|
Nov. 1.
The Hague. |
661. Carleton to Sec. Conway. Soon after his despatch of 23rd Oct.
(? No. 644) the States sent to him by their Greffier Goch the remonstrance of the Directors of the Dutch East India Company with
Mareschalk's deposition, which he incloses herewith. Account of
what took place at his audience with their Assembly, and the arguments he used touching the English merchants petition to the Privy
Council, for settling and fortifying where the Hollanders have no
footing, and remitting differences which cannot be determined in
the Indies into Europe; and that he found so little subject of contentment himself in the remonstrance that he could not recommend
it to his Majesty. His notes and observations upon the whole
matter he presented not in writing, because he would not make himself a party against those Bewinthebbers, whose work this "discourse"
is, and not the States. In reply, the States said they were sorry the
remonstrance gave no better contentment, but offered to bring
Houtman and Mareschalk before Carleton to answer more particularly to anything upon which he would examine them; but were
answered that what is now designed for the future could not suffer
long delay in regard of the approaching season for sending to the
East Indies; that he had no commission to examine those persons,
but left it to their wisdom how to deal with them till a resolution
were taken upon the whole matter. The States said they would
send for Mareschalk (who pretends sickness at Delft), and then
Carleton proposed certain interrogatories, of which one should be
whether fire was not used as well as water, and if Mareschalk cannot
give a good account thereof, then it might be conceived that all the
eleven points set down in his confession, and inserted in the Bewinthebbers remonstrance are fiction and falsehood. Found the States
willing, whereupon Carleton makes good judgment of their intentions,
but they have some amongst them (whom he has discovered) corrupted by the Bewinthebbers, who subtilely, by some artifice or other,
draw this business into length. But to this issue it is grown; that the
17 Bewinthebbers lately assembled at Middelburg have express order
to be here the 14th present. Meanwhile, knowing this to be the
time to bring this business to some good issue or never, he purposes
to-morrow to make a journey to the Prince of Orange, to move him
to employ one of the States deputies about him hither expressly.
Incloses the answer he received from his Excellency to his letter
which accompanied the Duke of Buckingham's. Incloses, |
|
661. I. Remonstrance of the Dutch East India Company to the
States General. This document of 42 pages consists of
arguments under 15 heads in justification of the process
against the English at Amboyna. That from the different
writings that have been produced, beginning with a summary of the news contained in the letters from the English
factors at Batavia, dated 19 June 1623, all the proceedings
were lawful and according to right, as appears by the
judicial acts signed by the accomplices themselves who were
examined and by the Council of Amboyna, which is an
admitted and sworn college, besides a thousand proofs, and
that against this cannot be admitted vain and frivolous
suspicion; and that these Directors firmly believe, having
seen nothing to the contrary, that the English who were
sworn and the other accomplices who were in the Dutch
service have been rightly apprehended, and that the plot
(faict) having been so clearly proved according to right
and the usage or custom observed there, the proceedings
were in due form, and that punishment was inflicted with
true moderation and clemency and the rigour of justice.
That torture by water only causes great oppression and
difficulty of breathing, but does not fill the body (with
water), as the English have so abusively asserted (pp. 17–18).
That reasonable time ought to be given to obtain fuller and
clearer proofs from the persons on the spot who were more
immediately concerned, as it is only reasonable that no
reparation can be required until the necessary defence and
informations of the fact be first made and taken. That
the fact of this conspiracy is so notorious in the Indies
that the clearest and strongest proofs of it may be fully
obtained, to the complete acquittal of the innocent and the
confusion of those who strive to maintain this bad cause
(pp. 32–33). Then follows the substance of the deposition
of Mareschalk (pp. 33–40), calendared below. That certain
proof can be given that several persons who it is said in
the English account were tortured with water and fire
were not even once touched. In conclusion, it is hoped
that his Majesty will not refuse the proper time to find out
more exactly all the particulars of this business, for which
the States are supplicated to mediate on behalf of the
Directors of the Dutch East India Company. [French.
Forty-two pages.] |
|
661. II. Deposition of Laurens Mareschalk, aged about 30, having
served as chief merchant or as the chief in Amboyna, and
as one of the judges there, taken before the magistrates, &c.
