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A  CALENDAR  OF 

THE  COURT  MINUTES 

ETC.  OF  THE 

EAST  INDIA  COMPANY  ^^-/ 

1650-1654 

BY 

ETHEL  BRUCE  SAINSBURY 

WITH  AN  INTRODUCTION  AND  NOTES  BY 

WILLIAM  FOSTER,  CLE. 


PUBLISHED  UNDER  THE  PATRONAGE  OF  HIS  MAJESTY'S 
SECRETARY  OF  STATE  FOR  INDIA  IN  COUNCIL 


OXFORD 

AT   THE   CLARENDON   PRESS 

1913 


OXFORD  UNIVERSITY  PRESS 

LONDON    EDINBURGH    GLASGOW    NEW    YORK 

TORONTO     MELBOURNE    BOMBAY 

HUMPHREY  MILFORD  M.A. 

PUBLISHER  TO  THE  UNIVERSITY 


INTRODUCTION 

At  the  beginning  of  the  period  under  review  we  find  no  less 
than  three  stocks  running  side  by  side — the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
the  Second  General  Voyage,  and  the  United  Joint  Stock.  Of 
these  the  burden  of  administration  rested  chiefly  upon  the  shoulders 
of  the  first ;  and  a  heavy  burden  the  shareholders  found  it,  for 
the  Fourth  had  proved  the  most  unremunerative  of  all  the  Joint 
Stocks.  Started  in  164!^,  it  had  encountered  an  unusual  combina- 
tion of  adverse  influences.  Civil  war,  depressed  markets  as  a  con- 
sequence thereof,  and  the  active  competitition  of  interlopers  were 
among  the  chief  of  these ;  while  a  further  handicap  was  an  in- 
sufficient capital  (which  was  only  a  fourth  of  what  had  been  sub- 
scribed for  the  preceding  Joint  Stock),  necessitating  extensive 
borrowings  both  in  England  and  India,  and  a  correspondingly  heavy 
charge  for  interest.  Moreover,  the  wreck  of  the  Discovery  and 
the  betrayal  of  the  John  (narrated  in  the  last  volume)  had  caused 
heavy  monetary  loss.  As  the  result  of  all  these  difficulties,  the 
shareholders  had  as  yet  received  nothing  in  the  way  of  dividends ; 
though  they  had  a  considerable  estate  in  the  East,  both  in 
money  and  in  goods,  and  consequently  might  yet  hope  for  some 
return.  The  Second  General  Voyage,  which  dated  only  from  1647, 
had  been  more  prosperous.  It  possessed  a  much  larger  capital 
than  the  Joint  Stock,  and  at  the  same  time  had  less  charges  to  bear, 
since  it  made  use  of  the  Stock's  factories  and  servants  at  a  low 
percentage;  and  it  had  already  declared  divisions  equivalent  to 
a  return  of  three-quarters  of  the  paid-up  capital. 

The  third  body,  termed  the  United  Joint  Stock,  was  the  most 
interesting  of  all.  As  we  saw  in  the  last  volume,  it  was  the 
result  of  a  coalition  between  the  older  members  of  the  trade  and 
a  new  body  of  adventurers,  headed  by  Maurice  Thomson,  with 
wider  aims  and  a  disposition  to  try  fresh  methods.  Impressed 
by  the  success  of  the  Dutch,  these  new-comers  leaned  towards 
a  system  of  colonies,  to  be  used  as  bases  of  trade,  and  were  parti- 

a  2 


iv  COURT   MINUTES 

cularly  interested  in  a  scheme  for  a  settlement  upon  the  island  of 
Assada  (now  known  as  Nossi-b^),  on  the  north-western  coast  of 
Madagascar,  which  was  to  be  a  centre  of  commerce  with  East 
Africa,  Asia,  and  even  America.  Of  the  success  of  such  projects 
the  older  adventurers  were  dubious  ;  but  seeing  no  other  prospect 
of  raising  the  necessary  capital  for  carrying  on  the  trade,  they 
consented  to  join  in  a  modified  scheme.  At  the  same  time  it  was 
understood  that  the  new  venture  was  only  a  temporary  one,  to  carry 
on  the  trade  until  Parliament  found  time  to  make  a  more  permanent 
settlement. 

The  subscription  list  for  the  new  stock  was  opened  on  December 
26,  1649.  No  special  eagerness  was  apparent  on  the  part  of  the 
investors.  The  first  week  produced  only  a  promise  of  30,000/.,  and 
on  January  23,  1650,  we  find  the  Committees  declining  to  engage 
any  more  factors  until  the  outlook  should  improve.  Meanwhile, 
however,  on  January  10  the  Council  of  State  had  given  something 
like  a  pledge  of  support  to  the  Company ;  and  on  the  last  day  of 
the  month  the  Parliament  passed  a  series  of  resolutions  on  the  East 
India  trade,  the  most  important  of  which  was  that  this  commerce 
should  be  carried  on  *  by  one  Company  and  with  one  joint  stock ' ; 
and,  thus  encouraged,  the  Committees  pushed  forward  their  schemes 
with  more  energy.  Letters  were  written  to  thirteen  port  towns, 
inviting  merchants  there  resident  to  participate  in  the  new  stock ; 
while  special  subscription  books  were  laid  before  the  Council 
of  State  and  the  House  of  Commons  respectively,  in  the  hope  that 
further  support  would  be  forthcoming  from  these  quarters.  The 
result  was  disappointing.  The  two  books  came  back  as  blank 
as  when  they  went ;  while  of  the  thirteen  port  towns  only  three 
even  acknowledged  the  receipt  of  the  invitation,  and  none  of  them 
made  any  contribution  to  the  subscription  list.  However,  on 
February  6  the  shareholders  in  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  agreed 
to  take  up  26,000/.  of  the  new  stock,  in  part  payment  of  the  factory 
houses,  ships,  etc.,  which  were  to  be  transferred  to  the  latter; 
while,  apart  from  this,  by  the  12th  of  that  month  the  subscriptions 
totalled  over  157,000/.  Another  8,700/  had  been  added  by  March 
13,  and  it  was  then  resolved  that  the  date  for  subscribing  should  be 
further  extended.  What  the  total  came  to  is  uncertain,  but  it 
is  not  likely  to  have  exceeded  200,000/.     This  was  far  below  the 


INTRODUCTION  v 

300,000/.  hoped  for,  but  in  the  circumstances  it  was  a  fairly  en- 
couraging result. 

Meanwhile,  the  dispatch  of  ships  to  the  East  was  proceeding. 
In  February,  1650,  four  sailed,  viz.  the  East  India  Merchant  and  W^'- 
the  Advice  for  Bantam,  and  the  Lioness  and  the  Boniio  for  Assada 
(with  more  colonists)  and  the  Coromandel  Coast.  The  Lioness^ 
which  was  under  the  charge  of  John  Brookhaven,  with  James 
Bridgman  as  chief  merchant,  was  intended  to  go  on  to  Hugli, 
in  Bengal,  for  the  purpose  of  founding  a  factory  there.  A  new 
arrangement  was  made  regarding  the  latter,  by  which  the  principal 
merchants  employed  were  to  bear  the  cost  of  the  factory  and  to  be 
remunerated  by  a  commission  on  all  goods  bought.  About  two 
months  later,  the  Love  and  the  Aleppo  Merchant  departed  for  Surat, 
followed  by  the  William  and  Golden  Fleece  for  Bantam.  Of  these 
eight  vessels  the  third,  fourth,  fifth,  and  sixth  had  been  fitted 
out  on  account  of  the  United  Joint  Stock;  the  William 
and  East  India  Merchant  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock;  and  the 
Advice  and  Golden  Fleece  for  the  Second  General  Voyage^.  All 
these  were  freighted  ships  except  the  William'^.  In  addition, 
the  little  India-built  vessel  called  the  Supply  was  purchased  from 
the  Fourth  by  the  United  Joint  Stock  to  carry  men  and  stores 
to  Assada,  and  then  to  proceed  to  Bantam.  Her  master's  com- 
mission {Marine  Records^  Miscellaneous^  vol.  iv,  no.  11)  is  dated 
May  I,  1650. 

Besides  ships  and  factors,  it  was  necessary  to  furnish  both  Surat 
and  Bantam  with  new  Presidents.  In  the  middle  of  February 
Aaron  Baker  was  asked  to  undertake  once  again  this  responsibility 
at  Bantam.  He  pleaded  for  a  respite,  pointing  out  that  for  seven- 
teen years  he  had  only  spent  one  twelvemonth  in  England ;  but  on  the 
Company  persisting  he  gave  way,  merely  stipulating  that  he  should 
be  allowed  to  take  with  him  his  wife  and  some  women  servants.  Cap- 
tain Jeremy  Blackman,  who  had  been  nominated  at  the  same  time 
to  fill  the  next  vacancy  in  the  post  of  President  at  Surat,  made  a  like 
demand,  and  the  Committees  agreed  to  permit  this  in  both  cases, 

^  These  two  were  afterwards  taken  over  by  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  upon  its  purchase 
of  the  remains  of  the  Second  General  Voyage. 

2  It  will  be  seen  from  p.  38  that  the  Commonwealth  officials  prevented  this  ship  from\ 
sailing  until  the  Company's  arms  had  been  substituted  for  those  of  the  late  king.  ) 


vi  COURT  MINUTES 

though  it  was  entirely  a  new  departure.  Blackman,  however,  declined 
on  reconsideration  to  accept  the  appointment  for  the  present. 

