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| May 4–6. |
127. Court Minutes of the East India Company. About convoy of silks from Italy. Business of John Lamprey, with whom the Company is in suit for certain masts. Report of Mr. Governor that himself and others had been at Blackwall and Deptford to view the yards. Dispute between Joan Hall and Wm. Walker about detaining 20s. due to her husband; Walker to make restitution, and advised to desist from meddling in other men's business. Whereas Sir John Wolstenholme and other the adventurers for discovery of the North West passage are now sending one small ship and a pinnace for that service, Mr. Governor moved to write to their factors at Bantam, that in case the said ships should discover that passage, and so come to the Indies, they should not only relieve them, but suffer them to lade thence for England with pepper; one of the Committees disliked the motion, being of opinion it ware better the adventures were lost, than that the said passage should be discovered, for that it will greatly prejudice the Company's benefit and trade to the East Indies; "but after debate the Court was content they should, if none of the Company's ships were there, be laden for the Company's account, and allowed 20l. per ton freight. Notwithstanding their large salary, some of the auditors being very negligent and remiss in their employment, the Court desired Messrs. Leate and Warnor, whose dwellings are not far from Crosby House, to have a watchful eye over them, and to enjoin them to be at the office from 7 till 12 a.m., and from 2 till 6 p.m. Concerning the Company's debts arising by runaways; no fruits found of Keeling's labours, so he is ordered to furnish a particular of his service and of the monies received. All bargains made by Committees for commodities bought to be entered in a waste book and delivered to Mr. Lanman, as well as all bargains made in Court. Report of Mr. Governor of the expectation of the return of some of their ships home; the warehouses to be cleared of commodities most requisite to be sold. Examination of Lanman touching errors in his accounts, as also in Hurt's and the warehouse keepers'. Payment to Cappur on account of the Company's suits at law. Colthurst to attend the Committees appointed to provide cloth for Persia every Thursday. |
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May 6.—Report of Mr. Governor that the Company suffers much prejudice through the many cloths already bought to be sent into Persia this next fleet having been delivered to inexperienced or unskilful workmen to dress them, or to poor workmen without sufficient tools; ordered that 25 fullers and 25 shearmen be appointed for this work, and that Mr. Dodd overlook them, also that no more cloths at 6l. be bought, but from 7l. 10s. to 10l. 10s. the cloth. Motion on behalf of [Richard] Steele to be sent overland to Persia "in no sort hearkened unto." Demand of Greenbury
for 90l. for the Amboyna picture, but the Court told him it was a great deal too much and offered him 40l. but he, not therewith contented departed. The proceedings at Deptford and Blackwall on 3rd instant read. At. Deptford, about Richard Downing building two more forges, and Widow Hall having her late husband's forges at a yearly rent. Downing's request for an allowance beyond the contract (iron having risen from 15l. to 16l. 10s. per ton) to be considered; the keys of Mr. Burrell's house to be delivered to Shepheard and his wife, who dwell in the yard; as to the right to an elm tree blown down into the dock; iron ordnance lent to Mr. Bell or Mr. Leate to be returned; Sale and others to have leases of the lands they hold of the Company. Ordered that Messrs. Stevens and Swanley's propositions for improving and enlarging the yard be considered; the refuse timber of the Lesser James not to be sold; a new wharf to be made; a new sawpit roofed with reeds to keep the sawyers dry; and two new forges for making bolts, anchors, murderers [guns], &c. Requests of Stevens and Dethick for certain improvements, Swanley to have the use of the chamber in the turret wherein Mr. Yonge lay. Petition presented by Robt. Fotherby, with certain propositions, which being read the Court made report upon same, wherein some are confirmed and others altered. Jeremy Brasyer, servant to Thos. Ivatt, deceased, appointed the Company's smith, having promised to bring up Ivatt's four children. Permission to Stevens to build a kitchen at the back of his house, so as the charge exceed not 10l. A wharf to be built at Blackwall of 105 feet in length, at a charge of 43l. 17 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. VIII., 13–29.] |
May 6.
