedy thereof, which will go forward if
the pieces now come do not divert it. Has not yet seen these pieces,
but the offers in Carleton's letter are so reasonable and noble, as
they do much content the Company; "and surely the course you
have now propounded (as some of us have often conferred among
ourselves) is the true course, that Commissioners may meet and
settle the businesses past and the time to come, whereto we can give
no full answer until it have resolution from his Majesty." He will
perceive by the pieces sent in what danger their estates and the
lives of their people stand in the Indies, wherein the Dutch would
never dare to presume so far had they not some order from hence; and
for them to print that libel in English, when the States had called
it in in Dutch, doth argue much insolence, [? Boreel] the father (as all
men say here) having a hand in the latter and the son in the former,
which how to leave unanswered the Company know not, without
reproach to the nation. Sent him by his last the full answer to that
pamphlet, and shall have next week a map of those places designed.
Endorsed, "Recd the 27th." [One page. Holland Corresp.] |
| Sept. [18]. |
615. (Carleton) to Morris Abbott. Was somewhat troubled with
the Company's letter of the 28th ultimo, as they might find by his
answer, and should be much more so with Abbott's letter of the 4th
pres., but that Carleton knows what Abbott writes proceeds out of
his zeal in the business and love to himself, which Abbott cannot
show, better than in using such freedom, and though sorry to be
mistaken in his doings, and misjudged in his affections, will not grow
sullen, but proceed to the best of his understanding in those ways
which may prevent a rupture, and so it may be with honour, utility,
and safety reconcile the two Companies. If ours impute this to
coldness, can only wish them better advised; for he is as warm in
the cause as at first, or as the hottest of them can be, but an inconsiderate heat is of small use in such affairs. Replies to his exceptions
of certain points put into the States hands: our men relating after
one manner and theirs after another, the States cannot but be
allowed time and means of better information. What the ships bring
from the Indies Carleton knows not, and the States know as little,
for this day they have written letters of reprehension to the Bewinthebbers at Middelburg, that since their arrival a fortnight has
slipped over without advertising them anything. Understands that
letters are sent to the Company; will be glad to make use of any
further light they have by them, as having opened the States eyes,
they desire now to look into the depth of this matter. The strong
faction betwixt the Bewinthebbers and the Participants; all the
former, except those of Amsterdam and Middelburg, shrink up their
shoulders and wash their hands in innocency, excusing themselves
upon a triumvirate, Bas, Boreel, and Poppen, who, with Boreel the
advocate, have long had the direction of all their affairs. The
advocate Boreel, pleading with the Prince of Orange and the States,
to suspend any resolution until further advice from the Indies.
Meeting him casually, "he related the business as coldly and
familiarly as if it had been no greater matter than the cutting of a
purse." Hopes Abbott will be satisfied by Carleton's last proposition
to the States, that he is not cold in it, and relates how the States
have expostulated the matter very roundly with him, which during
his long residence in these provinces has never happened before.
They condemn him of heat and precipitation; he condemns them of
coldness and procrastination; meanwhile it is no small discomfort to
have blame on both sides. Replies to his letter concerning the building of forts. "The Prince of Orange hath ever been of this mind, that
you must have forts and places apart, and distinct sovereignties conjoined in an association, according to the manner of these provinces, or
else you will never have peace betwixt you." Next, touching the public
faith, which Abbott scoffs at, as worse than a publican's, the promise
of the Company is one thing, and of the States another, which, if it be
broken, his Majesty has right of reprisal against the whole State.
And this is as firm an assurance as the hostages, which was so
strange a matter to be proposed, that it seemed as an objection to
ill-wishers to stop things more reasonable. If there come no good of
all the pains he has taken, no hurt can come, for being this day
asked by some of the States what he thought would give contentment, he answered that he was now to seek, for the ships being
arrived they must now not provisionally but absolutely resolve.
In conclusion, advises the Company not to stand in their own light;
if, without association, they think to fortify and settle near the
Hollanders, as at Poolroon and such places, by right, the Dutch
cannot hinder them, but jus est in armis, as it hath ever been, both
amongst Christians and heathens in those parts. Prays Abbott to
mistake him not, and entertain no jealousies, as if he had any correspondence with the Mayors, for since the treaty of 1622 he has not
seen any one of them within his doors, nor so much as spoken with
any but Boreel, whom he met casually. [Five pages. Holland
Corresp.]. |
| Sept. 20–25. |
616. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Committee to
attend at Whitehall concerning the business of the, entry of each of
the Company's ships in one cocket. Another committee to attend
Sir Henry Marten concerning the men that were in the Whale when
she was cast away. Petition of Richard Beacham; was one of those
surprized in the Rose's boat, and employed by the Bashaw of Sinan
to certify the captivity of the men and for their enlargement; prays
to have his wages: ordered accordingly. Consideration of Nich.