The  Committees  also  tackled  boldly  the  question  of  private  trade, 
which  had  been  a  bone  of  contention  between  the  Company  and  its 
servants  from  the  very  commencement  of  its  operations.  Recogniz- 
ing that  it  was  useless  to  attempt  the  suppression  of  this  illicit 
traffic,  especially  now  that  freighted  ships  were  being  used  in  place 
of  the  Company's  own  vessels,  the  Committees  decided  to  schedule 
the  commodities  which  they  desired  to  monopolize,  and  to  give 
leave  to  the  factors  and  seamen  to  bring  home  a  moderate  quantity 
of  other  classes  of  goods.  Later  in  the  year  (September  i6) 
elaborate  rules  were  laid  down  on  this  subject.  The  practical 
results,  however,  seem  to  have  been  small.  Everyone  who  had 
the  opportunity  of  taking  part  in  a  trade  yielding  such  high  profits 
was  naturally  eager  to  invest  his  own  stock  of  money  to  the  best 
advantage  ;  and  no  engagements  or  formal  prohibitions  sufficed  to 
prevent  broadcloth,  quicksilver,  and  coral  being  taken  out,  and 
calicoes,  indigo,  pepper,  and  silk  being  brought  home.  Only 
the  rigorous  confiscation  of  all  such  goods  could  avail  to  stop  this 
clandestine  traffic,  and  that  course  was  out  of  the  question  now  that 
the  Company's  charter  had  lost  its  validity.  Moreover,  stern 
measures  of  the  kind  would  naturally  lead  to  the  surreptitious 
embarking  or  landing  of  goods  in  the  Downs  or  elsewhere,  and 
already  there  was  too  much  of  this.  In  most  cases,  therefore,  the 
Committees,  while  doing  their  utmost  to  prevent  the  exportation 
of  competing  merchandise,  contented  themselves,  in  the  case  of  the 
goods  brought  home,  with  delaying  their  delivery,  and  exacting  the 
payment  of  a  heavy  freight ;  though  often,  when  settling  accounts 
with  a  returned  factor,  they  took  the  opportunity  to  mark  their 
disapproval  by  imposing  a  smart  fine  for  private  trading. 

Early  in  May  the  Endymion  and  Blessing  returned  from  Bantam 
with  cargoes  of  pepper  on  account  of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  ;  and 
thereupon  it  was  resolved  to  distribute  the  bulk  of  the  pepper 
among  the  shareholders,  each  to  take  to  the  value  of  50  per  cent, 
of  his  holding  and  to  pay  for  it  at  a  fixed  rate. 

It  had  been  part  of  the  scheme  of  the  Assada  Adventurers  to 
settle  a  colony  on  the  island  of  Pulo  Run,  in  the  Bandas,  which, 
though  recognized  as  British  by  the  Anglo-Dutch  Accord  of  1623, 


INTRODUCTION  vii 

had  ever  since  been  left  at  the  mercy  of  the  Hollanders,  who  had 
systematically  destroyed  the  nutmeg-trees  in  order  to  discourage  its 
reoccupation  by  their  rivals ;  and  one  of  the  articles  of  the  agree- 
ment between  those  adventurers  and  the  Company  had  stipulated 
that  the  island,  when  restored  to  England,  should  be  made  over  to 
the  new  stock.  It  was  also  contemplated  to  revive  the  claim  for 
damages  sustained  from  the  Dutch  in  past  years,  and  to  enlist  the 
aid  of  the  Commonwealth  government  to  this  end.  The  govern- 
ment, however,  had  other  occupations,  and  nothing  was  done  for 
some  time.  Meanwhile  on  June  21,  1650,  we  hear  of  revived  hopes 
of  recovering  some  compensation  from  the  Dutch  through  the 
agency  of  certain  private  individuals,  and  early  in  the  following 
month  the  adventurers  in  the  now  defunct  Third  Joint  Stock  were 
called  together  to  deliberate  upon  the  business,  they  being  considered 
to  be  principally  interested,  inasmuch  as  the  claims  upon  the  Dutch 
had  not  formed  part  of  the  assets  transferred  to  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock  on  its  formation.  A  committee  of  four  was  appointed  to 
pursue  the  matter,  all  present  being  pledged  to  secrecy.  These 
negotiations  produced  no  result,  and  the  Company  thereupon 
petitioned  Parliament,  alleging  that  the  Dutch  had  during  the  past 
twenty  years  inflicted  a  loss  on  them  of  two  millions  sterling,  and 
craving  redress.  On  November  14  the  petition  was  referred  to  the 
consideration  of  the  Council  of  State.  Nothing  more  is  heard  until 
May,  1 65 1,  when  the  Company  presented  a  fresh  memorial,  praying 
that  the  ambassadors  sent  to  Holland  should  be  instructed  to 
demand  satisfaction  for  the  said  losses.^ 

At  a  General  Court  of  Election  held  at  the  beginning  of  July, 
1650,  the  question  arose  whether  the  election  should  be  made  by 
the  shareholders  in  the  United  Joint  Stock  or  by  those  of  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock.  The  Assada  Adventurers  had  been  resolute  in  their 
opposition  to  the  old  form  of  government,  and  had  proposed  instead 
a   committee  of  fifteen   members  of  the  stock,  with  a  president 

1  From  a  letter  written  by  Princess  Mary  of  Orange  in  March,  1651  {Report  of  the 
Historical  MSS.  Commission  on  the  Heathcote  MSS.,  1899,  p.  4),  it  appears  that  the 
expected  proceeds  of  the  royal — as  distinct  from  the  Company's — claims  against  the 
Dutch  (see  the  1635-39  volume,  p.  303)  had  been  assigned  by  Charles  I  to  the  Prince  of 
Orange  in  part  satisfaction  of  the  Princess's  dowry,  and  that  later  on,  with  the  Prince's 
assent,  an  attempt  had  been  made  (but  in  vain)  to  raise  money  upon  them  to  relieve  the 
necessities  of  Charles  II. 


viii  COURT  MINUTES 

chosen  from  among  these,  either  monthly  or  by  rotation  ;  with  the 
result  that,  in  the  agreement,  the  mode  of  government  for  the  new 
stock  had  been  left  to  be  determined  subsequently  by  the  vote 
of  the  adventurers.  It  was  now  decided  to  appoint  two  sets 
of  Committees,  one  for  each  body ;  and  accordingly  the  United 
Joint  Stock  chose  thirteen  of  its  members,  including  Cokayne, 
Methwold,  Massingberd,  and  Maurice  Thomson,  while  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock  re-elected  Cokayne  as  Governor,  Methwold  as  Deputy, 
Massingberd  as  Treasurer,  and  added  five  new  Committees  to  the 
existing  nineteen. 

The  Committees  of  the  United  Joint  Stock  set  v^orously  to  work 
'  to  make  plans  for  the  next  season's  shipping ;  and  on  July  19  they 
provisionally  decided  to  freight  three  ships  for  dispatch  to  Surat, 
Bantam,  and  Madras  respectively.  Two  months  later  the  Eagle 
was  engaged  for  a  voyage  to  Surat ;  and  subsequently  a  frigate 
named  the  Welcome  was  hired  for  one  to  Assada  and  Madras,  while 
\  the  Anne  was  re-engaged  for  a  voyage  to  Bantam.  A  private 
vessel,  the  Recovery^  was  licensed  to  proceed  to  Assada,  carrying  out 
certain  settlers  at  the  Company's  expense,  with  permission  for  the 
vessel  to  proceed  afterwards  to  '  the  eastwards '  (p.  78). 

Early  in  August,  1650,  five  ships  arrived,  viz.  the  Eagle  from 
Surat,  and  the  Ruth^  Greyhound,  Farewell  and  A7ine  from  Bantam. 
Thereupon  a  division  of  25  per  cent,  in  pepper  was  ordered  to  be 
made  to  the  adventurers  of  the  Second  General  Voyage.  This  was 
a  real  dividend,  i.  e.  no  payment  was  to  be  demanded  for  the  goods. 
The  unfortunate  shareholders  in  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  on  the 
other  hand,  were  told  that  each  must  take,  and  pay  for,  another  lot 
of  pepper  to  the  value  of  50  per  cent,  of  his  holding,  in  order  to 
defray  the  indebtedness  of  the  stock.  A  week  later,  however,  this 
decision  was  suspended,  in  order  to  see  what  the  Dutch  intended  to 
do  with  the  large  quantity  of  pepper  they  had  lately  received.  In  the 
end  the  pepper  seems  to  have  been  sold  instead.  At  the  beginning 
of  October  a  further  dividend  of  12^  per  cent,  in  money  was  ordered 
to  be  made  to  the  adventurers  in  the  Second  General  Voyage. 

Meanwhile  the  estate  in  the  Indies  belonging  to  the  Second 
General  Voyage  had,  according  to  orders,  been  made  over  to  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stock,  and  intimation  had  been  received  that  the  latter 
was  in  consequence  indebted  to  the  former  to  the  extent  of  about 


INTRODUCTION  ix 

43,000/.,  for  which  sum  bills  were  drawn  from  Bantam  on  the  Joint 
Stock  in  favour  of  the  Voyage.  Later  on  in  the  year  (December  11) 
the  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  agreed  to  purchase  also 
the  remainder  of  the  calicoes  which  the  Voyage  had  in  hand  in  Lon- 
don. The  latter  was  thus  able  to  declare  a  further  dividend  of  25 
per  cent,  in  money  early  in  1651.  Another  division,  this  time  of  15 
per  cent.,  was  ordered  on  August  6  of  that  year,  one  of  12^  in 
January,  1652,  and  a  final  dividend  of  8 J  per  cent,  on  January  28, 
^^53'   This  gave  in  all  a  return  of  173/.  loj-.  for  every  100/.  invested. 