Westminster. |
128. King Charles to the Duke of Buckingham, High Admiral; James Lord Ley, High Treasurer; William Earl of Pembroke, Chamberlain; Philip Earl of Montgomery; Oliver Viscount Grandison; Edward Lord Conway, Secretary of State; George Lord Carew, Master of the Ordnance; Foulke Lord Brooke; Sir Thos. Edmonds, Knt., Treasurer of the Household; Sir John Suckling, Knt., Comptroller of the Household; Sir Robert Naunton, Master of the Court of Wards and Liveries; Sir Richard Weston, Chancellor of the Exchequer; and Sir Humphrey May, Chancellor of the Duchy, or any five of them. Being desirous to enlarge the trade of the kingdom, and taking notice of certain overtures for settling a commerce with the King of Persia sundry times debated in the late King's time, and lately understanding that there have been of long time differences thereabouts amongst the East India merchants, by reason whereof the trade has not prospered as it might have done, his Majesty requires them to call the complainants and those who are thought to have been faulty in government, and examine why the trade has been no better advanced, and (if they find it as beneficial as is conceived) what course may must fitly be taken for the well settling and governing thereof, it being his Majesty's intention to encourage those who shall appear to have been best affected to the advancement of said trade. 1 p. [Domestic Corresp., Chas. I., Vol. II., No. 25, Cal, p. 19.] |
May 6.
London. |
129. Morris Abbott, Governor; Christopher Clitherow, Deputy; William Stone, Nicholas Crispe, Thomas Mun, and Humffray Browne, Committee of the East India Company, to Carleton. The Company hath done little of late at Court concerning the business of Amboyna, because their eyes are upon the King's ships, of whom they hope very shortly to hear good news, in staying the Hollanders' ships. And indeed the funeral and other festivals now here to be solemnised make the Company rest for a while, but so soon as the heat of them shall be blown over they intend to prosecute their just grievances with all the force they can make. It is much wondered at here that they of Delft should so much protect that malefactor Mareschalk, and not at least imprison him, it being expected (which they will press with all their force in due time) that justice should pass upon him presently, without attending the arrival of the rest, who, they are verily persuaded, will never come. As for the other two articles, although they conceive his Majesty is already resolved what herein the Company shall and ought to do, yet it seemeth not fair in the Dutch to defer answering so long, and so abruptly to depart from the Hague. And whereas they seem without cause to fear that we seek to bring the business to a greater disorder than before the Treaty, who knoweth not that they have made such special use and advantage of the same, as thereby they endeavour totally to overthrow us and our affairs in the Indies, which (maugre their malice) we trust they shall be never able to do. 2 pp. [Corresp. Holland.] |
May 7.
Surat. |
130. Tho. Kerridge to John Banggam at Ahmedabad. Concerning the goods sold to Meer Moosa, presumes he will desire the jewels, and is confident the Portugals are not able to sell him "such toys" cheaper than they are invoiced to Banggam, but "as they are in partnership" wholly refers their sale to his discretion. Expects his advice about the Scotch pearl, which may be showed to Meer Moosa. Their general letter shows their purpose concerning Banggam's employment at Court. Purposes to come to Almedabad with Hopkinson, who will depart in 12 or 15 days. 1¼ pp. Mutilated by damp. [O.C., Vol. XI., No. 1195.] |
| May 11–13. |
131. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Demand of Edward Kirkham, Consul at Aleppo, for postage of letters from Persia. Request of Alderman Hackett's son to be employed in dyeing cloth; ordered to attend the Committee for that business. Saltpetre to to be delivered to Piggott, or any other appointed by Evelyn. Gratuity to Scott, the messenger, concerning the business of cloth; ordered that no more be bought under 7l. 10s. or over 10l.; and whereas 76 persons are now dressing the Company's cloth that 25 fullers and 25 shearmen be chosen of the ablest and sufficientest men for this service, taking into consideration Thomas Dodgin, commended for a very good workman by Sir Martin Lumley. Suit of Greenbury for satisfaction for the Amboyna picture; after erection of hands it was concluded that no more than 40l. should be given, which at last he accepted. Leate to supply the place of Offley, deceased, in hiring and paying mariners. Richard Tyson recommended by Sir Martin Lumley to fill the place of Francis Garland, porter, deceased, but was
