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| Feb. 1. |
587. Copy of the preceding Reasons, to which is added a resolution of the East India Company of 1st February, that they will send into the Indies this year 60,000l. or 70,000l. in money and goods according to the power given them at a General Court holden 21st January last. Signed by the Governor, Deputy-Governor, Robert Bell, and Thos. Mun, and certified by Edward Sherburne, Secretary. 1 p. [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 43.] |
| Feb. 1. |
588. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Report of Mr. Deputy that Mr. Attorney General had advised to represent the whole cause of Jesson and Warner to their Lordships, leaving them to their censure, but that before they be discharged to be bound to answer the Company, who had three remedies against them, as declared by Mr. Acton, viz., freight of the goods, forfeiture of the master's bond of 1,000 marks, and information in the Exchequer, the goods of those that trade without license being confiscate, half to the King and half to the Company. About Mr. Chace's debt to the Company. Mr. Governor made known that whereas they had petitioned the King for license to export English gold, his Majesty had seemed discontented, partly because they sent so few ships this year, but some Reasons were drawn up which had given his Majesty good content, certifying that they intended to send as great a stock as in some former years, for real performance whereof Mr. Sec. Coke required a promise from the Company to be subscribed under the said Reasons, which being taken into consideration the Court condescended to the required promise, which was drawn, read, and approved of, and certified under the aforesaid Reasons in his verbis, viz.:— |
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It is fully resolved and agreed by the Governor, Deputy, and Committees of the East India Company, at a Court holden this present day, being the first of February 1627(-8), that they will (by God's blessing) send into the Indies this year in their two ships and a pinnace, now bound for those parts, the sum of 60,000l. or 70,000l. at the least in money and goods, according to the power given them at a General Court holden the 21st of January last. |
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To this certificate the Court directed the Company's Secretary to subscribe his name and carry it to Mr. Sec. Coke. The Expedition found sufficient for another voyage, and would be afloat in a few days; orders for the dispeeding away of her and the Jonas and
for sending down the requisite provisions and merchandises. Request of Smethwike for an enlargement of the time given to Burlamachi for buying 200 or 300 bags of pepper; answered that the Company had not yet resolved to enlarge the time and that they would not sell their commodities by a broker. Letter read from Jesson with complaints against John Samuel, late purser of the Expedition, which he justified and was re-entertained purser of the Expedition. Mr. Sherburne to receive of Mr. Mountney 30l. for fees of the proclamation and other disbursements at Court. Motion of Sir Francis Crane concerning the sale of his suits of tapestry. Committee to attend the Lords about the complaint against Jesson and Warner, and on their return to present to the Dutch Ambassador the seven Dutchmen who came home in the Expedition, after which the Court will consider what to give them for their five months' service. Request of Capt. Pynn for what is due to him on account of wages and debts, amongst which young Hawley is made debtor for 70l. Examination of Capt. Pynn concerning the extraordinary expense of powder in the London at the Cape and elsewhere; he was offered to go master in the Expedition but hoped for some better opportunity to do the Company service. Warrants to be delivered for the divisions in pepper underwritten to such as should call for them. Mrs. Jesson desiring favour towards her husband, was advised that he should deal clearly and ingenuously with the Company by confessing what he brought home, who were his partners, and what became thereof. 5 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 251–255.] |
| Feb. 4. |
589. Sir John Wolstenholme, William Burrell, and Denzil Flemyng, Commissioners of the Navy, to the Duke of Buckingham. For warrant that the East India Company may have the use of Woolwich Dock for 14 days for repair of their ships London and Reformation, appointed for his Majesty's service, their own docks at Black wall being employed. 1 p. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CIII., No. 30, Gal., p. 544.] |
| Feb. 4. |