On  November  8, 1650,  Captain  Blackman  was  engaged  to  proceed 
to  Surat  as  President.  He  was  permitted  to  take  his  wife  and  two 
sons,  with  the  necessary  servants,  while,  as  a  further  concession,  his 
salary  of  500/.  was  to  commence  at  his  departure  from  England 
and  to  continue  until  his  arrival  home,  instead  of  beginning  and 
ending  in  India,  as  was  the  Company's  rule.  Further,  it  was  re- 
solved to  send  the  Blessing  to  Surat  as  well  as  the  Eagle,  both 
vessels  going  of  course  on  the  account  of  the  United  Joint  Stock. 
These  ships  sailed  on  April  i,  1651,  accompanied  by  the  Anne  for 
Bantam. 

During  his  voyage  out  to  Surat,  Blackman,  in  obedience  to  his 
instructions,  called  at  the  island  of  Assada,  but  only  to  find  that 
the  disheartened  settlers  had  abandoned  the  plantation  twelve 
months  before  his  arrival.  Of  the  proceedings  of  the  earliest  body 
of  colonists,  sent  out  in  the  Assada  Merchant  early  in  1649,  under 
the  care  of  Colonel  Robert  Hunt^  as  Governor,  we  know  very  little; 
but  they  appear  to  have  established  themselves  in  the  first  instance, 
not  upon  Assada  itself,  but  upon  a  smaller  island  in  the  neighbour- 
hood, which  they  called  Goats  Island.  Here  Hunt  and  a  number 
of  others  died ;  and  the  survivors,  growing  desperate,  embarked  in 
the  Assada  Merchant  and  went  to  the  mainland  of  Madagascar, 
where  the  master,  the  purser,  and  nine  others  were  enticed  ashore 
and  murdered.  The  rest  put  to  sea,  and  greatly  to  their  joy  espied 
an  English  vessel  riding  near  Assada  (June  29,  1650).  This  proved 
to  be  the  Bonito,  which,  with  her  consort  the  Lioness,  had  brought 

1  Among  the  Thomason  Tracts  at  the  British  Museum  is  (E  778)  an  eight-page. 
pamphlet  by  Hunt  upon  the  proposed  settlement.  It  gives  a  glowing  account  of  the 
island,  but  is  clearly  based  on  hearsay  evidence  only.  The  writer  more  than  once  com- 
pares Assada  with  Barbadoes,  the  successful  colonization  of  which  was  probably  a  main 
inducement  to  many  to  join  in  the  new  venture. 


X  COURT  MINUTES 

out  a  fresh  body  of  settlers  from  England.  It  was  now  decided  to 
attempt  a  plantation  upon  Assada,  a  spot  being  chosen  for  the 
purpose  at  the  southern  end  of  the  island.  The  colonists  and  their 
stores  were  landed,  with  provisions  for  six  months,  and  Sergeant- 
Major  Hartley  was  placed  in  charge ;  after  which  the  two  ships 
resumed  their  voyage,  leaving  behind  the  Assada  Merchant  and 
a  pinnace  for  the  use  of  the  settlers.  The  decision  to  make  this  further 
attempt  had  not  been  unanimous,  and  it  had  been  generally  agreed 
that,  unless  further  aid  came  from  England  by  the  end  of  August, 
the  enterprise  should  be  abandoned.  A  brief  experience  soon  con- 
firmed the  unfavourable  impressions  already  formed.  The  natives, 
as  was  natural,  maintained  a  hostile  attitude  towards  the  intruders 
and  cut  off  any  who  ventured  to  straggle  into  the  woods ;  whilst 
others  of  the  settlers,  ignorant  or  careless  of  the  precautions  neces- 
sary in  a  tropical  climate,  fell  victims  to  '  the  contagion  of  the  place '. 
So,  without  waiting  for  the  appointed  date,  the  remainder  on 
August  30,  1650,  embarked  in  their  two  small  vessels  and  made 
for  Surat,  where  they  arrived  on  October  5.  Most  of  them  were 
persuaded  to  enter  the  service  of  the  Company  as  seamen,  and  the 
rest  were  sent  home. 

Meanwhile  the  Supply,  with  about  forty  more  would-be  colonists, 
had  arrived  off  Assada  early  in  October,  1650,  but,  failing  to  find 
any  trace  of  a  settlement,  proceeded  to  the  mainland,  in  the  hope 
of  obtaining  information  from  the  natives  there.  The  latter  proving 
hostile,  a  return  was  made  to  Assada,  the  coast  of  which  was  again 
searched  in  vain  for  any  signs  of  the  colony,  and  it  was  then  resolved 
to  make  for  the  Comoros  to  obtain  provisions.  There  the  captain  was 
told  that  the  Assada  plantation  had  been  abandoned,  and  that  the 
survivors  had  gone  to  '  Martaledge ',  on  the  coast  of  Madagascar, 
intending  afterwards  to  make  for  Mozambique.  The  Supply  ac- 
cordingly followed,  hoping  to  transfer  her  passengers  to  the  Assada 
Merchant ;  but  naturally  nothing  was  to  be  heard  of  the  latter  at 
'  Martaledge ',  and  after  a  vain  struggle  against  adverse  winds  to  get 
to  Mozambique,  the  voyage  to  Bantam  was  resumed. 

Blackman  reached  St.  Augustine's  Bay  with  the  Eagle  and  Blessing 
in  the  middle  of  July,  1651.  There  he  learnt  the  failure  of  the 
colony  from  a  letter  left  by  the  Assada  Merchant,  which  had  been 
specially  sent  from  Surat  for  that  purpose ;  while  another  letter 


INTRODUCTION  xi 

informed  him  that  the  Welcome  had  arrived  at  St.  Augustine's  in 
May  (some  time  before  the  visit  of  the  Assada  Merchant)  and, 
ignorant  of  the  fate  of  the  plantation,  had  proceeded  to  Assada  to 
land  the  settlers  she  had  brought.  Her  consort,  the  Recovery^  had 
lost  company  at  sea,  but  was  expected  to  meet  her  at  that  island. 
Anxious  as  to  the  fate  of  these  two  vessels  and  their  predecessor 
the  Supply,  and  being  moreover  desirous  of  avoiding  a  breach  of 
contract  with  the  planters  on  board  the  Blessing,  Blackman  deter- 
mined to  proceed  to  Assada  with  his  two  ships.  The  island  was 
reached  early  in  August,  and  a  visit  was  paid  to  the  Governor,  who 
stoutly  denied  any  knowledge  of  an  English  plantation  and  refused 
to  permit  trade  without  the  sanction  of  his  master,  '  the  King  of 
Assada',  whose  residence  was  on  the  mainland.  There  being  no 
sign  of  the  vessels  of  which  he  was  in  search,  Blackman  resumed  his 
voyage  and  late  in  September  anchored  at  Swally,  where  he  found 
the  Recovery  just  arrived  with  her  disappointed  passengers,  most  of 
whom,  like  their  predecessors,  joined  the  Company's  service.  The 
Welcome  meanwhile  had  made  her  way  to  Fort  St.  George,  which 
she  reached  in  July,  1651  ;  and  there  she  landed  the  settlers  she 
had  on  board.  Both  ships  seem  to  have  touched  at  Assada  on 
their  way,  but  of  course  found  the  settlement  deserted.  Blackman 
himself  was  evidently  much  impressed  by  the  fertility  of  the  island 
and  regretted  its  somewhat  hasty  abandonment ;  but  he  admitted 
that  it  would  be  necessary  to  send  out  six  or  eight  hundred  men  to 
secure  the  settlement  against  the  hostility  of  the  natives,  and  that 
this  would  entail  an  expenditure  which  was  out  of  the  question. 
Thus  ended  an  experiment  which  had  been  begun  with  such  high 
hopes,  only  to  result  in  utter  failure. 

In  June,  1651,  the  United  Joint  Stock  at  last  took  over  from  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stock  the  main  burden  of  the  administration.  Most 
of  the  clerical  staff  were  re-engaged  by  the  new  body,  though 
others  were  dismissed,  including  all  the  officials  at  Blackwall  Yard, 
which  was  about  to  be  sold,  if  a  customer  could  be  found.  The 
earlier  stock,  however,  could  not  dissolve  until  it  had  realized  its 
estate  and  paid  its  debts ;  so  on  July  %  the  adventurers  met 
and  re-elected  the  Governor,  Deputy,  and  Treasurer,  and  filled  up 
some  gaps  among  the  Committees.  A  fortnight  later  the  share- 
holders in  the  United  Joint  Stock  elected  fifteen  Committees  to 


xii  COURT   MINUTES 

manage  their  affairs,  including  (as  before)  the  Governor,  Deputy, 
and  Treasurer, 

In  the  middle  of  June,  also,  the  Company  were  rather  disturbed 
by  intelligence  imparted  in  a  letter  from  the  well-known  traveller, 
Tavernier  (p.  109),  that  the  young  King  Charles  was  considering 
the  dispatch  of  an  ambassador  to  Persia  to  *  obstruct  their  trade ' 
(and  also  obtain  money,  if  possible,  from  the  Shah).  Tavernier  had 
been  much  in  Holland  about  this  time,  prosecuting  certain  claims 
against  the  Dutch  East  India  Company;  and  apparently,  having 
picked  up  this  piece  of  intelligence,  he  thought  it  worth  his  while 
to  communicate  it  to  the  English  Company,  at  the  same  time 
offering  to  carry  letters  for  them  to  India,  as  he  was  about  to  start 
on  a  fresh  journey  overland  to  that  country.  It  was  decided  to 
decline  his  offer  ^ ;  but  instructions  were  at  once  dispatched  to  Surat 
that,  should  any  such  ambassador  arrive  there,  he  was  at  once  to 
be  seized  and  sent  home.  The  embassy  did  not,  in  fact,  take  place 
until  1653,  when  Viscount  Bellomont  was  dispatched  by  way  of 
Smyrna  to  Persia  and  India,  and  took  with  him  from  Venice  as  an 
attendant  Niccolao  Manucci,  whose  well-known  narrative  is  our 
chief  authority  for  the  proceedings  of  the  ambassador.  The  mission 
to  the  Shah  proved  an  utter  failure,  and  Bellomont  then  pro- 
ceeded to  India  in  the  hope  of  succeeding  better  with  the  Great 
Mogul ;  but  he  died  at  Hodal  in  June,  1656,  before  anything  had 
been  effected. 

