| Dec. 23–29. |
379. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Petition of
William Whalely, that he had been in the Company's service at
Ormuz against the Portugals, and had lost a leg in a fight at sea, and
had petitioned for some recompense, but refused 10l. from the Company as a free gift; now prays for the place of porter at Blackwall,
but the Company having observed his former stubbornness answered
they had no place void for him. No need for the Company to take
any violent course against John Lamprier, as he intends forthwith
"to avoid" the house at Blackwall. Concerning a supply of powder,
all Evelyn's powder, and what can be got elsewhere; is taken up by
special warrant to supply his Majesty's forces. The Duke of Richmond, having undertaken to find his Majesty's house with spices, is to
receive (among other things) his Majesty's impost on spices from the
Indies, which, (as he was informed) will amount to 2,000l. per annum,
and desires to be nobly dealt withall. His Lordship was informed that
he will find the proportion very far short of that sum. The Court
considered what answer they would make, for that it was remembered
that Mr. Barrett compounded with the Company, and had 400l. per
annum, when many times it came far short of that proportion; the
answer to be made to the Duke. Request of Mr. Friday, the preacher,
concerning his indigo; the Court made answer they were sorry that
a man of his profession should so much injure the Company by
his example, and he must expect no more than they allow him.
Request of the Lord Treasurer that he may have 70 quilts at 5l.
apiece, but the Court found the example very hurtful, and chose
rather to sell him 50 at 6l. apiece, and give him the other 10. Committee appointed to consider. the new year's gifts. Proposals of a
servant of Lady Dale concerning the business between her and the
Company, but he was desired to forbear to move further until Mr.
Lanman regain his health. |
|
Dec. 29.—Concerning Mr. Hurt's unlawful exacting, and his having
taken a bribe. As to the proportion of wines and cider for the ships,
half the wanted quantity of cider to be sent, being only for the sick;
the rest had rather drink water because the cider, when stale, "doth
extraordinarily wring the belly." Fireworks and 500 fire pots to
be made ready for Capt. Weddall's ship, and proportionably for the
rest. Offer of Mr. Willen, a student in divinity, and preacher of
Charterhouse Hospital, to go as preacher into the Indies; but the
Court wished that Mr. Copeland be first spoke with, who had been
in the Indies, and shown himself a sober, discreet man. The Court
moved about underwriting for calicoes, and swearing in the new
auditors. The Duke of Richmond and the Company in reference to
the rate of composition for spices exported; the Company ready to
give 400l. per annum, as they had formerly done. Concerning the
silk quilts, the Lord Treasurer would not hearken to their offer, but
pursued his desire to abate the price; resolved to forbear to have
further speech of them for a small time. Letter read from Sir James
Ley, Lord Chief Justice of England, on behalf of Anthony Wallis,
that they would employ him again; the Court presumed that his
Lordship had not been acquainted with his fault in mis-spending
800 dollars of their money, and ordered that their secretary attend
his Lordship and satisfy him thereon. Mr. Deputy acquainted the
Court that he and others had been entreated to deal with [Thos.]
Kerridge for his going again into the Indies, who was ready to embrace the employment on these conditions: Not to be tied to stay
above three years, to have 500l. per annum wages, and to leave
1,000l. in the Company's hands, and if he die within the four years
the Company shall pay back only the said 1,000l., but if he lives,
then he requires to have 2,000l.; the Court thought the demand
somewhat high, yet because he had given good proof of his service
in former years, they intreated Mr. Governor and Mr. Deputy to
agree with him as good cheap as they may. Letter read from Mr.
Misselden, one of the Company's Commissioners, to treat with the
Dutch, dated Dec. 5, 1623, that they are like to make long work in
respect the Bewinthebbers are by order of the States tied to hold
their assemblies, which were wont to be in Holland, now in Zealand
for two years. Mr. Deputy gathers by Mr. Barlow's letter "that the
Dutch intend to cast some rubs in the Commissioners' way, for that
some of them delivered an account of some great matter coming to
them upon the siege of Bantam." [Eight pages and a quarter.
Court Minute Book, VI., pp. 320–328.] |