found too aged and weak. That Mr. Burrell will give contentment for the 2,000 feet of plank and sheathing nails lent for the King's service. Report of the Committees concerning the business of the warehouses, to settle the safe keeping of such goods and merchandises as are brought from the Indies, viz., indigo, spices, drugs &c. and kept in the Company's warehouses until the sale and delivery of the same, which report being read was confirmed, and ordered to be registered. Offer of John Bacon's brother, that if the Company would employ his brother in the Indies his father would satisfy the debt for which he is now in prison, debated but utterly rejected; and to be answered that in case he pay not the money forthwith there shall be an indictment in the Star Chamber against him. Proposal of Mr. Governor for the flooring of the warehouse at Leadenhall which hath been lately digged for saltpetre, and the repairing of a turret there; but alderman Allen put the Court in mind that there was a strict proclamation of the late King against the paying or flooring of any cellars, warehouses, or ground rooms whereby to hinder the saltpetre men from work, and for the turret it belonged to the City to repair. Payment for postage of letters from Persia. Committee appointed to go with Mr. Governor, who is commanded to attend the Lords tomorrow afternoon, on a complaint concerning the Persian trade, and to declare their resolution to go on with the trade, unless the Lords should think others more fit for the work. Concerning Mr. Palmer's debt as security for one Martin. |
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May 13.—Letter read from the Commissioners of his Majesty's Navy desiring to be furnished with 10,000 feet of sheathing board, alleging that neither his Majesty's stores nor the wharves on the river can furnish them so speedily as the service requires; the Court, willing to satisfy the request so it might not be a hindrance to their own occasions, sent for Stevens, who declared that they could not spare above 5,000 feet, which he was ordered to deliver to Mr. Burrell at the price paid by the Company, if that quantity would serve him. Certificate brought by Stott, one of the messengers of the Council Chamber, from the Commissioners of the Navy in Lady Dale's cause; 20s. paid to him for his good offices. [Rich.] Steele attended about his suit to be sent overland to Persia, but was answered the Company have no cause to employ him for the present in that manner. Report of Mr. Governor that the Lords utterly disliked the complaint of Anthony Wither against the Company about the Persian trade, being a mere invective and scandal, and no way pertinent to the business of the Persian trade, and commanded same to be delivered to the Company, which after being read and debated the Court found to be a notorious and false scandal against Mr. Governor and the Committees, and considered the best way to maintain their own credit, and punish Wither; upon which a committee was appointed to take some pains in drawing up an Answer to the same. Not only Wither himself was at the Council table, but by his means 26 gentlemen and citizens, who Wither hoped would have seconded him in his malicious purpose, but it proved otherwise, for many averred that they were altogether ignorant of Wither's intent [see Nos. 239–240]. Sir
Edwin Sandys explains his conduct in the matter. Complaint of Clarke against Lanman in reference to his debt to the Company. Order concerning the payment of Reeve's security for Theophilus Gray and Thomas Warren. The names of 27 shearmen and 26 fullers appointed for dressing the Company's cloth delivered to Mr. Dodd. 11 pp. [Ct. Mm. Bk. VIII. 30–40.] |
May 13.
Ahmedabad. |
132. John Banggam to President Tho. Kerridge and Council. Acknowledges his letter of the 7th as to his Court employment; doubts not Kerridge will take into consideration his small means, having served many years for little wages, the journey and employment being long, chargeable, and tedious. Attends a convenient hour to show [Morris Abbotts'] emeralds to Meer Moosa. Sir Francis Crane's tapestry not yet concluded for, he repining much at the price. Concerning Meer Moosa's departure. Draft with corrections. 1 p. [O.C., Vol. XI., No. 1196.] |
May 16.