In  July,  1651,  the  Love,  the  Lioness^  and  the  East  India 
Merchant  are  mentioned  as  having  returned  from  the  East ;  while 
subsequent  references  show  that  the  William  and  the  Golden 
Fleece  arrived  at  the  same  time.  The  large  stock  of  pepper  thus 
brought  into  the  Company's  warehouses  enabled  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock  in  October  to  offer  each  shareholder  the  opportunity  of 
taking  out  pepper  at  a  shilling  per  pound  to  the  full  extent  of  his 
subscription ;  while  a  certain  Richard  Clutterbuck  promised  to 
purchase  all  that  should  be  left. 

By  this  time  events  were  moving  rapidly  towards  a  war  with 
Holland.     After  a  fierce  struggle  the  Commonwealth  had,  by  the 

^  Apparently  this  decision  was  reconsidered,  for  a  letter  from  the  Gombroon  factors 
(0.  C  2270)  records  the  arrival  of  Tavernier  at  that  place  in  April,  1652,  bringing 
a  letter  from  the  Company  addressed  to  the  President  and  Council  at  Surat. 


INTRODUCTION  xiii 

sword  of  Cromwell,  beaten  down  all  opposition  in  the  British 
Islands;  and  it  had  now  time  to  look  to  foreign  affairs  and 
to  assert  its  position  in  the  face  of  a  hostile  Europe.  Thanks 
to  Blake,  Prince  Rupert's  marauding  fleet  had  been  dispersed, 
Portugal  had  been  humbled,  and  Spain  had  been  induced  to 
recognize  the  new  republic ;  while  the  reduction  of  the  royalist 
garrisons  in  the  Channel  Islands  and  Scilly  and  the  organiza- 
tion of  regular  convoys  had  made  the  main  trade  routes  mode- 
rately safe  for  merchant  vessels.  France,  which  had  warmly 
welcomed  the  exiled  royal  family  and  had  permitted  her  subjects 
to  prey  unchecked  on  British  shipping,  was  punished  by  the  issue 
of  letters  of  marque  to  privateers,  which  retaliated  with  great  effect 
upon  the  commerce  of  the  French.  In  Holland,  where,  owing  to 
the  popularity  of  the  Princess  of  Orange,  daughter  of  the  late  King 
Charles,  much  sympathy  was  shown  for  the  royalist  cause,  there  was 
a  general  feeling  against  the  new  English  government.  The  mission 
of  St.  John  and  Strickland,  who  had  been  sent  to  the  Hague  in  the 
spring  of  1651,  to  treat  for  an  alliance  between  the  two  republics, 
proved  an  utter  failure ;  while  the  annoyance  caused  by  the 
breakdown  of  the  negotiations  was  accentuated  by  the  ill-treat- 
ment the  ambassadors  had  received  at  the  hands  of  some  Royalists 
at  the  Hague  itself.  There  seemed  to  be  no  further  reason  why 
England  should  study  Dutch  commercial  interests  in  any  way,  and 
the  pressure  of  mercantile  opinion,  which  was  now  far  more  power- 
ful in  a  Parliament  closely  in  touch  with  the  leading  merchants 
than  in  the  times  of  the  monarchy,  led  to  the  passing,  on  October  9, 
1 65 1,  of  the  celebrated  Navigation  Act,  which  was  chiefly  aimed  at 
the  enormous  carrying  trade  of  the  Dutch.  By  its  provisions  no 
goods  of  Asiatic^  African,  or  American  origin  could  be  introduced 
into  any  part  of  the  British  dominions,  except  in  vessels  owned  by 
Englishmen  or  English  colonists,  and  manned  by  crews  of  which 
a  majority  were  of  English  nationality ;  while  goods  of  European 
origin  could  only  be  imported  either  in  English  ships  or  in  the 
ships  of  the  countries  actually  producing  the  articles.  Moreover, 
salt-fish  could  only  be  imported  or  exported  in  English  vessels — 
a  proviso  specially  prejudicial  to  the  interests  of  the  Dutch  fisher- 
men.^ 

^  Acts  and  Ordinances  of  the  Interrepmniy  vol.  ii,  p.  559.     On  the  whole  subject  of 


xiv  COURT  MINUTES 

/      Alarmed   at  the  probable  consequences   of  this   measure,  the 
\  States-General  in  December,  1651,  dispatched  three  ambassadors 
\to  London.    Their  arrival  induced  the  East  India  Company  once 
S  again  to  bring  forward  their  claims  against  the  Dutch  for  losses 
/  received  in  the  East     In  the  previous  September  they  had  invoked 
the  aid  of  Cromwell  in  the  matter ;  but  the  great  man  had  replied 
rather  roughly  that  *  hee  had  soe  much  busines  for  the  publick  as 
bee  neither  could  nor  would  meddle  with  any  private  busines'. 
Now  a  petition  was  presented  to  the  Council  of  State,  and  by  them 
referred  to  the  Committee  for  Trade  and  Foreign  Affairs,  who  were 
furnished  with  a  detailed  account  of  the  Company's  grievances. 
The  Dutch  ambassadors,  however,  were  more  troubled  over  the 
loss  resulting  to  their  fellow  countrymen  from  the  operations  of  the 
English  privateers  holding  letters  of  reprisal  against  the  French. 
These  were  held  to  cover  the  seizure  of  Dutch  vessels  supposed  to 
have  French  goods  on  board ;  and  although  the  vessels  themselves 
were  always  released,  the  insecurity  thus  created  threatened  the  anni- 
hilation of  the  carrying  trade  in  such  goods.    For  these  proceedings 
the  ambassadors  could  obtain  no  redress ;  and  the  States-General  began 
to  make  preparations  for  strengthening  the  Dutch  navy  with  a  view 
to  eventualities.     In  April,  1653,  the  ambassadors  were  informed 
i   that  the  English  government  were  determined   to  carry  out  the 
\  Navigation  Act,  to  maintain  their  claim  to  the  North  Sea  fisheries, 
and  to  require  an  indemnity  for  the  losses  suffered  in  the  East  Indies 

1~^  and  elsewhere ;  and  although  a  more  conciliatory  attitude  was  adopted 
during  the  next  few  weeks,  the  two  navies  came  into  collision  in  the 
middle  of  May  over  the  old  question  of  the  striking  of  foreign  flags 
in  British  waters,  and  war  broke  out  at  the  end  of  June. 

The  Company's  fleet  for  1652  consisted  of  the  Smyrna  Merchant^ 
bound  for  Surat,  the  East  India  Merchant  and  Roebuck  for  Bantam, 
and  the  Love  for  the  Coromandel  Coast.  The  Roebuck  lost  sight 
of  England  on  the  first  day  of  the  year ;  the  rest  sailed  later. 
Although  on  March  10  the  shipping  of  the  treasure  was  ordered  to 
be  postponed, '  in  regard  of  some  disturbances  which  is  feared  might 
happen  by  the  Hollanders',  they  all  got  safely  away  from  the 
English  coast  in  March.     So  confident  were  the  Committees  that 

Dutch  and  English  relations  at  this  period  see  Dr.  Gardiner's  History  of  the  Common- 
wealtk  and  Protectorate. 


INTRODUCTION 

the  differences  with  the  Dutch  would  be  *fairely  composed'  that  in 
April  they  rejected  a  proposal  to  insure  the  shipping  expected  from 
the  East,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  the  United  Joint  Stock 
then  owed  34,000/.  more  than  it  had  means  in  England  to  pay. 
On  June  18,  however,  when  war  seemed  unavoidable,  a  policy  of 
insurance  for  40,000/.  was  ordered  to  be  drawn  up,  while  letters 
of  warning  were  sent  out  to  the  settlements  in  the  East ;  and  three 
days  later  a  petition  was  presented  to  the  Council  of  State,  begging 
for  the  assistance  of  some  men-of-war  for  convoying  the  expected 
ships  through  the  Channel.  The  Council  thereupon  sent  orders  to 
Plymouth  to  dispatch  two  small  vessels  to  cruise  off  the  Land's 
End,  to  warn  all  incoming  ships  of  their  danger  from  the  Dutch 
and  advise  them  to  seek  shelter  until  convoys  could  be  arranged ; 
and  a  little  later  the  Company  supplemented  this  by  arranging  for 
the  dispatch  of  other  vessels  on  a  similar  errand.  Towards  the 
end  of  July  the  Council  of  State  called  upon  the  Company  to  set 
out  some  vessels  against  the  Dutch ;  but  reply  was  made  that  until 
ships  arrived  from  the  East  the  Committees  were  totally  unable, 
from  want  of  means,  to  do  anything  of  the  kind. 