of Delft. Consists of 11 points, the first three of which
certify that all the Japanese as well as the English accomplices several times before their execution confirmed and
persisted in their respective confessions. That Wm. Webber
confessed at his last examination to having received a
letter from John Clarke advising him that something of
great importance was about to take place among the English without his being able to learn what it was, which
letter Clarke in the absence of Webber confessed to having
written. That Edward Collins without any torment
voluntarily made confession before Gabriel Towerson and
all the other English, not believing they would dare deny
it; as did also Towerson, being brought to Collins, who
kneeling before Towerson asked pardon of him, saying,
"I must confess the truth, for I do not wish to endure
any torment for the love of you." That Emanuel Thompson being asked why he persisted to the last and endured
torture, said it was because Towerson had always reproached him with drunkenness, and that he was determined the plot (faict) should not be discovered by him,
whatever torture he endured. That some days after his
examination Thompson said he was very glad God
had revealed the plot, for much innocent blood would
have been shed, and that he himself doubly merited death,
but he begged for mercy, as he was an old man of about
fifty years, also that he drew lots with Colson and Collins
whose life out of the three should be spared. That two or
three days before the execution Towerson, being in a room
with the Governor and Council, spoke reproachfully of
the English in general, saying that their fault was their
wicked and disorderly life, their fornication and drunkenness, and that God willed not that they should keep
their design secret, and this was why they had come to
this misery. That Towerson being the author of this conspiracy, towards the end of his life entreated his accomplices to forgive him, in that they had been instigated
and seduced by him to this conspiracy, and that they did
forgive him. That a little before his death Towerson wrote
a letter to Samuel Colson, which is still in the hands of
the Governor of Amboyna, Herman Speult, that Colson
was the sole cause of Towerson having first consented to
the plot to make himself master of the castle, notwithstanding which he now forgave Colson. That the Unicorn sailed
from Amboyna to Batavia with the two pardoned English
merchants, Edward Collins and John Beaumont, who being
invited by the officers of the ship to eat at table with them,
said, they were unworthy, having had so wicked a design
against the Batavian Netherlanders. 25 Oct./4 Nov. 1624. [French.
Eight pages and a quarter.] |
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661. III. Maurice de Nassau, Prince of Orange, to Carleton. His
letter of 21/31 Oct. accompanying the Duke of Buckingham's
(see ante, No. 649) was received this evening, by which the
Prince was very grieved to learn that the misunderstandings caused by the fact of Amboyna increase more and
more. Has divers times endeavoured that some remedy
should be found, and will continue in this duty, that
means may be found to give his Majesty satisfaction. Will
first communicate the Duke's letter to the States, with the
discretion that is required in a business of such importance,
so that having heard their good intention, the Prince may
make an answer worthy of the sincere affection the Duke
has always borne to the good of this State. Camp at
Rosenthal, 23 Oct./2 Nov. 1624. Endorsed, "Sent to Mr. Sec. Conway, 1st (Nov.) 1624, st. vet." [French. One page.
Holland Corresp.] |
| Nov. 2/12. |
662. [Carleton] to the Prince of Orange. Had a particular desire
to visit his Excellency at the camp and again to recommend to his
prudence and authority the embroiled affairs of the East Indies; but
being informed by his Excellency's letter of 23 Oct./2 Nov. (see the above inclosure III.), that he had written seriously to hasten the coming of
the Bewinthebbers, and that the principal towns are summoned to
send extraordinary deputies; has judged it more to the purpose to
await their coming; and since other public affairs are in such a
good way, one cannot do better than keep them so, by removing as
quickly as possible this cursed stumbling block, for which he
beseeches his Excellency to continue his good offices with the States.
French. Draft by Carleton. [One page. Holland Corresp.] |
Nov. 2.
The Hague. |
663. (Carleton) to Sec. Conway. Was on the point of taking a
journey to Rosenthal when informed that his Excellency (the Prince
of Orange) had written effectually hither and sent copy of the
Duke's letter; whereupon the coming of the Bewinthebbers is
hastened and some of the chief towns summoned to send extraordinary deputies, to the end there should be no necessity of attending
the Assembly of the States of this province, to take resolution.
[One page. Holland Corresp.] |
Nov. 2.
Amsterdam. |
664. Barlow to Carleton. Boreel is returned out of the Hague,
but could not learn anything from him. "Here doth go a speech,
and divers strangers do write it from London that divers of his
Majesty's ships shall lie in the Narrow Seas to lay hold upon the
East India Company's ships till such time as they have given his
Majesty satisfaction;" but it should seem the Bewinthebbers do not
take any notice thereof. Holds he will hear of further delays for
the bringing in of their relation for justification. Wishes Mareschalk
were examined, but fears he will be holden out of the way. The
Company here have begun to pay; they say they will send Barlow
letters for the English Company, wherein they make no doubt but
to give full content. Hears that the States have commanded the
17 to meet "with the first;" so makes no doubt but at their meeting there will be a determination what satisfaction will be given to
his Majesty to stay further proceedings. Endorsed, "Rec. 5th St.