590. Court Minutes of the East India Company. The bonds of Richard Haselwood and Henry Ducie, factors, deceased in the Indies, ordered to be delivered up, their accounts "being absolutely cleared. The seven Dutchmen who came home in the Expedition to receive 40s. apiece over and above the 20s. formerly received. The London and Reformation to be speedily made ready for his Majesty's service. Sir Francis Crane to have extracts of letters from the Indies concerning the sale of his tapestry. Request of John Johnson, who went out master in the Eagle and returned in the London, for the remainder of his wages; sundry complaints against him, one accusing him mightily of cowardice in the fight against the Portugals in the Gulf of Persia, another for selling a black taken in a prize for 20 ryals of eight, which he denied; the Court not willing ever to employ him again, ordered he should receive what was due. Thomas Watts, late mate in the London, entertained master of the Expedition at 6l. per month on recommendation of Capt. Richard Swanley. Entry to be made that Jesson had put 20 bags of rice out of the Expedition aboard the
King's ship. Hall, the Company's anchorsmith, to take the place for the present of his father, deceased. John Elsmore to receive the remainder of his wages, except 210l., which he trusted Henry Sill with, who is indebted to the Company 400l. Request of William Langford, master of the Reformation, to receive his wages; examined how he came by 14 cwt. of cloves, which he sold in the West Country for 450l.; that he bought them of Henry Short at Macassar, who was his partner, and was to have half the proceeds, but hearing of Short's death he brought them for England; the Court finding themselves much abused by Langford and Short, Macassar being the only place where the Company could buy cloves, ordered Langford to appear at next Court. Petition of Philip Bearden for his wages, &c, amounting to 145l., of which he had received 70l.; being asked how he raised such an estate, having had for four years but 10l. per month, he answered that his friends continually sent him hats, shoes, and stockings out of England, which he sold and put out the money for profit, and that he brought home 2 cwt. 1 qr. 15 lb. of long pepper, which he sold for 9l. per cwt., and 2 cwt. 2 qrs. 21 lb. of cloves; he was willed to appear on Wednesday. Edmund Simpcotts to receive the remainder of his wages without paying freight for 2 cwt. of pepper, in regard he was forced to take it of a Chinaman for a debt. Request of Marbury, solicitor for Mr. Warner, to know whether the Company would take Matthew, Andrew, and Thos. Stone as security according to the Lords' order, which the Court liked well. 4 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 256–259.] |
Feb. 5.
London. |
591. Warrant of the Duke of Buckingham to Sir Fulke Greville and Edward Read, Deputy Vice-Admirals of the Isle of Wight, and Robert Newland, merchant. To restore the Dutch East India Company certain goods saved from the Green Dragon and "Champen," two East India vessels wrecked on the coast of said island. 2 pp. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. XCII., No, 36, Col. p. 545.] |
| Feb. 6. |
592. Court Minutes of the East India Company. William Methwold having brought up the pecull of silk weighing 84 great pounds or 133 small pounds sent home by Muschamp and paid custom, ordered delivery thereof to him, taking. notice that a pecull ought to weigh 1312/3 lb. Letter read from the Bishop of London desiring the Company to pay 50l. out of Thomas Leech's adventure, who becoming felo de se, his estate came to his Lordship as his Majesty's Almoner, to William Leech, his brother; some of opinion it were good to see the verdict of the jury, but it was ordered that if the party would give security it should be paid. Examination of Robert Young, merchant, lately returned from Surat, concerning the sufficiency and good carriage of John Willoughby, of whom he gave good testimony both in regard of his language, 10 years experience, and other abilities to serve the Company. Willoughby being called in said he had last voyage 30l. the first year rising to 90l.; that he had travelled 1,500 miles up the country and had been imprisoned 27 days, and that he was as able to do good service as any under the degree of President; resolved to entertain him a 50l. per annum for five years which at last he accepted, though he
conceived himself worthy of better allowance. Overture to buy 100 barrels of powder referred to Mr. Styles. Report of Mr. Governor that the Masters of the Trinity House by warrant from the Lords had required a speedy repairing of all ships in the river, and the Commissioners of the Navy had granted deputations to imprest ship carpenters and mariners and bring the London and Reformation into Woolwich Dock to be repaired within 14 days for his Majesty's service if it might be. Renewed request of Capt. Pynn for payment of 72l. due on Favourite Gabriel Hawley's account answered as before, he promised to assist Swanley in bringing the London and Reformation into dock at Woolwich, and desired to go Commander; Capt. Bickley also tendered his services as Commander. Offer of Burlamachi to buy pepper for 10,000l. with security at two years; it was conceived there would be sufficient pepper, but that the enlargement of time from 15 to 24 months was too much, but in the end referred it wholly to Alderman Garway and Adbi to conclude with him. Mr. Sherburne directed to procure warrant from the Lord Treasurer to ship 20 tons of lead for kintledge of the Expedition, notwithstanding the present restraint of exportation of lead. Motion