Amsterdam. |
133. Robert Barlow to Carleton. Since the Bewinthebbers were crossed in their General Coen they have put by all conference. Finds them and their advocate, Boreel, far more tractable than formerly; making protestations in their full assembly that they will use their best endeavours to accommodate business, and hold friendship. Upon the Company's letter [see ante, No. 99] the Bewinthebbers have yielded to the full payment of the 23,906 ryals of 8; and have in their answer, as they say, given such satisfaction as that they shall not have cause to complain, for they intend to do them right in all things. The resolution taken in England to lay hold upon their ships doth trouble them very much, and will bring them the sooner to some good end. Understands that the States have sent for the 17 to be at the Hague shortly, where some five or six days Boreel hath been. Their two ships for the Indies that were in Zealand are put to sea some 10 days past by the back side of Scotland and Ireland, so have prevented the King's ships; so that if these come not to some resolution, ours must attend upon those that are to come out of the Indies, whereof there are some daily expected, "for till we have hold of something of theirs, what shows soever they make, do hold shall not come to right with them." [sic] 1 p. [Corresp. Holland.] |
May 17.
Ahmedabad. |
134. Banggam to Kerridge and Council at Surat Meer Moosa has had view of the emeralds, and offered 2,500 rup. Intreats his advice, for there have fallen showers of rain which will hasten his departure for Agra, and besides him there are no buyers in this place. Has deferred the conclusion for the tapestry a day or two. Draft with corrections. 1 p. [O.C., Vol. XI., No. 1197.] |
| May 18. |
135. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Request of Tichbourne, the Company's solicitor, to imprest him 4l. till next term; granted. Letter read from the Lieutenant of the Tower for 200 tons of cask for His Majesty's service; willingly assented to on receiving payment for same. Request of Sheriff Healyn in behalf of a cloth worker. Ordered that Mr. Bell write to France for an able powder maker, as Blyth is going away to some works in Lincolnshire. Concerning the election of warehouse keepers, salary not to
exceed 40l. per annum. Proposition of the master and wardens of the Company of Cloth Workers, for the credit of the Company and honour of the kingdom, to appoint two or three of their most able workmen to view the cloths brought from the workers, and, if they find any defective, cause the party offending to be punished; this they will do without any recompense, only they desire a seal with which to seal all such cloths as they find well wrought and dressed; the Court approved of the proposition and commanded a seal to be made. Demand of Beecher, who was entertained to give the King's ships intelligence of the Dutch ships, for satisfaction for his ketch and his pains. Proposal of Mr. Governor, in regard there is a daily expectation of Dutch ships richly laden from the Indies, that three ketches be hired to give notice of their coming to the King's ships. Ordered that Sir John Coke attend the Lord Admiral for a new commission. Report of Lanman that Mr. Clarke's debt is 1,100l. and that he had granted Katharine Sealer 5l. of her husband's wages. To move the Lord Chamberlain for the particulars of Mr. Wither's camplaint against the Company, in regard they have sent twice to Lord Conway and cannot obtain the same [see No. 239]. 4½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. VIII., 41–45.] |
| May 19/29. |
136. Reply to the answer of the States of the 17/27 April, touching the propositions made to them by Ambassador Carleton and Sir William St. Leger [see ante, No. 114]. To the 9th and last article touching the business of Amboyna, his Majesty is well contented with the endeavours the States have used, and the resolution they have taken to see justice done, according as the whole proceeding has been represented to him by his Ambassador, and will attend the time necessary for bringing the prisoners into these parts; but because the licence, which was taken by the Governor and his Council at Amboyna to execute such barbarous cruelty against his Majesty's subjects is not only sustained by the Dutch General and his Council in the Indies, but likewise defended by the Bewinthebbers here, as appears by their remonstrance of November last, as done "according to right and following the custom observed therein ;" all places in the Indies where the Dutch have authority are in the same miserable condition for his Majesty's subjects as Amboyna. To remedy this three points having been exhibited by the Ambassador under special charge from his Majesty of happy memory, his Majesty is no way satisfied with the delays and evasions used to avoid satisfaction, and therefore desires a good and speedy resolution in all three, as one of them is well concluded, to give contentment to his subjects by relieving them from the fears they may justly entertain through the confiscations at Jacatra and massacre at Amboyna. Two copies. French, with collections, and English with out. Endorsed by Carleton. [Corresp. Holland.] |
