|
|
Dec. 22.—Washburne having complained that his work is too
heavy, Chancy is appointed to assist him during Waytes absence.
Markham, the auditor, to have 100 marks per annum. As the auditors
are many times absent, a check is to be kept upon them, provided
they are allowed Thursdays and Saturdays to be absent. Denton's
cause to be heard before the Master of the Rolls, the last cause of
next term; Mr. Governor to move the Lord Keeper to hear it.
License read for the Company to be supplied with 20 last of powder
out of his Majesty's stores. 20l. imprested to Mr. Friday out of his
wages to set him to sea. [Five pages and a half. Court Minute
Book, VII., 271–276.] |
| [Dec. 22.] |
717. Carleton to the East India Company. Returns at length the
States' final answer, as well for justice in the bloody fact of Amboyne
as surety for their trade, according to the three points the Company
proposed to the Lords of the Council [see ante, No. 635. i.]. On the
first, the States have resolved to have the Governor and all who
assisted him, in the judgment of the English, sent hither as prisoners;
and to have examination in the Indies of all that passed in that
action, taken by their General, assisted by such Englishmen as his
Majesty will appoint, and the information to be sent in closed letters
to confront the prisoners sent here. How this will satisfy the Company, Carleton knows not, but sure he is there hath been difficulty
enough to get it resolved, and when it shall be put in execution (for
the States are set upon it to see justice done), not only the actors,
but the abettors if there be any here, will smart for it; and it is
suspected there is guiltiness in some, because of the violence used in
opposing this course. For the three points, the first is freely granted;
for the second, all such causes are to be referred to the Council of
Defence, as concern the generality of the Companies, but the States
are careful to preserve the jurisdiction of their places in particular
causes; touching the third, about fortifications, they use certain
restrictions, but such as, they say, hinder not the places the Company have mentioned in the Straits of Sunda to the westward of
Bantam, or to eastward of Cheribon, or anywhere else at a convenient distance from their forts, the Moluccas, Banda, and Amboyna only excepted, as they pretend was agreed by the 24th Article
of the Treaty of 1619. To these purposes the States have written
to General Carpentier an effectual letter, and have made the Bewinthebbers answerable in their persons and goods to have all faithfully
accomplished. Has sent to Sec. Conway copies of such writings as
concern this business, from which they will see all that can be had
here by this manner of negociation. What they expect more (as
more they have reason to expect) must be had by way either of
hostility or treaty. The first concurs at no time with the interest of
our State against these men, when reason may be had otherwise, and
that may be now better than ever heretofore, because the States and
Bewinthebbers are two, the scandal of Amboyna having made a
divorce between them, which division Carleton has endeavoured to
nourish. Has hitherto been their advocate, and now will be their
councillor. "Let not your just indignation carry you beyond
discretion, but embrace the opportunity of settling your trade by
such reglement as this accident of Amboyna may produce, and if
you can have justice for your men's lives, which in the way affairs
now are must necessarily follow, being pursued with that constancy
and fervour as is requisite, and by holding his Majesty's resolution
for reprisals in suspense (which I no way wish should be revoked)
mend the condition of your trade, partly by explication and partly
by reformation of the Treaty, as the change of times and occasions
doth require that which cannot be now otherwise remedied may so
turn to your utility. And when I may understand his Majesty's
pleasure in this point, I will do my endeavours so to put your affairs
into a way of treaty as may be most to your advantage, which I
must tell you is a thing the Bewinthebbers will mainly shun, but
the States, I presume, will think it necessary and will bring them to
it." For the present all the service Carleton can do is to get despatches made into the Indies, according to the resolutions the States
have taken, whereof one will be sent by the Dutch ships, and a
duplicate the Company shall have to send in their ship. If this
course be approved of, and Carleton has not said or done anything
obligatory but only ad referendum, they will do well to name to
his Majesty persons fit to join with General Carpentier in taking
information of the whole state of the Amboyna business, to the end
it may be entered into before any plot be used for concealing the
truth. In conclusion, they may boldly go on with their trade, for
these Bewinthebbers' heat is much allayed and they wish their torturers' fingers in the fire, which have bred them this trouble and
danger, out of which they would gladly creep by fair means; and
these the Prince of Orange himself and the best here assure Carleton
they will use, to piece up their broken affairs again, if it be possible.