of Mrs. Steele for the chest of goods sent from her husband, she confessed she had sold and received money for her cloves from John Head; ordered that Head's wages be stayed, and that she receive her stuffs and½ hhd. of sugar candy, being no part of the commodities wherein the Company trade, paying custom for same, and that Mr. Treasurer report upon the value of the gold sent from her husband. Information that Warner and Jesson refuse to enter into bond according to the Lords' order, and threaten to petition the King, and that he speaks scandalous words of the Company; affidavit to be made of his words. Mr. Parkes having chosen as Commissioners Sir Paul Pinder and Mr. Alderman Moulson, the Court nominated Sir John Wolstenholme and Philip Burlamachi. Ordered that, the estate of Robert Randall, deceased, in the London, remain in the Company's hands until the question in law between his brother and Mr. Dade be decided. 5 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 260–264.] |
| Feb. 6. |
593. Desposition of George -Forbushe, of Aberdeen, gentleman, aged 46, before Dr. Sames, surrogate to Sir Henry Marten, Judge of the High Court of Admiralty, on behalf of the East India Company. Was steward to the Dutch at Amboyna when the execution was done on the English in 1622 or 1623. At the very time of the act of execution there arose a great storm which drove two great ships of the Dutch then in the road of Amboyna from their anchors; and within 20 days after there happened a great sickness on the island such as was there never seen or heard of, so that the people cried out that it was a plague upon them for the innocent blood of the English, and there died 4,000 or 5,000 of the country people out of 20,000 then on the island, and the greatest mortality was about the Castle of Amboyna, and upon the ablest sort of men and women. 1½ pp. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. XCII., No. 57, Cal. p. 548.] |
| Feb. 8. |
594. Court Minutes of the East India Company. A book to be kept wherein to insert the abuses of Hawley, the President, his kinsman [Favourite Hawley], and others, the Company's servants in the Indies, and that the parties who have given the information subscribe it and justify it on oath. Motion whether to send a new stock to Persia, or recall the factors, referred to further consideration. Report concerning the loading of the Jonas; Swanly, the master to go aboard with boatswain Ingram and hasten the stowage of goods so that the ship be ready to fall down to Gravesend by the end of this month. Ordered that Nathaniel Cobb attend on Monday to answer complaints of harsh carriage, conceived to be a main cause why no more men were aboard, and for presuming to displace the purser of his cabin. Swanly to be allowed a store room in the Jonas for provisions if the same has formerly been allowed. Mr. Forbes made known that two months past he delivered to Mr. Lucy, the Dutch agent, his accounts with desire for payment of his wages; the Court remembering Secretary Coke's promise that his wages should be satisfied before the release of the three Dutch ships, and in regard they found him willing to discover his knowledge of the bloody act of Amboyna, required their Secretary to desire his Honour's favour for Mr. Forbes' satisfaction. Request of Jesson not to be forced to any suit in law against the Company, for he would freely submit, answered that when an end was made with Warner they will do with him as shall be fit. Payment ordered of the estate of Thomas Thornborough, late purser of the London, to his widow Elizabeth. On the motion of Mr. Deputy, the Court generally consented to assist Mr. Treasurer with their credits for payment for the foreign gold and silver to be sent in the Jonas and Expedition, and to be repaid out of the first moneys that grow due. A further motion for assuring 50,000l. or 60,000l. on the return of the next ships, deferred until Mr. Governor be present. Concerning an adventure of 500 ryals of eight sent into the Indies by Capt. Arnold Browne on the account of a gentleman and returned as supposed in cloves, Mr. Deputy made known the adventure belonged to Mr. Leatt's daughter, Mrs. Hunt; he was entreated to discover whether any such return in cloves was made. Request of John Arnold, gunner of the Expedition, for payment of 4 cwt. of long and round pepper sold by him to Jesson at 9l. per cwt. which was come into the Company's hands, demanded how the hold was broken up, he answered that finding her too light they put in stones and ebony wood, yet he confessed her hold was full at Jacatra. 5 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 265–269.] |
Feb. 8/18.
Amsterdam. |
595. Robt. Barlowe to Lord Carleton. The Amboyna, business goes slowly forward, report goeth here that that business will be cleared with honour and that their ships will be released, so soon as the Ambassadors come there, upon very easy terms. Hopes they will be deceived, and that his Majesty; will have consideration of the extreme losses and wrongs that our Company have sustained, being driven by them from their most profitablest trades. [Extract, Holland Corresp.] |
Feb. 9.