The  Fourth  Joint  Stock  was  still  the  figurehead  of  the  Company, 
and  even  the  borrowings  of  the  United  Joint  Stock  were  made  in 
the  name  of  the  older  body.  On  July  2, 1652,  therefore,  the  mem- 
bers of  the  latter  were  called  together,  to  elect  a  Governor,  Deputy, 
Treasurer  and  Committees,  in  accordance  with  the  charter. 
Cokayne,  Methwold,  and  Massingberd  were  re-appointed  to  the 
first  three  posts,  and  six  new  Committees  were  nominated.  At  the 
same  time,  as  the  amount  of  business  was  likely  to  be  small,  it  was 
intimated  that  every  one  would  be  expected  to  serve  without 
remuneration.  A  month  later  the  adventurers  in  the  United  Joint 
Stock  re-elected  thirteen  members  of  the  old  Committee,  and  added 
two  fresh  ones  to  fill  the  vacancies. 

In  August  news  was  received  that  the  Eagle  and  Aleppo  Mer- 
chant ^  were  safe  in  Plymouth  Harbour ;  and  a  few  weeks  later  they 
arrived  in  the  Thames,  together  with  the  Anne  and  the  Welcome, 

1  Her  commander,  John  Millet,  is  commemorated  by  a  tablet  in  the  south  aisle  of 
St.  Bartholomew  the  Great,  Smithfield.     On  this  it  is  stated  that : 

The  Turkey  and  the  Indian  trade 
Advantage  by  his  dangers  made. 


XVI 


COURT   MINUTES 


ry 


>K 


\\J 


In  the  Eagle  Thomas  Merry  returned,  having  handed  over  the  post 
of  President  at  Surat  to  Captain  Blackman  in  the  preceding 
January.  Merry  seems  to  have  been  ambitious  of  civic  honours, 
for  in  December,  1652,  he  was  elected  Alderman  of  Portsoken  Ward  ; 
but  three  months  later  he  obtained  his  discharge,  on  a  fine  of  500/. 
(information  from  the  Rev.  A.  B.  Heaven).  He  appears  to  have 
afterwards  settled  at  Friern  Barnet ;  but  he  did  not  long  survive  his 
return  from  India,  for  he  died  sometime  in  January,  1655. 

On  November  17,  1652,  the  news  that  an  interloping  ship,  the 
Dove^  was  being  prepared  for  dispatch  to  India  induced  the  Com- 
pany to  petition  the  Council  of  State  to  fo'rbid  the  voyage.  In 
reply  they  were  advised  to  come  to  some  settlement  with  the 
owners  of  the  vessel  ;  and  consequently  it  was  agreed  that  the 
Company  should  take  over  the  venture  and  freight  the  ship  for 
Surat.  With  her,  on  March  14, 1653,  went  the  Welcome^  bound  for 
the  same  port.  It  had  been  intended  that  the  Eagle  should  also 
,  be  sent  to  the  East ;  but  the  Commonwealth  fleet  needed  every 
-jailor  that  could  be  found  and  the  press-gangs  were  particularly 
'active.  The  result  was  that,  although  a  protection  order  was 
obtained  on  April  8  for  the  men  already  on  board — the  plea  being 
that  the  vessel  was  being  dispatched  to  fetch  saltpetre  for  the 
State — it  was  found  impossible  to  procure  the  additional  fifty 
needed.  A  petition  was  presented  to  the  Council  of  State,  asking 
that  these  should  be  supplied  from  the  fleet ;  but  the  request  was 
naturally  refused,  and  thereupon  it  was  resolved  to  postpone  the 
dispatch  of  the  ship  until  the  autumn.  In  the  meantime  she  was 
I  hired  by  the  Admiralty  and  took  her  share  of  knocks  and  losses, 
with  the  result  that  in  February,  1654,  her  owners  declared  that 
it  would  cost  1,000/.  to  make  good  the  damages  {^Cal.  Dom.  S.P.y 

1653-54,  p.  581). 

On  March  2,  1653,  there  is  an  ominous  mention  in  the  Minutes 
that  Methwold,  the  Deputy  Governor,  *  lyeth  very  weake ',  and  on 
the  9th  he  is  referred  to  as  *  deceased  *.  From  other  sources  we 
learn  that  he  died  on  March  5  at  his  residence,  Hale   House  ^, 

1  Afterwards  known  as  Cromwell  House,  from  a  tradition  (apparently  baseless)  that 
.the  Protector  resided  in  it  for  a  time.  It  stood  on  the  north  side  of  the  present  Cromwell 
Road,  but  was  demolished  about  1890.  Some  almshouses  founded  by  Methwold  in  the 
same  neighbourhood  were  removed  in  1865,  on  the  construction  of  the  Underground 
Railway. 


INTRODUCTION  xvii 

Brompton,  and  was  buried  five  days  later  in  Kensington  Church. 
The  loss  to  the  Company  was  severe.  During  his  twenty-three 
years  in  India,  Methwold  had  proved  himself  one  of  the  ablest 
of  its  servants,  and  his  agreement  with  the  Portuguese  Viceroy 
in  1635  is  a  landmark  in  the  early  history  of  the  British  in  that 
country;  while  since  his  return  his  sagacity  and  strength  of 
character  had  been  of  the  greatest  value  in  very  difficult  circum- 
stances. 

Methwold's  place  as  Deputy-Governor  was  filled  on  July  6  by 
the  election  of  Alderman  Andrew  Riccard  ;  and  at  the  same  meet- 
ing Cokayne  was,  in  spite  of  his  entreaties,  again  elected  Governor^ 
and  Massingberd  Treasurer.  On  the  same  day  a  general  court 
of  the  adventurers  in  the  Third  Joint  Stock  was  held,  at  which 
a  strong  committee  was  appointed  to  follow  up  the  attempt  to 
obtain  satisfaction  from  the  Hollanders  for  the  losses  sustained  i 
by  the  Company.  The  members  of  the  committee  were  to  pay' 
all  expenses,  on  promise  of  being  refunded  double  the  amount, 
if  successful,  besides  a  commission  on  whatever  should  be  recovered. 
The  war  was  going  steadily  in  favour  of  England,  and  there  seemed 
to  be  a  good  prospect  of  the  Dutch  being  forced  to  submit  to  the 
demands  that  had  been  made  upon  them  ;  but  the  immediate  cause 
of  the  appointment  of  the  committee  was  doubtless  the  arrival  in 
England  of  four  Dutch  commissioners,  who  had  come  over  to  learn 
on  what  terms  peace  could  be  procured.  These  informal  negotia- 
tions continued  all  the  rest  of  the  year  ;  and  it  was  in  the  course  of 
them  that  the  astounding  suggestion  was  made  to  the  commis- 
sioners— with,  it  is  said,  Cromwell's  approval — that,  in  return  for  \  j  f 
a  free  hand  in  America  (Brazil  excepted)  the  English  should 
abandon  all  Asia  to  the  Dutch,  who  were  to  compensate  the  East 
India  Company  for  its  loss  of  the  trade  (Gardiner's  History, 
vol.  iii,  p.  49). 

Meanwhile,  in  the  East  the  Company  was  suffering  severe  losses 
at  the  hands  of  the  Dutch.  The  latter  could  not  attack  the 
English  factories,  for  fear  of  offending  the  monarchs  in  whose 
dominions  these  were  situated ;  but  they  diligently  searched  the 
high  seas  and  captured  English  vessels  wherever  they  could  find 
them.  In  the  middle  of  February,  1653,  the  Roebuck  and  Lamzerety^  \ 
on  their  way  from  Gombroon  to  Surat,  encountered  three  Dutch;  | 


xvui  COURT   MINUTES 

ships  and  were  taken  after  a  slight  resistance.     A  little  later  the 

/  Blessing  shared  the  same  fate,  while  the  Supply  was  driven  ashore, 

/where  she  yielded  on  composition.     On  July  ii  the  pinnace  Dove, 

returning  from  Macassar  to  Bantam,  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 

Hollanders.      At  the  beginning  of  the  next  year  the  Endeavour -> 

which  had  taken  refuge  under  the  guns  of  the  Persian  castle  at 

Ormus,  was  rescued  by  the  Falcon^    Welcome^  and  Dove  (not  the 

vessel  just  mentioned),  which  had  been  sent  from  Surat  for  that 

purpose.     On   their  way  back,  however,  they  were  attacked   off 

I ,  Larlbandar  by  five  Dutch  ships,  with  the  result  that  the  Falcon  was 

I  j  captured  and  the  Endeavour  was  sunk.     The  other  two  made  good 

their  escape.     A  lively  description  of  the  fight  is  given  by  Taver- 

nier,  who  was  on  board  one  of  the  Dutch  vessels  (Ball's  edition, 

vol.  i,  p.  31a). 

j       Early  in  July,  1653,  news  came  that  the  Smyrna  Merchant  from 

f   Surat  had  reached  Falmouth  in  safety,  though  not  without  a  brush 

off  the  Lizard  with  two  Dutch  privateers ;  and  a  month  later  she 

was  brought  into  the  Thames.     As  a  result  a  first  division  of  loj. 

per  cent,  in  money  to  the  members  of  the  United  Joint  Stock  was 

ordered  on  September  ai.     Two  more  ships  returning  from  the 

^^teast — the  East  India  Merchant  and  the  Love — got   safely   into 

Plymouth  at  the  end  of  July  and  August  respectively ;  and  after 

some  delay  they  also  were  brought  round  to  the  Thames  under 

convoy. 

On  August  5  the  United  Joint  Stock  reappointed  its  committee 
of  management.  A  resolution  passed  in  February,  1650,  to  the 
effect  that  no  more  shipping  should  be  sent  out  after  Midsummer, 
1653,  was  next  considered.  It  was  pointed  out  that,  as  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock  was  merely  waiting  to  realize  its  estate  and  wind  up, 
the  United  Joint  Stock  was  in  effect  the  East  India  Company  and 
the  duty  of  continuing  the  trade  devolved  upon  its  shareholders. 
A  question  was  raised,  however,  as  to  the  exact  financial  position  of 
the  venture ;  and  as  this  could  not  be  accurately  known  until  the 
cargoes  just  received  were  examined,  the  consideration  of  the 
matter  was  postponed. 