Thanks them for books and maps received. Endorsed, "By Mr.
Yong." [Three pages and a half. Holland Corresp.] Incloses, |
|
717. I. "A resumption of the first answer of the States General made
at the instance of Sir Dudley Carleton." The States General,
upon earnest instances made unto them, having put in
new deliberation the three articles propounded in writing
in their Assembly of 23 Oct./2 Nov. by the King of Great Britain's
Ambassador answer, that in their despatch to the King
of 2/12 Dec. the matter of Amboyna was handled in such
sort as occasion might thence be taken to cause the alterations arisen between the two Companies to cease, and to
unite them in better and nearer amity, it being needless to
think upon new ways, which would rather dissolve than
strengthen their society. Notwithstanding that they may
give the better satisfaction by a more particular declaration, "they answer to the first point, that it is and shall
be lawful for those of the English East India Company in
the Indies to withdraw whensoever they will, both themselves
and goods, without paying any rights of customs and tolls,
or anything of that nature, out of such places and forts as
acknowledge their. Lordships' authority, and are in the
possession of their said Company in the Indies, to whom
their Lordships do promise to give order and command
not to go against this their declaration, but to favour it as
much as they can, and to take no advantage against it of
any doubt or obscurity which might be found in the Treaty
concerning this point; secondly, their Lordships still reserving to those of their East India Company the administration of policy and particular jurisdiction, as well civil
and criminal, entire and unchangeable in all places which
acknowledge their sovereignty in the said Indies, like well
that all controversies come or to come between the two Companies which concern immediately the whole body of either
of them, shall hereafter be decided by the Common Council
of Defence established in the Indies, if it may be done, and
such things as cannot be composed by them shall be referred
to the two Companies in Europe, and afterwards to his
Majesty and their Lordships, if need shall require; finally,
their Lordships' Governor General in the said Indies shall
be forbidden any way to let or hinder the English Company
in the Indies from building of forts, storehouses, or retreats,
for the safety of their persons and goods in all places they
shall think fit, so that it be not within the jurisdiction or
comprised in the obligation of the exclusive contracts, nor
also within ten German leagues or thirty English miles of
the forts of this East India Company, neither at Banda,
Amboyna, or the Moluccas, but according to the 24 Article
of the Treaty, in which places they of these countries shall
have the like freedom as the English have in those places
that are under their Lordships' command. And this
declaration their Lordships make upon condition that
thereby nothing shall be altered, innovated, or done to the
prejudice of the former Treaties made by his Majesty and
their own authority between the two Companies, which their
Lordships understand to remain in full force and virtue."
Given in the Assembly of the States General, this 29 Dec.
1624 [N.S.]. Two copies, in French and English. A
copy in French is also in East Indies, Vol. III., No. 54.
This "Answer" differs materially from the answer dated
3/13 Dec. See ante, No. 713. I. [Two pages and a half.
Holland Corresp.] |
Dec. 23.
The Hague. |
718. Carleton to Sec. Conway. The States, upon the memorial
he sent his Honour on the 7th inst. (whereby he required that the
three points should be answered categorically), sent their greffier
Goch to him on the 13th with their letter to his Majesty concerning
Amboyna, enlarged according to Carleton's demand to have information taken in the Indies, by joint commission, and sent hither
with the prisoners, and with some small change in their answer to
the first of the three points. Had audience of the States next day,
and reduced his whole discourse to this point: that the oppression
of the English by the Dutch being notorious, their fears for the
future were not imaginary; especially as the same directors were
still in magistracy, and the same man (Coen, whom Carleton spared
not to name for one who pursued open war against the English)
again employed thither with extraordinary strength. Hereupon he
prayed them well to consider the last remonstrance of their own
Company, wherein they profess always to have observed the treaty
and to desire so to continue, and in the same remonstrance their
administrators defend the fact of Amboyna, as done "selon droit,"
and "avec bonne moderation." From which Carleton inferred that
they understand the torture and execution of the English to be
agreeable to the treaty; and that they maintained the seizure of the
goods of the English at Jacatra not to be repugnant to the treaty.