The Hague. |
596. Lord Carleton to Sec. Lord Conway. Knows nothing betwixt his Majesty and this State, which requires more consideration at present than the business of the East Indies. To his Propositions of the 19th and the 10th, two of the States Deputies (Van Eck of Guelderland, and Schaffer of Groning, being President) brought an answer sent herewith, which he returned, desiring them better to advise upon it, many particulars being unsatisfactory; the stay of the Dutch ships they say is against treaties, and the process of Amboyna they allege to be at Carleton's solicitation, and the judges named and commission given with his knowledge, which he has answered in the memorial sent herewith. As the States of Holland are assembled the matter may be drawn into length, so gives knowledge of the business as it stands, so that the States Ambassadors should not persuade it to be other than it is. The judges have only gone through with the examination of one of the Amboyna men, the rest are to come by turns. The judges insist upon the personal appearance of witnesses, and the States frame their answer to Carleton on the judges' opinion. Will send the opinion of some of these advocates in his next. Encloses, |
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596. I. Answer of the States General to the Propositions of his Majesty's Ambassador of the 10/20 and 19/29th January. Cannot understand the reason why their ships returning from the Indies have been arrested and detained in England to their exceeding damage, since for the business of Amboyna they have, on the requisition of the Ambassador, appointed judges. Have always endeavoured to procure a mutual accommodation between the Companies, but cannot reasonably treat while said ships remain arrested contrary to treaties. Therefore pray his Majesty to set the ships free that they may the better think of means of accommodation so necessary for both Companies. Are very sorry the business of Amboyna is not more advanced, which arises from the Fiscal not going forward according to the preparatory directions of the judges. Where the lives and goods of the accused are at stake it is necessary that the judges should be well informed, and the production of witnesses is an essential part of the required proofs. Being confident of the experience and probity of the judges, find no way of hastening the proofs. Beg Carleton to have confidence that justice will be done by a State which has always professed justice to be one of its principal foundations. Hague, 1628, February 14. 3¼ pp. French. |
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596. II. Memorial of Dudley Lord Carleton, his Majesty's Ambassador for Messrs. d'Eck and de Schaffer, Deputies of the States General. Replies to their answer, in which the States have retorted with a complaint of the arrest of three ships in England contrary to treaty, and reminds them how in June 1626, three ships having entered Plymouth, his Majesty refused the request of the English Company to arrest them or the Amboyna judges in them,
because the term of 18 months agreed on for giving satisfaction had not then expired. The arrest was not made till six months later, and before any resolution was taken here touching the affair of Amboyna; that M. Catz demanded a prolongation of said term, to which his Majesty would not consent, so that said arrest so far from being contrary to Treaty ought rather to be held as stipulated. As to having appointed judges for the Amboyna business on Carleton's requisition, and with his knowledge and consent, protests that he has never made any such private instance, or given any such consent, though he has often blamed their delays, and urged the deputies do more to neglect a matter of such importance. Is very sorry that notwithstanding all he has done touching East Indian affairs, their proceedings are not such as can give any content to the King. 1628, Feb. 7/17 French. 2½ pp. [Holland Corresp.] |
| Feb. 11–13. |
597. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Ordered that Mr. Attorney-General be presented with 20l. for drawing the Proclamation prohibiting private trade, and procuring his Majesty's hand thereto. Report of Mr. Treasurer that he conceived it would be very prejudicial to have the Company's bonds on the Bourse, and wished that such of the Committees as had money should rather lend it, and that he should require 5,000l. or 6,000l. by the end of the month; whereupon ordered that debtors who betwixt this and the 15th March bring in their moneys shall have two months rebated, but not to be accounted a precedent. Ordered that the Company bear the adventure of the foreign gold which Alderman Fenn and others who write into Holland shall provide. Suit of Philip Bearden for the remain of his wages and debts, but it was observed that from the smallness of his wages there was just cause to be jealous that he had not come fairly by his great estate, but he pretended that with 30l. which he carried forth, and 15l. delivered to Capt. Swanne, with yearly supplies from his friends, and a legacy of 60 ryals from a brother-in-law, he had honestly raised his estate; he was requested to set down how he employed the moneys. Request of Randall Jesson not to be severe against him in Warner's business, for he had freely submitted himself, and confessed he sold the cloves for 7s. 10d. per lb., and long pepper at 9l. per cwt., but the weight he could not give, for having been abused therein he intended to complain to the Lords against Warner for breach of trust; was answered that until he had performed the Lords' order the Court could say no more. Suit of John Willoughby, factor, that after two years' service, and on report of the President and Council of his good demeanour, the Company would increase his wages, denied, but in respect of former service was given 20 nobles towards his setting forth. Complaint of the secret conveying away of private goods after brought into the Custom House; ordered that such goods on their landing in the Custom House be brought into the Company's warehouses. Request of Capt. Swanly, Commander of