| May 20–25. |
137. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Thomas Moore, who received all the wages of John Fardo, who was put to death at Amboyna, appearing to a summons, he promised, at the Governor's persuasion, to give 3l. to Fardo's aged father, though he had tried to overthrow his son's will. Request of a saltpetre man that the
Company would remove some goods from a warehouse in Leadenhall that he might dig for saltpetre, whereupon Mr. Governor related the necessity of the State at this time, and that the saltpetre men in all counties in England are now bound to make a double proportion ; ordered that Mr. Blunt try to persuade him to the contrary, but to report his answer. The Answer to Wither's objections read and allowed ; to be fairly transcribed and signed by those committees who choose [see No. 240]. 30 pieces of Ald. Moulson's silks, very rich and of excellent colours, to be bought at 4d per yard more than they cost first penny, which was 14s. 8d. greens and 15s. 8d. crimsons and carnations, per yard. 10l. allowed to Stevens towards building a kitchen. Elliott's bill for viewing timber to be paid. Report that the Committee appointed to do so have bought an overshot mill about Staines, and entertained a millwright at 2s. 6d. per day. Payment to Cappur for petty charges. Mr. Martyn to write for 100 tons of refined brimstone in barrels from Venice. Three cloths delivered to Widow Jones to "rowe," her house being visited with the sickness; ordered that Mr. Dodd use his own judgment in delivering them to others. |
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May 25.—Mr. Markham to audit John Yonge's accounts. Debate on the necessity of having a small ship provided to go with the Exchange this next intended voyage for Persia. Committees appointed to consider of the premises and report on Friday. There not being above two months to make provisions for Persia, resolved that 100 narrow list cloth be bought for a trial and sent in this next fleet. Request of my Lord's Grace of Canterbury and Sir Henry Marten that no more of Richard Hall's adventure of 1,400l. in the second joint stock be paid without their allowance. Account presented of the remains of the Company's provisions at Deal and Sandwich. Relation by Henry Bate that being at Dover he saw the East India Holland ship lay in Dover Road, and though he gave notice to Mr. Hugeson that she might be stayed, he answered that it was reported that the differences between the English and Dutch merchants were accorded, and that since his Majesty's ships did not stir he would not, and so suffered the ship to depart for Holland; the Court taking this to heart, and finding themselves thus notoriously abused, Mr. Governor intended to repair to Whitehall, not only to aggravate the abuse of the said Hugeson and the captains of his Majesty's ships, but to press for some new commission and directions to be sent to them. 30 tons only of brimstone for making powder to be sent for from Venice, whether rough or refined left to a committee. Thomas Cowley and Thomas Hanson appointed out of many applicants warehouse keepers at Crosby House, Leadenhall, and the Exchange. The adventure of Isaac Edge, a bankrupt, to be stayed for the benefit of his creditors. John Bacon, whose miscarriage the Company much commiserate, to be released out of the Compter, his brother Thomas giving bond for his debt to be paid before Christmas. Concerning Blyth, the powder maker, who being detained by a pursuivant cannot provide alder to make coal. 9¼ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. VIII., 45–54.] |
May 25.
The Hague. |
138. Sir D. Carleton to Sec. Lord Conway. The fleet is set forward with all possible diligence, wherein the Lesser Provinces never before showed such readiness. The greater (as Holland and Zealand) have been most backward, which proceeds from the power the Bewinthebbers of the East India Company, who, knowing that his Majesty hath not yet revoked nor as much as suspended the King his late father's decree of arrest of their ships (notwithstanding that Sir William St. Leger declares his Majesty is contented with the course the States take in the business of Amboyna), but that his ships in the Downs examine all that pass, without dissembling that they wait for the Dutch East India ships, cast in many traverses, saying that they must not help to make a rod for themselves. Has satisfied them that the revocation or suspension of the arrest of their ships will undoubtedly follow any good resolution they will take in the three points they have long had in hand, about which the Bewinthebbers are here this very day in treaty with the States. [Extract from Corresp. Holland.] |
May 25.