A  little  later  it  was  decided  to  open  a  subscription  to  fit  out 
privateers  against  the  Dutch  in  the  East,  and  for  this  purpose  the 
Council  of  State  was  asked  to  lend  five  or  six  frigates.     As  nothing 


INTRODUCTION  xix 

more  is  heard  of  the  matter,  it  may  be  concluded  that  the  project 
proved  a  failure. 

In  September,  1(553,  letters  were  sent  to  Persia,  directing  that, 
as  the  sea  route  was  now  so  dangerous,  owing  to  the  war,  a  quantity 
of  raw  silk  should  be  purchased  and  sent  overland  to  Aleppo  and 
Smyrna,  whence  it  was  to  be  forwarded  in  the  Levant  Company's 
ships  (pp.  287,  302)  ;  nothing,  however,  came  of  this. 

The  death  of  John  Massingberd  in  November,  1 653,  left  the  post 
of  Treasurer  vacant.  The  Committees  of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
decided  that  it  was  unnecessary  to  appoint  a  successor,  *  because  this 
stocke  hath  noe  more  trade  ',  and  resolved  to  leave  the  duties  in  the 
hands  of  a  cashier,  under  the  superintendence  of  some  of  the  Com- 
mittees of  the  United  Joint  Stock.  The  latter  Stock  on  its  part 
appointed  a  committee  of  three,  including  the  Deputy  Governor, 
to  supervise  the  Treasury,  the  work  of  which  was  to  be  done  by  the 
cashier,  Michael  Dunckin,  with  the  aid  of  a  clerk.  Thus  the  post 
of  Treasurer  was  put  into  commission. 

A  division  of  25  per  cent,  in  pepper  to  the  adventurers  in  the 
United  Joint  Stock  was  decided  upon  at  a  meeting  held  on  Decem- 
ber 9,  1653.     It  was  also  resolved  to  divide  the  cardamoms  and 
benzoin  as  far  as  they  would  go ;  but  the  value  of  this  dividend 
is  not  stated.     On  March  8,  1654,  a  further  dividend  of  i6|  per 
cent. — this  time  in  money — was  ordered  to  be  made.     Of  a  division  :   i 
on  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  there  was  as  yet  no  prospect,  and  in  /  I 
fact  none  had  been  made  by  the  end  of  1654.     As  a  result  thef   / 
shares  were  fetching  only  20  (p.  285)  or  30  (p.  354)  per  cent,  of  their,  1 
nominal  value.  ' 

The  only  ship  sent  to  India  by  the  Company  for  this  season  was  \ 
the  Eagle,  with  a  stock  of  about  6,000/.     This  seems  to  have  been     ) 
due,  partly  to  the  fact  that  the  adventurers  had  not  yet  definitely    ■ 
sanctioned  the  extension  of  the  limit  fixed  for  the  operations  of 
the  United  Joint  Stock,  and  partly  to  fear  of  the  Dutch.     This  | 
partial   abandonment   of   the    trade   emboldened   certain   private 
individuals  to  send  a  small  vessel,  the  Alum,  on  their  own  account    , 
to  Balasore.     Maurice  Thomson  proposed  to  dispatch  another  to    ' 
the  Coast,  though  this  intention  was  afterwards  abandoned,  and 
the  Company  (February  10)  decided  to  send  one   thither  itself. 
The  Katherine  was  accordingly  freighted  for  this  purpose  ;  but  the 

ba 


XX  COURT  MINUTES 

owners  raised  many  difficulties  as  to  her  proceeding  on  the  voyage, 
and  it  was  not  until  May  i6,  1654,  that  these  were  got  over  and  the 
vessel  sailed. 

In  April,  1654,  the  hostilities  with  Holland  were  terminated  by 
the  signature  o!  a  treaty  of  peace.    Each  State  agreed  to  expel  the 
enemies  or  rebels  of  the  other — a  clause  aimed   chiefly  at  the 
Royalists  who  were  intriguing  against  the  Commonwealth  from  the 
shelter  of  Dutch  cities.     The  Dutch  admitted  the  English  claim  to 
a  salute  to  the  flag  in  British  waters,  and  undertook  to  do  justice 
on  those  responsible  for  the  Amboyna  tragedy.     The  English  and 
Dutch  claims  for  compensation  for  losses  suffered  in  the  Eastern 
seas  and  elsewhere  previous  to  the  outbreak  of  the  war  were  referred 
J  to  arbitrators  selected  by  the  two  nations,  with  a  proviso  that,  if 
I  these  failed  to  agree  within  three  months,  the  decision  was  to  be 
(left  to  the  Protestant  Cantons  of  Switzerland.^ 
N    The  Company  lost  no  time  in  seeking  directions  from  Cromwell 
(now  the  Lord  Protector)  as  to  the  course  to  be  taken  regarding 
the  choice  of  arbitrators  on  the  English  side  ;  and  on  May  1 1  four 
names  were  submitted  to  and  approved  by  His  Highness,  two  of 
them  being  merchants  (William  Thompson  and  Thomas  Kendall) 
and  two  lawyers  (Dr.  John  Exton^  and  William  Turner).     Soon 
after,  the  four  Dutch  commissioners  arrived  in  London  and  the 
iiegotiations  were  commenced.     The  English  Company  presented 
( a  claim  demanding  the  restitution  of  the  islands  of  Pulo  Run  and 
)  Lantore,  in  the  Bandas,  besides  damages  amounting  to  2,695,990/. 
"j  155-.,  to  say  nothing  of  interest  which,  it  was  hinted,  would  largely 
(increase  the  liability.     As  a  further  move,  a  claim  was  preferred  to 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  at  which  the  Dutch  had  recently  estab- 
lished a  settlement ;  and  satisfaction  was  also  asked  for  the  capture 
of  the  four  ships  in  the  Persian  Gulf,  though  admittedly  this  claim 
was  barred  by  the  terms  of  the  treaty.     With  regard  to  the  details  of 
the  statement,  it  may  be  remarked  that  a  large  proportion  of  the 
sum  claimed  was  for  losses  alleged  to  have  been  sustained  by  the 

1  The  original  treaty  is  now  in  the  Public  Record  Office  (S.P.F.  Treaties,  300),  having 
been  purchased  from  a  private  collection  in  1766.  The  text  is  printed  (in  Latin)  in 
Dumont's  Corps  Universel  Diplomatique  (vol.  vi,  part  ii,  p.  74),  while  an  English  version 
will  be  found  at  p.  67  of  vol.  iii  of  a  Collection  of  7><?a//<?x  published  in  1732  (British 
Museum,  594.  b.  7). 

2  Judge  of  the  Court  of  Admiralty. 


INTRODUCTION  xxi 

non-surrender  of  the  two  islands,  of  which  Pulo  Run  undoubtedly- 
belonged  to  the  English,  though  they  had  made  no  serious  attempt 
to  take  it  over,  while  to  Lantore  their  pretensions  were  more  doubtful. 
Of  the  other  items,  450,000/.  was  demanded  as  the  English  share  of 
the  Dutch  profits  in  the  other  spice  islands,  and  to  this  it  was  no 
doubt  answered  that  the  claim  was  made  under  a  treaty  which  the 
English  themselves  had  failed  to  carry  out :  600,000/.  was  set  down 
as  damages  caused  to  English  trade  by  the  Dutch  making  war  on 
the  King  of  Bantam — which  they  had  surely  a  right  to  do  without 
considering  the  interests  of  neutral  parties :  while  the  claims  of 
130,000/.  on  account  of  the  non-payment  by  the  Hollanders  of 
customs  at  Gombroon,  and  of  77,200/.  for  money  alleged  to  have 
been  lost  through  the  Dutch  protecting  certain  junks  at  Surat 
in  1624,  were  equally  flimsy.  The  Dutch,  not  to  be  outdone,  pro- 
duced claims  amounting  to  2,919,861/.  ^s.  6d.,  most  of  which  had 
quite  as  slight  a  foundation.^  The  cost  of  the  blockade  of  Bantam 
and  the  consequent  loss  of  trade  accounted  for  half  of  the  amount 
claimed ;  while  the  bulk  of  the  rest  was  for  expenses  alleged  to 
have  been  incurred  owing  to  the  non-fulfilment  by  the  English  of 
their  obligations  under  the  Treaty  of  Defence.  In  their  award, 
which  was  made  on  August  30,  1654,  the  Commissioners  wisely 
abstained  from  giving  any  reasons  for  their  decision,  though  they 
were  probably  influenced  by  the  fact  that  some  years  previously 
the  English  had  been  willing  to  accept  700,000  guilders  in  settle- 
ment of  their  claims,  while  the  Dutch  were  prepared  to  waive  their 
own  demands  and  pay  500,000  guilders.^  The  Dutch  Company 
was  now  ordered  to  pay  to  its  English  rival  in  full  satisfaction  the 
sum  of  85,000/.  in  two  equal  instalments  by  the  end  of  January  and 
March,  1655,  respectively,  and  3,615/.  to  the  representatives  of 
those  who  had  suffered  at  Amboyna :  Pulo  Run  was  to  be  restored 
to  the  English  in  its  present  condition,  after  the  Dutch  had 
removed  their  own  stores,  etc. :  and  no  claim  was  to  be  made  in 
future  upon  the  Dutch  for  customs  at  Gombroon.  Both  sides  \j 
seem  to  have  been  satisfied  with  the  result:   the  English  because 

*  They  are  set  out  in  full  in  the  Commissioners'  award :   see  Dumont,  ut  supra,  p.  88, 
and  Collection  of  Treaties,  vol.  iii,  p.  119. 