the Jonas, to have the freight of his goods brought home last voyage, amounting to 52l., remitted, denied, but for his services resolved to bestow on him 30l. to set him to sea, to allow him half wages from the time of his first entertainment on 3rd of October last, and afford him the like provisions as other Commanders. |
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Feb. 13.—Renewed offer of Burlamachi to buy 10,000l. worth of pepper, referred to Alderman Garway and Abdi. Committee to reckon with the Officers of the Custom House for the custom and impost of the three ships last returned. John Johnson's wages to be stayed till he satisfy Mr. Robinson's debt of 16l. 10s., bestowed on Thomas Chamberleyne, late waterman for the Expedition, towards repairing his boat split in the Company's service. Report of Sir. John Wolstenholme that none of the goods of the three Dutch ships were unladen while in Portsmouth water. Committees to inquire into the carriage and sufficiency of Thomas Rose and one Boothby, propounded for factors. Request of Sir John Watts that 62l. due from him to the Company be defalked out of 95l. due to him on his son's account, who died in the Indies; the Court gave him thanks for his favours to their ships at Portsmouth, and condescended to his request. Ordered that the gold sent from Steele to his wife be given to her. Mr. Leatt is informed that the Company had made stay of Capt. Browne's wages for satisfaction of the adventure of 500 ryals he had formerly spoken of; he acknowledged that his daughter Hunt had adventured with Capt. Browne some silk stockings, garters, roses, &c. to some such value, but that he did not know of it nor had any interest therein. Motion on behalf of the executrix of Capt. Arnold Browne, deceased, for his estate; Capt. Pynn said he died on shore, and it was likely his books of accounts were with him, that he had heard him speak of an adventure of a gentlewoman, but knew not what became of it; resolved that the account be made up in readiness for another meeting. Motion to sell Malabar pepper in town denied. Six great diamonds, valued at 800l., to be sold at the Court of Sales on Wednesday. A box belonging to Capt. Cocks' estate, containing 25 diamonds, and weighing 65 carats and 3 grains, to be valued. Report of Capt. Pynn that the London would this morning be got up to the head of Woolwich Dock; ordered that no time be lost in repairing; he desired to be established commander of the London, having obtained the Lord Duke's consent, and was confirmed in that place; he also moved for his means and was answered he should have all except 72l., which would be stayed on Hawley's account; and on his representing that he had served 14 years, and that his employment had ever been better than his entertainment, was gratified with 20l. Concerning the refusal of Warner to seal the bond according to the Lords' order, after much debate it was resolved to attend the Lords on Friday. Jesson's declaration of his bargain with Vincent for the goods in question confirmed by [John] Head, mate of the Expedition. About a bill in Chancery exhibited by Harris against the Company for remainder of his brother Richard Harris' estate. Request of Capt. Langford to receive what was due upon his account, but was told that as there had been
trade between Henry Short and himself at Macassar, and he had confessed to 9 cwt of cloves sold at Plymouth, the Court thought meet to exhibit a bill in Chancery against him, and when he had answered his motion would be considered. 9 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 270–278.] |
| Feb. 15. |
598. Sec. Sir John Coke to Dudley Lord Carleton. The necessity of our real conjunction groweth daily more pressing as we truly understand on both sides. Their growing partiality for the French arises from a design to engross the trade of France. Remarks upon their dilatory proceedings in the cause of Amboyna, their tempting of common fame to justify the fact, and their underhand rumours of hopes to wear or buy us out of the East India trade. To censure that horrible fact as it deserves may cast dishonour on their nation in those parts; but justice being promised, the King's honour engaged, they are bound by their own laws to proceed to a sentence. And if they hope we may be induced to connive at this fact or relinquish the prosecution or the trade, they will vilify us too much as if we knew not what it were to quit so great a part of the world and draw the blood of our people from their heads upon our own. [Extract, Holland Corresp.) |
Feb. 15.
Whitehall. |
599. Proclamation for the better encouragement and advancement of the trade of the East India Company by prohibiting private trade by their officers. That by the practices of officers and servants of the Company in driving a secret and underhand trade the Company's affairs are much decayed and the adventurers discouraged, and which tending to the overthrow of so famous a trade and eminent a Company, deserve, exemplary punishment. No servant of the Company or any other person shall henceforth drive any underhand trade but such as shall be licensed by said Company. That the goods imported shall not be disposed of, nor shall any one presume to bargain for or receive them, or give any help in unlading, until first brought into the port of London and there be duly entered. And his Majesty intending to have an absolute reformation of these abuses commands admirals, mayors, sheriffs, and all other his officers to prevent said offences and give timely intelligence thereof to the Governor of the Company, that the offenders may receive severe punishment in the Court of Star Chamber or otherwise. 2 pp. Printed. [Proclamations. Dom., Car. I., No. 79, Cal. p. 564.] |
Feb. 15.