Banggam's services (see also his petition, No. 607). Ordered that
George Ball's account, now with the auditors, be presented at Court
next week. Report of Mr. Governor that the business between the
Company and Lady Dale rests still undecided before the Commissioners of the Navy by special reference from his Majesty, and
therefore was by the Upper House of Parliament left to them; it
was thought fit that some declaration by way of protest be made by
the Company that it sticks not at them, and if nothing be done it is
merely the fault of Lady Dale. The tobacco to be sent in the
Swallow to be of Virginia or "Barmouthas" [Bermudas]. Requests
of Sir Francis Crane and Lord Brooke that, in respect they have
extraordinary use of silk for their tapestry they may take out their
seventh and eighth capitals in silk; it was answered that the Court
can give out no dividends but such as have been directed by a
General Court. Offer of certain merchants in Roanne to deal
for the Company's silk. The Black lately entertained to be shipped
in the Swallow. Suit of Richard Welden for an end of his
business. Report of Mr. Munnes that he and Mr. Bell had attended
Sec. Conway concerning the commission for Amboyna and other
business of the Company, and at first found but rough entertainment
and hard admittance, that "Mr. Sec. did expostulate with them
some things that had been reported unto him out of the courts of
committees;" wherein having received satisfaction, he protested all
faithful and sincere friendship to the Company, and showed them a
letter he had written to Sir Noel [de] Caron, "wherein he doth sharply
expostulate and require a round proceeding and satisfaction by way
of hostages, till the offenders themselves may be laid hold of." He
then demanded what they held fit now to be done, and whether his
Majesty's letter effectually written to Sir Noel [de] Caron would not
procure speedy justice, to which was answered that since his Majesty's pleasure is not to proceed upon those depositions and evidences
that are pregnant of the Company's part, but to appoint a commission, it would please his Majesty in the meantime, for the better
settling of all things in the Indies and for preventing of further
mischiefs there, to procure from the States and the Prince of Orange
effectual letters to the Dutch President, &c. at Jacatra, requiring
them to permit the English to retire with their stock and goods from
thence, and without interruption to fortify where the Dutch have
no real possession whereupon to ground a pretence of sovereignty.
A letter to this purpose, conceived by Mr. Munnes, was hereupon
considered, about which there grew some question whether they
that will not be bound by a solemn treaty confirmed by his Majesty
will not less regard a letter, "but it was remembered that the
exception had been that the warrant for the execution of the treaty
came not so fully signed as is now propounded," and therefore agreed
to procure this letter so as if possible it may be sent by this next
pinnace (the Swallow). Then arose a discussion on a letter read
from Sec. Conway with his Majesty's directions to certain commis
sioners to examine "the business of Amboyna." The Court was
sorry the commission was not under the broad seal, and that the
Chief Justices and Judge of the Admiralty were not commissioners,
but to assist only when called; and it was complained that ill offices
had been done to the Company by reporting "the passages among
the committees at their meetings," and also by reporting to his
Majesty "that whatsoever his pleasure shall be to order in this
business, yet the Company resolveth to abandon the trade," whereas
the contrary hath been declared to be the Company's resolution, if
his Majesty will afford them his royal protection and secure their
trade they will proceed cheerfully. In conclusion it was resolved to
move his Majesty for his letter to the States as aforesaid; also that
it be desired that the two Chief Justices and the Judge of the
Admiralty be joined to the said commissioners, five to be a quorum,
and that the commissioners begin, first, with "the bloody fact of
Amboyna," secondly, the business of the Moluccas, thirdly the shutting up of Bantam, and fourthly, the seizure upon the Company's
warehouses, moneys, and goods at Jacatra; also that two civil
lawyers and one common lawyer be entertained to open and defend
the several businesses before the commissioners. Offer of Burlamachi to buy the Company's silk at 25s. 6d.; the Court consent to
sell at 26s. |