Therefore Carleton concluded that the States must resolve, either
not to tie the English to the treaty, or to explain in clear and direct
terms how in those points they understand the treaty. There has
been much debate hereupon; six of the seven provinces insisting to
give all possible contentment. In conclusion, sends another answer
brought to him on Tuesday last, the 21st, accompanied with the
former, as likewise copy of the States' letter to his Majesty, the
original whereof they sent on Monday last (20th) to Conway.
Sends also answer from his Excellency to the Duke of Buckingham's
letter (missing), with copy of the States' letter to their General in
the Indies, "the attendance for which" has held back this despatch
a day or two. Draft corrected by Carleton. Endorsed, "By
Mr. Yong." [Two pages and a half.] Incloses, |
|
718. I. II. The Two Answers of the States General to the articles
proposed by Carleton, Calendared ante, Nos. 713. I., 717. I.] |
|
718. III. The States General to the King. Calendared ante No. 713. |
|
718. IV. The States General to their General [Carpentier] in the
East Indies. The tidings of the execution at Amboyna on the
persons of some Englishmen was so seriously taken by the
King of Great Britain that he has himself caused to be prepared for the States General an account of what passed there,
and his Majesty claims satisfaction for the same. Inclose
papers that his Excellency may understand what has been
done for his Majesty's satisfaction, who nevertheless has
ordered reprisals on the goods of the Netherlands East
India Company. So the States can find no other means
to quiet the King than to have the Governor of Amboyna,
and all who presided under him at the trial and execution,
sent over here. Wherefore, his Excellency is charged and
the Seventeen have also been directed expressly to charge
him, to send over in safe custody the said Governor of
Amboyna and the others at the first opportunity, to give
an account of their proceedings according to the inclosed
Resolution of the States General, and he is commanded not
to neglect this order by the oath he has taken, and to discover, with secrecy and diligence, and with the advice of
those commissioned by the King for that purpose, the surest
information concerning all the circumstances of this business. His Excellency will see by the papers inclosed and
the printed pamphlet how deeply these tortures and executions are felt, and how highly necessary it is to have all
pertinent information on the subject. Further, at the
request of the English Company, the King, at the solicitation of his Ambassador, has caused three points to be proposed to the States General concerning the departure of
the English from Batavia, forts to be erected by them,
and the trial of the differences between the two Companies,
to which the States have promised to give answer, and to
which his Excellency is required to give such answers as
are expedient, the States desiring good correspondence,
unity, and friendsdip to be held with the English, and
that the Netherlands Company may not by neglect thereof
unconsciously cause injuries and difficulties which his
Excellency and his Council will be called up to answer for.
The Hague, 1624, Dec. 21/31. Endorsed by John Bradshaw
"In Dutch, Dec. 1624." [Two pages and a half. Holland
Corresp.] |
Dec. 23.
The Hague. |
719. Carleton to the Duke of Buckingham. In the combat he
has had against the Administrators of this East India Company
these five or six months, nothing could come more seasonably and
usefully than his Grace's "lettera armata" to the Prince of Orange,
at a time when those men stood most upon their strength, having
in October last composed a remonstrance, by which they required
the States' wonted protection, seconded by the greatest town in this
State (Amsterdam), of which the chief magistrates are the chief of
those administrators with so loud a cry, as if yielding in this cause
were the loss of the liberty of the State; but in conclusion they
were forced to submit to bring the instruments of the bloody fact of
Amboyna prisoners into these parts to answer to justice, to give
strict order touching his Majesty's subjects in the Indies, and for
such effectual letters both by the States and Prince of Orange to
the General there, that there is no danger for our men to continue
their trade, which, now the States are so well effected, may be
better settled by treaty than ever, if his Majesty so require; but to
this purpose it is good to keep the wound of Amboyna still open,
rather by suspense than revocation of his Majesty's commandment
for reprisals, because the horror thereof and fear of the consequences
which hath separated them from the Administrators will make them
yield to reason. His Excellency now answers his Grace's letter.