Amsterdam. |
139. Robert Barlow to Carleton. Arrival of an East India ship from Surat and the coast of "Cormedell" (Coromandel). Heard yesterday some flying news of the troubles of the Company's factors and servants, whereupon he could not ground any certainty; this morning the Company here received their letters, and presently sent him a letter directed to our Company at London, with copy of a letter which our factors in prison (at Surat) sent to the commander of the Dutch, to entreat him to give warning to such of our ships as should come upon the coast, that they should not anchor. Will send to London copy of the letter the commander wrote to our Company, also the letter from their servants. Gave them notice yesterday by post, which is here largely extended, that all ours were in prison for piracy, their goods confiscate, trade forbidden, and that hereafter they should not have residence in the country. Hopes a sum of money will satisfy them, for the Dutch having "been in the like and their commander Van Uffell in prison," is since released upon a ransom of some 20,000 gs. Upon Van Uffell's coming out of prison he died, also Dendell that succeeded him, so it is supposed they were poisoned. Sends "the carga" of this ship's lading, valued at 60,000l. sterling. They report of another ship that shortly will follow with 430 bales of silk and great store of goods, but do not make mention of any ships of ours to come from those parts, so fears we shall not have any return this year. The 17 [Bewinthebbers] are still at the Hague; has heard that shortly there would be an end. Report that this [Dutch] ship was chased by three of his Majesty's ships, but escaped. Understands that Coen is at the Hague to answer anything that shall be objected to him. Holds if he had gone he would have been the ruin of this Company, for his great designs were more fit for some great king than a company of merchants. Has read the commission he left in the Indies, which if put in execution would consume all their capital if it were three times as great; for his design is to people and dispeople whole countries, whereunto he doth allot the buying and getting of more than 100,000 slaves, the which he doth prefer to be
done, leaving all trade till that be effected. Has sent copy of his discourse, containing 10 sheets of paper, to the Company. 1¼ pp. [Corresp. Holland.] |
May 26.
Ahmedabad. |
140. Banggam to Kerridge and Council, at Surat. Meer Moosa has offered 45 rupees for Sir Francis Crane's tapestry, which, being not near the price first made, was refused. He will not buy the Company's, being too coarse; so all is packed up, attending his departure. Draft with corrections, 1 p. [O.C., Vol. XI., No. 1198.] |
| May 27–30. |
141. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Concerning the suit in Chancery between the Company and Nathan Bolt. Resolved not to write to Venice for brimstone, but to wait the arrival of ships from Italy and Sweden, which will bring good quantities. After debate whether to hire a ship of some Turkey merchants at freight for the Persian voyage, resolved not to run upon a new course which the Company never yet begun, but to conclude a bargain at the best rates for the buying of Mr. Barbour's ship. Ordered that Dr. Gulston, an adventurer, have a copy of the preamble of the first joint stock. Concerning Anthony Wither's complaint. Sherburne's bill of charges to be paid. |
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May 30.—Report of Mr. Governor that he and two or three others had been summoned on Sunday afternoon to attend the Lords, where Sec. Conway made a long narration of the overtures propounded by Sir Robert Sherley touching the Persian trade, and said that the late King had given consent to send out four of his own pinnaces to the Persian; that Sir Win. Russell conceived the trade would be exceeding advantageous, and disable the Turks, the common enemy of Christendom; that whether Sir Robert Sherley be Ambassador or not these propositions tending to the public good ought not to be neglected, that Sir Robert had propounded that rich trade to the English alone, and offered to be carried to the Persian King to be tormented, if it appeared not that these propositions are by command and commission from the Emperor, which proposition contained two principal overtures, one that the King of Persia desires two galleons to be sent for a beginning, wherewith he will defend our ships, and he will arm 25,000 men three months at his own pay to serve the King of England in his wars, the other that he will freight his silks in English ships and send it to England to be sold, and reported the offer of the French