vet." [One page. Holland Corresp.] |
| Nov. 3. |
665. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Letter to be
drawn to solicit Sec. Conway to send over an express to procure
letters from the Prince of Orange and the States for the settling of
all matters in the Indies between the two Companies, as well to
prevent any further effusion of blood as to settle a place of safety
for the residence of our people, and signifying that the trade will
stop if these things be not provided for. Request of Mr. Vivian,
who stands indebted to the Company, that no violent course may be
taken against him; Mr. Abdy entreated to deal privately with him;
also that Mr. Jarrett, who is surety for the debt of Halsey, and
intends nothing but delay, be dealt roundly with. Letter to be
written to Mr. Barlow, to acquaint the Bewinthebbers with Croppenbergh's manner of dealing, who gives nothing but delaying
answers, and to require payment accordingly. Messrs. Eyres and
Martin to inform themselves of the particulars of Mr. Fursland's
estate, and report to the Court. Concerning Capt. Greene's business.
Whether it were fit to call a General Court to acquaint them that
his Majesty hath given warrant for stay of the Dutch East India
ships, or wait until the ships be stayed; the resolution put off till
Wednesday next. Mr. Misselden presented an account of his business as a commissioner with the Dutch, wherein he had not found
the success he desired, though he had done his faithful endeavour,
but finds the Dutch "utterly averse to reason;" the Court acknowledged that he had failed in no point of sufficiency or integrity, and
so in respect he was sickly, wished him to take his ease. When he
was departed, consideration was given to his service, and after debate
100l. was ordered to be paid to him as a gratification and a token of
the well acceptance of his services. Letter read from Anthony
Vernworthy from aboard the Swallow, that the beer falls out to be
very faulty. Request of Sir Robert Napper to take out 200l. worth
of calicoes, in lieu of pepper, readily granted. Ordered that the Lord
Mayor may have out on stock such spices as shall suffice for his
necessary expense during the time of his mayoralty. Touching the
suit of Symonson against the Company. Request of George Ball to
receive "his full charge;" to come again on Wednesday, and in the
meantime have the opinion of Sir John Walter. Messrs. Friday,
Hatch, and Hoore named for preachers; the vote of the Court went
with Friday, who had formerly served, but neither entertained at
that time. [Four pages and three quarters. Court Minute ook,
VII., 180–184.] |
| Nov. 4. |
666. Sec. Conway to Carleton. Desires him with some earnestness to press a speedy resolution touching Amboyna, and if Buckingham's letter have moved nothing, has great cause to doubt there
may arise from thence a great disorder, perhaps irreparable, for all the
delays possible and industries have been used, and "now what shall
come must be between the bridge and the water." Order is gone
out to the King's ships to make seizure of all the Dutch East India
Company's ships they can find. Their sending of Coen, so malicious
and so hated a person, gives subject to conceive small affection in
those that chose him. There is no more to be said; but if they give
not satisfaction in this barbarous insolency past in a good reglement
to come, and in the Greenland business, "I protest, I speak it with
fear grounded upon knowledge, ships will sink for it, and a good
part of the cause may sink too. God give better." [Extract from
Holland Corresp.] |
| Nov. 6. |
667. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Report of
Mr. Munnes that he doubted the ships for Surat would be made
ready in due time; whereupon Mr. Stephens said that his carpenters
had been pressed away to the King's service, and that the sickness
that reigneth everywhere hath also seized on his workmen. Ordered
that if about London there cannot be found workmen, they must be
hired elsewhere, and that at next Court there be an appointment of
committees to go down weekly and overlook the work, for it was
conceived that the alehouse in the yard is no small impediment.
To objections against the Swallow, and that she proves "tender
sided," Mr. Stephens replied that he knew no reason unless she is
overladen, "but as her victual spends she will stiffen again." Letters
to be prepared against this day se'nnight for Persia to be sent overland, which may arrive about May, to mention the Company's
purpose to send thither three ships, willing them to send down their
goods in due time to meet them. A motion for sending a small
pinnace to accompany the London, left to further consideration.
Ordered that John Purefey's wages be paid according to order of
24th April 1620, and his dividends upon stock to remain upon
interest at 8 per cent.; also that 100l. of John Benthall's wages be
paid to Alderman Hammersley. The Company's secretary to confer
with Sir Thos. Button, who doth conceive the commission not so
full as might have been for the stay of the Dutch ships; also to
repair to the Clerk of the Upper House of Parliament, and desire a
copy of the order in the case of Mrs. Salmon, late wife of Capt.
Bonner, slain in the Indies. [Two pages and a quarter. Court
Minute Book, VII., pp. 185–187.] |
Nov. 6.