Sends to Mr. Sec. Conway copies of all despatches answerable to the
States' resolution for his Majesty's approbation, and humbly recommends his own endeavours in this long and troublesome business to
his Grace's favourable protection. Endorsed, "By Mr. Yong." [Hol
land Corresp.] |
Dec. 24.
Philpot Lane. |
720. Sir Thos. Symthe to Sec. Conway. Understands from the
King's and his own letters that there is expected from him an ad
vancement of the Persian trade. It is, as he wrote before, of too great
moment for him to undertake. Has endeavoured to persuade ad
venturers which must be the life of the business, but finds them so
cold that he cannot trust upon any good success; knows not whether
it be for want of money or will. Desires to do the King service in
this or anything else. [Domestic, Jac. I., Vol. CLXXVII., No. 15,
Cal., p. 418.] |
| Dec. 24. |
721. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Mr. Governor
and others to attend Lord Carew, as thought fit by Sir John Coke,
concerning their powder. Commission to be drawn for Capt. Fowkes,
grounded upon the original grant from the King, and instructions
for the ordering and well governing of his soldiers; the President to
be chief in all things, and at all consultations either of peace or war,
but the captain to sit with the Council, and when once resolved
what to do, the execution to be left wholly to him; in matters of
trade he shall not intermeddle. Complaint against Thos. Taylor, clerk
of the band of soldiers, he having stirred up some discontent among
the soldiers. Application for relief on behalf of the children of one
Langdye or Langdale, said to be in the Company's service. Con
cerning one Dobson, who ran away from the Swallow at Plymouth
and is in the King's ship. Letter read from the Mayors of the
Dutch East India Company, concerning the burning and spoiling of
the French ship and pepper therein; ordered that Ellam look up the
letters from the Indies and from "the French Company, of France,"
which trade to the Indies on that subject. Mr. Governor reported
that Sir John Coke is satisfied concerning the Persian trade. [Two
pages and a half. Court Minute Bk., VII., 276–278.] |
Dec. 28.
Amsterdam. |
722. Barlow to Carleton. Has received his of Dec.24/Jan. 3. Makes
full account that if there be strict examination of the Governor of
Amboyna and his accomplices, there will be gultiness found in some
of the Bewinthebbers, if not in all, for "before ever we heard of the
of the boody business at Amboyna, it was here generally bruited
that we should not have any more Molucca goods." These have
plotted to keep that trade to themselves, as well doth appear by
that they did to ours at Pooloroon and Lantar, the which he holds
was done by express order from hence, whereof Coen, if well examined, would give testimony. Does not see but the Company
must hold good what is done, being in effect what they have desired.
All other differences stand open, but by treaties they will never
come to a good end, so wishes that some one or two Dutch ships
were fast in England. The Bewinthebbers are so close fisted that
no opinion is to be gotten from them, so generally men conclude
that things go not to their mind. Coen was put off with this answer,
that for a time he must have patience; so no man knows how they
will carry the business in the Indies, which Barlow doubts will be
such as the Company shall have little content therein. Concerning
their ships in the Texel; it is reported that on Saturday they put to
sea, and makes account the ships are gone from Zealand. Coen hath
put off his going on pretence that he would take a wife with him
and go in the spring. From "one bloke Marteson," who was Governor
in Amboyna 1615–18, he understands there is something under hand
to cross Coen's projects and designs for free trade. A party in the
States doth much dislike Speult's course at Amboyna, and cannot be
persuaded that our people should be so desperate and void of sense
as to attempt a thing of so great impossibility. Hopes to get other
information concerning the "Jeuroots" (Jurates) of Amboyna.