Ambassador of two millions yearly to join with the English to bring the silk of Persia to Marseilles, but said he had wholly discouraged him therein as conceiving the trade better for the English. To which Mr. Governor replied that he must represent the Company's resolution to follow the trade as merchants upon their experience and in their own way, but would not hinder any others; that Sir Robert Sherley was no ambassador here, but had passed from Spain into Persia, through Prussia and Muscovy, and had never come into England had not the Emperor of Muscovy stopped his passage and commanded him upon pain of death to return, that Monox who lived in Persia divers years and negotiated with that king, never heard him make any mention of Sir Robert Sherley, nor is he named in the letters
from the Persian to our late King, but whether ambassador or not the Company have no need of Sir Robert's help, and neither desire to have any thing to do wish him; that the galleons could not defend our ships, but would rather be employed against them, and would take from us our freighting of goods from Persia to Surat, that the King would not trust his silk for England, and never trusted them with more silk than they had stock in his kingdom to satisfy for. Lord Brooke observed that somewhat more lay hidden in these propositions that at first could be discovered. The business was then reduced to three questions by the Lord Treasurer. To the first Mr. Governor answered that the trade will be profitable, to the second that it was possible in time to accomplish the trade, and to the third that the sending an ambassador from hence could in no way advantage the trade nor could he manage the Company's affairs as their present agent but would be dangerous, the goods and lives of their servants being in the power of the Ambassador; that their stock and commodities this year would be about 60,000l. from hence and about 30,000l. or 40,000l. from the southwards and Surat, which was approved and commended for a very large stock to begin with. Resolved to send the letter of the 28th August, 1624 [see previous volume, No. 578, Cal., p. 377] to Lord Conway, to the Remembrancer with direction to bring it away, because it contained secrets for pursuing the trade which if devulged would be exceeding prejudicial to the trade. Also that Mr. Governor made request to the Lords, that whereas they had been wrongfully scandalised by an unworthy fellow, the business might be heard and justice done ; whereupon the Lords resolved to do so at their return from Dover. Mr. Governor said he had never refused the ballotting box, though the use of it in general courts had been denied divers years past at Merchant Taylors' Hall by especial command from his late Majesty, which the Lord Chamberlain confirmed, having heard the King say, "he would have no Italian tricks brought into his kingdom." Upon further consideration of the Persian trade the Court found that the promoting it will advance the Turkey trade; for the Turkey merchants accustomed to bring silk, indigo, spices, &c., from Turkey, now carry them thither, neither is the vent of cloth in Persia any hindrance to them. Information that Wither hopes to prove what he has articled, but the Court rested confident in Sir Edwin Sandys former message and that he could prove nothing. Warrant to be signed for 87l. to John Yonge for two years' salary. Order to prevent the abuse practised by divers who go down to meet the ships to buy up private trade. Sir John Coke to be conferred with concerning the passing by of the Dutch ship. 7 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. VIII. 54–61.] |
May 30.
Amsterdam. |
142. Barlow to Carleton. These are only for the conveyance of Coen's commission left in the Indies with Carpenter, which if this Company should seek to effect would beggar them. What Coen writes concerning the English he shall well perceive, being his full intent to drive them from all trade, except upon such terms, tolls, and exactions as it should please them to raise, debarring them from all freedom of trade, not giving way to them in the
least. The Bewinthebbers are here looked for every day out of the Hague, so holds this meeting will bring out no more than former meetings have done, these seeking nothing but delays; and now their ships, are all escaped his Majesty's Ships they will make the less haste, "till we be beforehand with them in holding some of their ships, shall never come to an end what shows soever th ey make." Their two ships out of Zealand took advantage of a strong north-east wind, and so passed through the Narrow Seas in sight of the King's ships. ¾ p. [Corresp. Holland.] |