The Hague. |
668. Carleton to Sec. Conway. Received late this night his
packet of the 25th Oct., since which has written under date of the
1st and 2nd pres. The States have Mareschalk in examination
these two days past upon more than 100 interrogatories collected
out of our men's relation, to which in general he doth answer readily,
but how truly Carleton cannot judge. The Bewinthebbers of Amsterdam, and other chambers of Holland, came at the appointed day,
but some have been carried away with this general mortality;
amongst the rest, Poppen of Amsterdam, one of the hottest heads
amongst them. We shall soon see what will be the resolution on
the whole business. No endeavour to the uttermost of his poor
capacity has been wanting for the prevention of a rupture not only
between the States, but between the two Companies, and when all
is well scanned and sifted, it will be hard the truth should be so
disguised as "quod voluere duo" should want effect; and either
there must be more dissimulation than Carleton can comprehend, or
else the whole college of the States General are as studious to have
the truth of this business appear as we ourselves can be. [One page
and a half. Holland Corresp.] |
Nov. 6.
Amsterdam. |
669. Barlow to Carleton. The Bewinthebbers gone from hence.
Burgomaster Bas is alone in the Government, and cannot be
spared, but hopes there will be a good resolution taken, and we
remain friends. Perceives the remonstrance delivered to the States
is weak; but it cannot be otherwise. Thinks Lawrence Mareschalk
will not appear, for the three points our Company require will much
trouble the States and Bewinthebbers to answer. Would willingly
attend Carleton "at the being of the 17" [Bewinthebbers], but not
having commission to treat of anything it would not stand well
for Barlow to be present. [One page. Holland Corresp.] |
| Nov. 8–10. |
670. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Mr. Frend,
one of his Majesty's sergeants-at-arms, having again petitioned his
Majesty concerning Mrs. Salmon; resolved to consult the Earl
of Bridgewater, one of the committee of the Upper House in
that business, thereon. Petition of Gilbert Lodge for relief for
himself and wife, he being aged above 100 years and ready to be
turned out of doors, the same being testified by the headborough and
divers inhabitants of Wapping, where he dwells. |
|
Nov. 10.—The business of Bradstreete put to arbitration. Motion
for a physician to go into the Indies. One Mr. Malin offers his
services as master of one of their ships. Committee appointed to
consider the heads of a letter for Persia. Ordered that 20l. be given
to Mr. Aylesbury, the Duke's Secretary for the Admiralty, "as a
thankfulness from the Company" for the many letters that had
been directed to his Majesty's ships, forts, &c. for stay of the Dutch
ships. Concerning the sentence against George Ball, in the Star
Chamber, and also the order in Chancery. About the estate of Henry
Covert, deceased in the Indies, who was an apprentice to Mr. Sheeres.
An assessment made upon the Company's lands at Blackwall to be
paid. A master carpenter to attend aboard the Lion, now outward
bound. Petition of Nicholas Woodcock, late master of the Whale,
for (among other things) the wages of his servant Robt. Osborne;
the Court conceived they had been ill-dealt with, in placing a
servant to be a mate in a ship of that importance, and that this and
other like neglects might be a great occasion of the casting away of
that ship, there appearing no other known cause for it. Advice to
be asked how far the Company might proceed against him in this
case. [Six pages and a half. Court Minute Book, VII., 187–194.] |
| Nov. 10/20. |
671. Extract from the secret register of the resolutions of the
States General of the United Netherlands. Their Highnesses' Committee having conferred with the 17 of the East India Company in
order to give further satisfaction to the King concerning the execution
in Amboyna and also on Carleton's three points, have unanimously
resolved that the Governor of Amboyna and the others concerned
therein be summoned to answer for their actions, and the 17 are
hereby ordered to write to the Governor General and Council of the
Indies to send said persons hither at once under secure guard, and
to bring them before their Highnesses, with all the documents, to
give an account of their proceedings; these orders to be obeyed notwithstanding any contrary orders which may previously have been
given. Their Highnesses will also write to said Governor General
and Council to this effect, and to get the surest information secretly
and to send it over immediately, sealed, to them. Their Highnesses
do not think it of any use to consider Carleton's three points, because
they (springing out of the difficulty of Amboyna) tend to the dissolution of the treaty. But the 17 are ordered to send directions to
the East Indies that the treaty be observed in every article, and the
King shall also be requested to keep his subjects to it. Letter to be
framed to the King earnestly requesting him to be satisfied therewith,
and to supersede further proceedings to the injury of this Company;
also one to Carleton to recommend the same. Dutch. [Five pages.
Holland Corresp.] |
Nov. 10.
Newhall. |
672. Sec. Conway to the East India Company. Sends copy of a
letter from Sir Dudley Carleton [see ante, No. 661], acquainting them
with what hath been done in their business, and leaving it to their
choice to send over an express messenger. [Domestic, Jac. I., Conway's Letter Bk., p. 165, Cal., p. 375.] |