Hougens still puts him in hope that he shall get something, but he
and others of late years have been very curious over their journals,
so it is a hard matter to get anything. Endorsed, "Rec. the 29th
st. vet." [Two pages. Holland Corresp.] |
| Dec. 29. |
723. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Letter read
from Mr. Misselden of the 24th inst., wherein it appeared very
doubtful whether the Dutch ships were passed or not. Mr. Governor
to speak with the party who offers to go with the King's ships,
and is able to distinguish between the East India ships and those
others that put to sea in their Company. Information that Boreel
buys up all the Dutch printed books sent from hence concerning
Amboyna, with a hope to suppress them that way; and that Coen
makes ready to go again to the Indies in the spring, and carry his
wife with him and settle there altogether. Ordered that the Japan
silver and gold brought out of the Indies, to the value of 1,100l., be
carried to the Tower to be coined. Mr. Governor acquainted the
Court that the Duke hath been very careful that the Dutch East
India ships may be stayed, and for that purpose has written several
letters to the Narrow Seas; also that himself and others had failed
to see the King by a mistake, but Mr. Secretary still promised to
bring them to his Majesty, and wished them in anywise to give his
Majesty thanks for his care and resolution to right them. Letter
read from Sir Dudley Carleton; it was observed that the Dutch
offer to examine in the Indies concerning the fact of Amboyna,
which seemed very strange, and also plainly to show that they
intend nothing less than to make satisfaction by way of justice upon
the offenders, otherwise why do they not send over or execute
Mareschalck, who is in their possession; as for any examination or
prosecution in the Indies there is no possibility of doing it. That
Sec. Conway says the letters from the States do not give him any
satisfaction, nor doth he conceive that the King is tied by a treaty
which the Dutch Company hath first broken, and yet it were not
amiss that the Companies did piece together, lest a third come and
take advantage by their dissension to prevail upon both. Mr. Bell
to attend Sec. Conway for perfecting the Company's license for
powder, and to try and procure copy of the articles agreed upon by
the States. There being no answer in Carleton's letter to the offer
that our men may confront Mareschalck, it was thought fit before
the King to insist that Mareschalck be brought to his answer. The
Court was informed, "that the Dutch are now content to part
Companies, and that this Company shall also fortify in the Indies."
Report from Lord Carew, Master of the Ordnance, that the King has
set up nine mills, which are not sufficient to furnish powder for the
public service, and that hereafter the Company must set up mills
for their own use, and fetch saltpetre from foreign parts. Sir Peter
Van Lore tendered as security by the Dutch Company for freight of
their pepper out of the Indies. The Court observed by this, as by
divers other things, how much this Company is slighted by the
Dutch, but are resolved to stand on equal security, and will offer
some one merchant and no more. Instruction to Ellam to write to
the President and Council, that by all good means they endeavour
to procure the trade of Bantam, and so work that there may be a
diligent return of stock and ships, though with coarse commodities,
as calicoes, saltpetre, cotton wools, &c.; also out of the Nayack's
country [? Tanjore] and Surat; only to forbear shipping indigo from
the coast of Coromandel. This motion grew out of an observation of
ships staying long abroad and the excessive charge upon the Company. The President further to be advised of the new trimming of
the Swallow and London against the worm and fire, that he may advertize the effects. Resolutions concerning sending two ships from
Jacatra to Surat, there to lade for England, and the enlarging of the
capital to be sent to Surat, left to a fuller Court. [Three pages and
a half. Court Minute Bk., VII., 279–282.] |
Dec. 30.
London. |
724. Sec. Conway to Lord Carew. Sends a warrant from the
King for delivering gunpowder to the East India merchants. He
is to see that the King is not prejudiced. [Domestic, Jac. I., Conway's
Letter Bk., p. 179, Cal., p. 421.] |
| Dec. 31. |
725. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Resolution of
Capt. Browne, master of the London, declared to the Court that if
the ships might go to Bantam under the Royal banner, "he would
either open that trade or sink in the sea." In his opinion there will
be no great trading at Pulo Bessee, in regard it is 30 leagues from
any trade; a very dry place, and only one month in the year the
rivers run there. Thomas Wolley, who came home in the Dolphin,
presented a journal of his travels. Mr. Bell to read and report on it.
[One page. Court Minute Bk., VII., pp. 282–283.] |
| Dec. 31. |
726. Warrant to the Master of the Ordnance to deliver to the
East India Company out of the King's stores 20 lasts of good
and serviceable gunpowder fit for long voyages on their delivery of
the like quantity of good powder fit for shorter voyages. [Docquet.
Domestic, Jac. I., Cal., p. 423.] |