*  See  the  1640-43  volume,  p.  xviii.      On  pp.  198,  203  of  the  present  volume  the  sum 
which  the  English  Company  agreed  to  accept  in  1640  is  given  as  80,000/. 


y 


xxii  COURT  MINUTES 

\  they  had  obtained  substantial  compensation  after  having  despaired 

1'  of  recovering  anything :  the  Dutch  because  a  troublesome  dispute 
had  at  last  been  settled  (Thurloe's  State  Papers,  vol.  ii,  p.  592). 
In  the  meantime,  on  May  10,  1654,  a  general  meeting  had  been 
held  to  consider  the  best  means  of  carrying  on  the  trade. 
Considerable  diversity  of  opinion  was  manifested,  some  favouring 
the  formation  of  another  Joint  Stock,  while  others  advocated  the 
organization  of  the  trade  on  the  lines  of  the  Turkey  Company, 
in  which  the  members  traded  separately  under  the  general  super- 
vision of  the  directorate  and  its  officials.  In  the  end,  a  large 
committee  was  appointed  to  consider  the  matter.  At  the  same 
time  sanction  was  given  to  the  dispatch  of  the  East  India  Merchant 
to  Bantam,  mainly  to  fetch  home  the  goods  awaiting  shipment 
'  there.  An  entry  under  June  2  seems  to  show  that  Maurice 
Thomson  was  then  concerned  in  sending  out  a  vessel  named  the 
Jonathan  to  Bantam  independently  of  the  Company. 

In  the  middle  of  June  the  Company  lost  its  Secretary,  Richard 
Swinglehurst,  who  had  held  the  post  since  Christmas,  164 1.  Both 
Stocks  refused  to  appoint  a  successor  for  the  present ;  but  John 
Stanyan,  who  had  been  employed  by  Swinglehurst  as  his  assistant, 
was  taken  into  the  Company's  service  and  directed  to  discharge  the 
current  duties  of  the  office.  Three  months  later,  the  death  of 
Valentine  Markham  left  the  post  of  Auditor  vacant ;  whereupon 
John  Pauls,  Markham's  son-in-law,  was  appointed. 

Another    general    court    was    held    on    June   8,   when    it  was 
announced  that  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  question 
had  come  to  the  conclusion  that  the  trade  could  best  be  carried 
on  by  the  formation  of  a  new  Joint  Stock ;  and  in  this  opinion 
,  the    members    present    concurred.      A   petition  was    accordingly 
presented  to  Cromwell  towards  the  end  of  August,  praying  him 
to  confirm  the  Company's  charter  and  to  forbid  the  dispatch  of 
interloping  vessels ;  and  another  to  the  same  effect  was  submitted 
^  in   the   following    October.      Evidently,   however,   there   was    an 
I  influential  section,  headed  by  Maurice  Thomson,  that  advocated 
\  a  total  change  of  system  ;  and  these  found  powerful  support  outside. 
iDuring  the  rest  of  the  year  we  find  the  two  parties  arguing  the 
matter  between  them  and  laying  their  schemes  before  the  Pro- 
tector and   his   Council.     Cokayne  and   his  adherents  wished  to 


INTRODUCTION  xxiii 

follow  the  practice,  which  had  existed  since  the  foundation  of  the 
Company,  of  trading  as  a  Joint  Stock  and  leaving  the  management 
of  everything  to  a  central  body  in  London  and  its  servants  in  the 
East.  The  Thomson  party,  on  the  other  hand,  contended  that  this 
system  had  proved  a  failure  and  that  the  time  had  come  for 
allowing  each  member  of  the  Company  to  trade  for  himself, 
employing  his  own  ships  and  factors,  the  functions  of  the  Company 
being  confined  to  an  impartial  supervision  of  its  members  and  of 
the  necessary  ofificials  in  the  East.  Both  parties  laid  their  conten- 
tions before  the  Protector  in  Council  and  the  pros  and  cons  were 
diligently  argued.  It  was  the  old  controversy  as  to  the  relative 
advantages  of  the  joint  stock  and  the  '  regulated  '  systems  of  foreign 
trade,  and  the  arguments  ran  mostly  on  familiar  lines.  It  may  be 
noted,  however,  that  both  sides  assumed  that  in  future  more 
support  and  protection  might  be  expected  from  the  Government. 
One  document  submitted  on  behalf  of  the  advocates  of  a  joint  trade 
(p.  ^^^)  proposed  that  in  future  the  Company's  Presidents  should 
be  'qualified  with  the  authoritye  and  style  of  a  publicke  person 
and  reside  in  those  parts  as  an  Agent  from  His  Highness  on 
behalfe  of  the  nation ' ;  while  Thomson's  proposals  included  the 
acquisition  of  '  a  nationall  interest  in  some  towne  in  India,  to  make 
the  scale  of  trade  for  those  parts '.  Another  paper  (p.  ^^y)  on  the 
same  side  is  remarkable  for  suggesting  that  the  trade  might  be 
farmed  out  by  the  State  in  return  for  a  payment  of  200,000/,  a  year. 
In  these  proposals  we  see  the  influence  of  the  Protector's  vigorous 
foreign  policy,  and  the  hopes  it  inspired  in  the  breasts  of  English 
merchants.  Cromwell  himself,  it  seems,  viewed  with  favour  the  pro- 
posed acquisition  of  a  nationall  interest '  in  India,  for  the  suggestion 
was  made  that  for  this  purpose  the  cession  of  Bassein  and  Bombay, 
on  the  coast  of  India,  and  Mozambique,  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  might 
be  obtained  from  the  Portuguese.  Current  rumour  certainly 
ascribed  to  the  Protector  a  leaning  towards  the  views  of  Thomson 
and  his  associates,  for  a  letter  in  Thurloe's  State  Papers  (vol.  iii,  , 
p.  80)  dated  early  in  January,  1655,  declares  that  the  merchants 
of  Amsterdam  were  greatly  disturbed  by  news  from  London  that  1 , 
it  was  Cromwell's  intention  to  dissolve  the  present  East  India// 
Company  and  declare  the  trade  free  and  open.  The  Protector, 
however,  was  much  too  busy  at  this  time  to  make  up  his  mind  on 


xxiv  COURT  MINUTES 

such  a  momentous  question.  After  long  vacillation  between  an 
alliance  with  France  or  Spain,  he  had  at  last  decided  to  attack  the 
latter  power;  and  in  December  Penn  and  Venables  sailed  with 
a  strong  fleet  for  the  West  Indies.  At  home  he  was  confronted 
with  a  host  of  difficulties.  A  new  Parliament  had  met  in 
September,  but  had  soon  shown  a  disposition  to  question  his 
authority  and  to  object  to  his  control  of  the  army,  the  strength 
of  which  it  also  sought  to  reduce ;  and  meanwhile  Royalist  in- 
trigues and  plots  continued  incessantly.  Small  wonder,  therefore, 
that  the  Protector  left  alone  the  question  of  trade  with  the  East 
Indies,  while  he  grappled  with  the  more  urgent  problems  that 
beset  him. 
rj  Meanwhile  the  trade  lay  practically  open,  for  the  resolution 
passed  in  January,  1650,  by  the  now  discredited  Long  Parliament 

I  was  no  longer  a  deterrent.  Both  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and  the 
United  Joint  Stock  were  practically  at  the  end  of  their  resources ; 
while  there  was  no  prospect  of  any  fresh  Stock  being  started  until 
the  Protector  should  come  to  a  decision.  Some  private  adventurers 
thereupon  determined  to  send  out  ships  on  their  own  account  and, 
as  they  mostly  professed  an  intention  of  bringing  back  saltpetre  for 
the  use  of  the  State,  they  had  no  difficulty  in  obtaining  permission 

Hto  ship  out  foreign  silver.  In  a  memorial  presented  by  Thomson 
on  December  5  mention  is  made  of  no  less  than  fourteen  vessels 
having  been  prepared  for  dispatch  to  the  East  by  himself  and  his 

t  Associates. 

The  uncertainty  of  the  situation  did  not  prevent  the  United  Joint 
Stock  from  attempting  to  make  what  they  could  out  of  it.  To- 
wards the  end  of  September  the  Committees  resolved  to  dispatch 
a  vessel  to  the  Coromandel  Coast  under  a  couple  of  supercargoes, 
who  were  to  buy  piece-goods  there,  carry  them  to  Macassar  for 
sale,  and  lade  cloves  at  that  port  for  the  return  voyage.  The 
Three  Brotlurs  was  freighted  for  the  purpose  and  placed  under 
the  charge  of  William  Curtis  and  John  Chambers.  Further,  in 
December  it  was  decided  to  send  an  expedition  to  take  over  Pulo 
Run  from  the  Dutch  and  plant  and  fortify  it.  By  the  agreement 
made  in  1649  the  island  had  been  recognized  as  the  property  of  the 
United  Joint  Stock,  and  doubtless  the  Committees  thought  that  it 
would  be  a  valuable  asset,  whatever  might  be  the  future  of  the  trade. 


INTRODUCTION  xxv 

Besides  the  agreement  with  Holland,  a  treaty  was  in  1654  con- 
cluded with  Portugal.^  The  negotiations  had  lasted  a  long  time 
and,  although  the  preliminaries  were  agreed  to  in  April,  1653,  it 
was  not  until  July  10,  1654,  that  the  Portuguese  ambassador  affixed 
his  signature.  Even  then,  his  sovereign  delayed  the  ratification 
until  May,  1656,  when  the  presence  of  Blake's  fleet  in  Portuguese 
waters  rendered  a  fav^ourable  decision  advisable.  By  this  instrument 
the  right  of  English  merchants  to  trade  freely  with  the  Portuguese 
possessions  in  the  East  was  at  last  formally  conceded. 