Westminster. |
600. License to the East India Company to transport without custom or duty foreign gold to the value of 60,000l., and in case they are not able to supply themselves with foreign gold to transport 40,000l. of English gold to make up 60.000l. upon covenanting within six months to bring back 40,000l. in foreign gold or silver, to be coined in his Majesty's Mint. [Coll. Sign Manual, Dom., Car. I., Vol. V., No. 9, Cal. p. 564.] |
| Feb. 15. |
601. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Petition of George Killpatrick, executor of John Brison, deceased, for wages detained for freight of pepper; ordered that the overplus after payment of freight be paid. Suit of Mr. Reading on behalf of
Mary, the widow of Thomas Harris, merchant, deceased at Jambi; ordered that his wages, amounting to 85l., be paid after deducting what was due for freight, custom, impost, and other charges on his goods brought home. The Jonas ready to fall down to Gravesend by Tuesday; ordered that John Head, who came home mate in the Expedition, be appointed carpenter and to have a Britain flag, and that as to his carriage, against the Dutch in case they attempt to hinder his voyage and trade, it was declared that if the subjects of the King of Spain or any other nation attempt to assault him he withstand them with his utmost force. Ordered that a petition be framed by the Company's Secretary to the Lord Duke for his mediation to his Majesty that notwithstanding the Dutch Ambassador presses the release of the three Dutch ships it might not be granted until they had given full satisfaction for the business of Amboyna and reparation for the Company's losses, and had agreed for a settled reglemant hereafter. The Expedition to fall down to Erith next week. Capt. Arnold Browne's estate not to be delivered out until the Court receive satisfaction for his great expense of powder; resolved therefore to appoint a time for examination of this business. Information of Capt. Langford that howbeit the President and Council at Jacatra insist much on sending great quantities of powder, pretending its scarcity, yet that it might be bought at Masulipatam in great quantities at 3½ per lb.; ordered that Mr. Ellam give a touch thereof in his next letters. Request of George Willoughby to have a chest of China stuffs given up to him; his nuts, cloves, and sugar candy given by Jesson to Warner he made over to the Company, the better to recover them from Warner; he utterly denied putting the Company's money out to interest in the Indies. Edward Powle chosen purser's mate of the Expedition. Ordered after much dispute that Philip Bearden on putting in security to repay what appears unjustly gotten from the Company, and payment of freight for his goods, receive the remainder due to him. Thomas Joyce, late purser in the London, who lost his right hand at Ormuz, and had attained to write and keep accounts with his left hand, and was in the Lion's fight, entertained factor for five years at 100 nobles per annum. Petition of John Head, late mate in the Expedition and now carpenter in the Jonas, for his wages; but there being complaint against him for selling Steele's cloves, and that he did not intend to go the voyage, it was resolved to detain his wages and that either he proceed in the voyage or that another carpenter be forthwith had. 5 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 279–283.] |
Feb. 17.
Bantam. |
602. Extracts of letter from Bantam by the ship Morris. Divers ships careened to great loss for want of stock to lade them. The London and Swallow arrived 1625, with no money or relief at all. The Anne from Surat, 1626, without money or goods. The Expedition came November 1626 from London empty handed. The Exchange in October with a small capital. Our hopes were, anno 1627, that at long last they should receive relief for all our distressed factories. The Speedwell arrived full of bitterness, and but two chests to redeem all actions. The want of men and money have
maimed the trade. Blame laid on the Governor and Committees for letting the trade be lost for want of men and money, for which the Factors lament and grieve. [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 27.] |
| Feb. 20. |
603. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Request of Wm. Robinson that the wages due to John Johnson, late master of the Eagle, may not be assigned to Lettice Young, which would defeat Robinson of his debt of 16l.; but was answered that Johnson desired they should be paid to Lettice Young, who during his absence had been as a mother to his children, and had been at further charge for lodging and diet of himself and two servants, and ordered same to be paid to Lettice Young. Richard Boothby, specially recommended as a prime factor, desired 200l. or at least 150l. per annum salary; but the Court offered 100l. and to be tied by bond not to use private trade; his answer respited till next Court. Thomas Wallis appointed steward of the Expedition. Thomas Rose proposed as factor, in no way fit for the Company's service. George Willoughby to give his knowledge of one Allen, who wishes employment as factor. Committee to attend the Barons (of the Exchequer) to get a discharge or mitigation of 50l. for custom and 50l. for impost for the Moon's pepper. 3 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 284–286.] |
| Feb. 20. |
604. Minutes of a General Court of Sales. Of Bezoar stones, pepper, tamarinds, rice, bed furniture, quilts, calico shirts, lawn, embroidered velvet, girdles, a cymbal or Siam bell, gold buttons set with rubies, jewellery, and other commodities, with names of purchasers and the prices. 2 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 287–8.] |
| Feb. 22. |
605. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Great abuse of admitting boys and unserviceable persons into the Company's ships who in the Indies are entertained with wages. Ordered that in the next letters notice be given to the President and Council that no persons receive any allowance in the Indies unless they have been entertained in England. In regard of the scarcity of money, whereby it cannot be taken up at interest as formerly, ordered to take up here by bills of exchange 20,000l. to be charged for Amsterdam, Antwerp, and Venice, and thence to be recharged on the Company at usance or double usance; and because the charge of setting forth the Jonas and Expedition will occasion a debt of 50,000l. or 60,000l. above the stock within the land, said sum to be assured on ships laden in the Indies for England in 1627 and 1628, and a policy to be drawn and presented to the Court to peruse before being engrossed. The salary of 25l. to Peter Mundy, under-factor, confirmed, and 5l. imprested to him for his setting to sea. Richard Boothby accepted the Company's offer of 100l. per annum, and was wished with all possible haste to accommodate himself for the voyage, for the Jonas would be ready to fall down in three or four days to Gravesend. Capt. Swanley, who had possessed himself of the great cabin contrary to the Company's orders, was requested to resign the same to Boothby, but Swanley declared that if he might not have that privilege as others had he would not go the voyage; resolved that the Court would not break their orders for him or any other Commander, and that if he did not conform by the
morrow morning they would appoint, another Commander. Application of the messenger who by warrant from the Lords had custody of Jesson, for satisfaction, referred to Jesson, from whom he was to receive his pay. Sir Francis Crane's propositions and reasons concerning his tapestry hangings sent into the Indies read; answered that the Court will desire four or five Committees to consider them. Ordered that 5l. be paid to Mr. Waters for translating divers Dutch papers and letters concerning the Amboyna business lately sent by Messrs. Barlow and Misselden out of Holland. 3 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 289–291.] |
Feb. 22.
The Hague. |
606. Lord Carleton to Sec Lord Conway. Either those who govern the East India business here are content it should rest in confusion, or else they make their minds better known by their Ambassadors in England than by himself. The judges proceed after the former manner in examination of the judges of Amboyna. Understands the States have written to M. Joachimi to procure the English witnesses to be sent over, for which there is no matter of necessity, though convenient for discovery of the truth; and if his Majesty allow, the more difficulty Carleton has made against it the greater will be their gratification. [Extract, Holland Corresp.] |
| Feb. 25–27. |
607. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Report of Mr. Governor that Capt. Swanley desired now only to have a lodging in the great cabin, but the Court would not condescend thereto, he confessed himself to have been transported with passion, craved pardon, and in regard of his oath desired to take his passage into the Downs in the great cabin; but this was utterly denied, as it was intended constantly to reserve the great cabin for the merchants, which should be made an article in the Sea Commission; whereto Mr. Swanly readily submitted, and was admonished to beware of extraordinary expense of powder except he intended to pay for it. To call for an account of four pipes of white wine carried out by Jesson and sold by direction of the President to very good profit, 250 ryals per pipe, the President having made no mention thereof in his letters. Agreement with Mr. Burlamachi for 10,000l. worth of pepper at 18d. and 19d. per lb., at 24 months on security, and 5,000l. more on like terms on security of the Farmers of the Customs confirmed. Request of Mr. Milward to adventure into the Indies a piece of plate of good value and rare workmanship granted, to have it valued and returned in ryals at 5l. 6d. per ryal. Committee for Cordage to examine what is in store and what bespoken, and supply the rest out of Mr Harbie's parcel from Muscovia. Payment ordered of what is due from Mary White, deceased, to James Yonger, her administrator. Mr. Mustard and Mr. Boothby, the factor, to assist Mr. Treasurer in counting and putting up two chests of gold and two of silver, and Committees to go down the day after these two ships arrive at Gravesend and clear them. Request of Mr. Cary, of the Custom House, to perfect the Customs account for the three ships lately returned, which cannot be done until the diamonds be valued; the six diamonds and the 25 found after Capt. Cock's death to be taken with them. Gratuity to Richard Garlick,
mate of the Jonas, for going to Portsmouth. Request of William Steevens to take the dockyard and storehouses at Deptford for three years, Committees to agree with him, the Court not hearkening to his offer of 15l. per annum, conceiving it to be much better worth. Petition of Walter Mountfort for wages, out of which he would satisfy 13l. he owed the Company, ordered that former Courts touching him be looked out. |
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Feb. 27.—Examination of Wm. Steevens concerning the repairs necessary for the London and Reformation in Woolwich Dock, for his Majesty's service; he desired the Company to believe he would be as good a husband for the Company as for himself, on which promise the business was left wholly to him. Committee to give Sir Francis Crane a meeting on Monday to settle the business of his tapestry hangings. Offer of Mr. Bell to send twenty pipes of white wine to the Indies, which he affirmed would yield 250 ryals. per pipe, refused, though the Court were content to permit him to send them on his own adventure, but the distance between the freight demanded and offered was so great that the Court refused his offer, and he their terms. An account in the next letters of wine sold in the Indies to be required from the President and Council, and of other provisions sold and lent to the Dutch. Request of Capt. Giles on behalf of Lord Warwick for a foremast for his ship Neptune; answered in was not in the Company's power, for they had not sufficient to supply their own occasions. The four pieces of ordnance borrowed by his Lordship safely returned into Deptford Yard. 62l. paid in by Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer by misprision ordered to be repaid, and his adventure to rest in the condition of those that are in arrear for their payments on stock. 6 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 292–297.] |
Feb. 28.
The Hague. |
608. Lord Carleton to Sec. Lord Conway. Believes the' States expect to hear from their Ambassadors before they resolve further. Meanwhile the Amboyna business goes on as formerly, the judges sitting daily in examination of the parties, and whilst this proceeds it were well to draw the Companies to treaty for reconciliation of differences and settling of commerce, that both nations may be free from arrests and reprisals which embroil all our affairs. Has advised the English merchants of Delft to suspend their petition to the States for new freedom in their cloth trade, being of opinion that suspense of resolution therein will be practised to free their East India ships, and that that trade will go on without interruption. [Extract, Holland Corresp.] |
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609. Petition of the East India Company to the King. Understand that an Ambassador Extraordinary has lately arrived from the States with power to treat concerning the business of Amboyna, and other injuries which petitioners have received. Pray that the King would resume the business again, and seeing petitioners have never had any recompense for their losses and their long forbearance that they may receive satisfaction for their wrongs. Endorsed by Sec. Coke. [Dom., Jac. I., Vol, CLXXX. No. 37., Gal p. 428.] |
| [Feb. 29.]. |
610. Petition of Henry Billingsley, Abigail his wife and their three sons, the brother, sister and nephews of Emanuel Thompson, merchant, one of the innocent English cruelly tormented and put to death by the Hollanders in Amboyna, to the King. Set forth how the Hollanders covetously and bloodily practising to expel all the English from the trade of Amboyna, Banda, and the Moluccas, pretended a feigned crime of the English to surprise the castle of Amboyna, and how they put Emanuel Thompson and other his Majesty's subjects to the torture in such horrible sort as was neither agreeable with their own laws, nor ever exampled in any the most barbarous and cruel nations, and when they had forced him to a confession of all they required, let his body putrify, and at last most cruelly executed him with nine others, who all upon their deaths utterly renounced all manner of guilt of the pretended conspiracy. Which unparalleled falsehood and cruelty being in-famous amongst all the heathen Indians, and his Majesty's honour basely vilified, petitioners' vehemenently implore his Majesty's justice as well for the satisfaction of his Majesty's honour and the realms, as for petitioners for the fame, torture, life blood, and personal estate of their brother and uncle. With reference to the Commissioners authorised to treat with the Ambassadors from the States of Holland to take this petition into their special consideration. Newmarket, 1628, Feb. 29. 1 p. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. XCIV., No. 75, Cal. p. 590.] |
| Feb. 29. |
611. Court Minutes of the East India Company Ordered that Mary, wife of John Berryman, receive 5l. extraordinary on account of her husband's wages. One Egglesfeild, a kinsman of Mr. Wylde, at Surat, entertained to wait on Swanly in his cabin at 13s. 4d. per month, and it being conceived he will be employed as factor at Surat, ordered that Capt. Swanly bring him back, and that the President and Council do not employ any young man as factor or make or increase any man's wages unless by special orders from home. Ordered that the waiters of the Custom House have (as formerly) a bag of pepper among them for their own spending at 12d. per lb. Thos. Ferris desiring his freedom by redemption the Court demanded 20l., he offered 10l., but nothing concluded. Request of George Moore for the wages of John Symons, late apprentice to Orchard Shepheard, allowed, and he was gratified with 5l. because he had lost his thumb by setting a mast. Proposition of Job Harby concerning his Muscovia cordage, Committees for Cordage to view it. The time limited by the Generality for pepper being expired, and 20,000l. worth having been already underwritten for, it was thought meet to suffer any to underwrite after the first of March. Ordered that George Willoughby receive 30l. on account of his wages. Ordered that the long pepper in the warehouse, about 15 or 16 cwt, be sold at the price offered, 18l. or 20l. per cwt., which was considered good. Petition of Thomas Joyce about his wages detained for unsold apparel delivered by Gabriel Hawley for the use of the ship's company, and freight of his goods, denied. Motion of Capt. Davies on behalf of the widow of Capt. Arnold Browne for her account to be made up; he knew nothing of what
Capt. Browne had carried out nor could find any of his accounts; Committee to report upon Capt. Browne's extraordinary waste of powder. Woodall to be reimbursed 10l. lent to Mr. Forbes. 3 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 298–300.] |