A  few  miscellaneous  topics  remain  to  be  noticed.  In  the  first 
volume  of  the  present  series  the  story  was  related  of  the  bargain  by 
which  in  1640  King  Charles,  being  in  urgent  need  of  money  for  his 
campaign  against  the  Scots,  bought  up  on  credit  the  Company's 
stock  of  pepper  and  then  disposed  of  it  for  cash.  Bonds  for  the 
prompt  payment  of  the  instalments  of  the  purchase-money  were  given 
by  Lord  Cottington  and  the  then  Farmers  of  the  Customs ;  but 
first  the  necessities  of  the  Exchequer  and  then  the  outbreak  of  the 
Civil  War  prevented  the  finding  of  the  necessary  cash  ;  and  the 
only  recovery  made  by  the  Company  during  the  first  few  years  was 
a  sum  of  about  13,000/.,  which  they  kept  back  from  the  customs 
payable  to  the  royal  treasury.  This  left  a  debt  of  over  50,000/. — 
a  serious  amount  for  the  Company  to  lose.  Yet  it  was  not  easy  to 
see  how  to  recover  anything,  for  Lord  Cottington's  estates  had 
been  confiscated  and  put  to  other  uses  ^ ;  while  the  ex-Farmers 
of  the  Customs,  though  they  included  such  wealthy  men  as  Sir 
Paul  Pindar,  Sir  Nicholas  Crispe,  Sir  Job  Harby,  Sir  John  Jacob,  and 
Sir  John  NuUs^  were  practically  bankrupt,  unless  they  could  induce 
Parliament  to  accept  liability  for  the  large  sums  they  had  laid  out 
in  the  service  of  the  King.  In  1649,  as  we  have  seen,  a  sum  of 
4,000/.  was  extracted  from  Lord  Dirletoun,  another  of  the  securities  ; 
but  this  was  all  that  had  been  yet  recovered.  Nothing  practical 
was  effected  in  1650  and  1651,  apparently  because  the  negotiations 

1  Dumont,  ut  supra,  p.  82  ;  Collection  of  Treaties,  vol.  iii,  p.  97. 

2  An  ordinance  of  October  8,  1645,  included  them  among  other  estates  on  which  a 
charge  of  6,000/.  annually  was  leviable  towards  the  payment  of  an  allowance  of  8,000/. 
to  the  Prince  Elector  {Acts  and  Ordinances  of  the  Interregnum^  vol.  i,  p.  784)  ;  while  in 
1649  the  2,000/.  a  year  settled  by  Parliament  on  John  Bradshaw,  President  of  the  Council 
of  State,  was  also  charged  upon  Cottington's  estates  {Calendar  of  Committee  for 
Compounding,  part  i,  p.  146). 


xxvi  COURT  MINUTES 

between  the  Government  and  the  ex- Farmers  were  still  unconcluded. 
On  April  7,  165a,  the  latter  assured  the  Company  that  they  were  in 
hopes  of  obtaining  an  order  for  the  sale  of  three  forests  belonging  to 
the  late  King,  in  order  to  discharge  their  liabilities  ;  whereupon  the 
matter  was  once  more  allowed  to  stand  over.  At  the  beginning 
of  September,  as  nothing  had  been  effected  in  this  business,  orders 
were  given  to  take  legal  action  against  two  of  the  guarantors  and 
the  widow  of  a  third,  also  to  threaten  Harby  and  Nulls  with  bank- 
ruptcy proceedings.  This  brought  fresh  assurances  that  progress 
was  really  being  made  towards  a  settlement  of  the  debt  due  to  the 
ex-Farmers  from  the  Government,  and  so  the  bankruptcy  proceed- 
ings were  stayed. 

On  December  8  a  new  proposal  was  made.  Sir  Nicholas  Crispe 
and  his  colleagues  were  endeavouring  to  procure  an  Act  of  Parlia- 
ment whereby  certain  of  the  late  King's  lands  were  to  be  made  over 
to  them  at  a  cheap  rate,  provided  they  could  furnish  the  Government 
with  a  large  cash  advance  as  well,  equivalent  to  the  amount  of  the 
debt  to  be  discharged.^  It  was  suggested,  therefore,  that  the 
Company  should  undertake  to  pay  a  sum  equal  to  about  one-fourth 
of  the  debt,  on  the  understanding  that  they  would  then  receive 
payment  in  land  for  both  debt  and  cash.  On  these  terms  the 
Company  agreed  to  offer  25,000/.,  stipulating,  however,  that  the 
matter  must  be  settled  by  the  following  Lady  Day.  The  date 
passed  without  anything  having  been  effected,  and  so  the  Com- 
mittees gave  instructions  that  the  debtors  should  be  '  followed  with 
a  statute  of  bankrupt '.  One  of  them — Sir  John  Nulls — died  on 
June  39,  and  three  others  (Jacob,  Harby,  and  Crispe)  on  the  same 
day  made  an  offer  of  6s.  Sd.  in  the  pound  on  their  several  shares  of 
the  debt,  computing  these  at  4,000/.  each,  at  the  same  time  promis- 
ing to  continue  their  endeavours  to  induce  the  State  to  assign  land 
enough  to  enable  them  to  clear  off  the  rest  of  the  debt.  This 
proposal  was  refused ;  but  in  August  an  agreement  was  concluded 
between  the  ex- Farmers  on  the  one  hand  and  the  Company,  and 
various  creditors  on  the  other,  under  which,  it  would  seem  (pp.  2,6^, 
2,yS),  the  Company's  claim  was  to  be  settled  by  the  payment  of 
one-third  in  cash  and  the  transfer  of  land  (when  obtained)  to  the 

^  This  method — known  as  *  doubling ' — was  much  resorted  to  in  Commonwealth  finance 
(see  Gardiner's  History,  vol.  i,  p.  85,  vol.  ii,  p.  201). 


INTRODUCTION       '  xxvii 

value  of  the  remainder.  However,  we  hear  no  more  till  September 
2,8,  when  Jacob,  Harby,  and  Crispe  declared  that  they  had  at  last 
obtained  the  consent  of  Parliament  to  the  desired  bargain  regarding 
the  crown  lands,  whereupon  a  committee  was  appointed  to  co- 
operate. 

The  Act  for  selling  the  late  King's  lands  passed  on  November  22. 
It  appointed  commissioners  to  take  over  certain  royal  forests,  etc., 
and  to  survey  and  sell  them  as  speedily  as  possible.  On  the 
security  of  the  expected  proceeds  a  loan  of  400,000/.  was  to  be 
raised  for  the  expenses  of  the  navy  ;  and  any  person  who  was 
already  a  creditor  of  the  Government  and  was  now  willing  to 
contribute  towards  this  loan  a  further  sum  of  money  equal  to  his 
existing  debt,  was  to  be  given  a  receipt  for  the  full  amount  of  his 
*  doubled  '  claim.  This  receipt  could  then  either  be  used  in 
payment  for  any  part  of  the  royal  lands  he  had  purchased,  or  be 
assigned  to  some  other  purchaser  for  the  same  purpose.  The  great 
debt  due  to  the  ex- Farmers  of  the  Customs,  amounting  to  276,146/., 
was  specially  mentioned  in  the  Act,  and  by  its  provisions  they  were 
allowed  until  January  i,  1654,  to  raise  ico,ooo/.  of  the  additional 
sum  payable,  another  month  for  the  second  instalment  (of  a  like 
amount),  and  then  three  months  for  the  balance.  Crispe  and  his 
colleagues  had  now  a  gigantic  task  before  them  ;  but  they  seem  to 
have  been  hopeful  of  raising  the  money,  with  the  aid  of  their 
creditors,  who  would  probably  see  in  this  proposal  their  sole  chance 
of  recovering  what  was  due  to  them.  On  December  10, 1653,  Jacob, 
Harby,  'and  Crispe  attended  a  general  court  of  the  adventurers 
in  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and  urged  that  the  Company  should 
renew  its  previous  offer  to  advance  25,000/.  towards  the  required 
amount.  This  request  was  refused,  on  the  ground  that  to  enter 
into  such  an  arrangement  would  postpone  the  winding-up  of  the 
Stock ;  and  moreover,  they  were  frankly  told  that  the  Company  knew 
not  where  or  how  to  raise  so  large  a  sum.  It  was  agreed,  however, 
that  the  debt  should  be  split  up  among  the  several  adventurers, 
who  could  then  do  what  they  thought  fit  about  '  doubling '  their 
shares.  Any  who  decided  to  do  so  might  leave  their  money  with 
three  of  the  Committees,  who  would  retain  it  until  the  first  pay- 
ment was  due.  However,  the  ex-Farmers  failed  to  obtain  the 
necessary  100,000/.  for  this  purpose,  and  so  the  money  was  returned 


xxviii  COURT   MINUTES 

to  the  subscribers.  On  January  13,  1654,  Jacob,  Harby,  and 
Crispe  petitioned  the  Council  of  State  to  be  released  from  the 
limitations  as  to  dates  of  payment  and  to  be  allowed  the  benefits 
of  the  Act  on  such  money  as  they  could  raise ;  but  the  Council 
passed  a  resolution  that  the  bargain  must  be  regarded  as  at  an  end, 
and  the  forest  lands  were  to  be  discharged  from  any  liability  on 
this  account  (Cat.  S.  P.  Dom.,  1653-54,  p.  357).  At  the  same  time 
some  annoyance  was  evidently  felt  by  the  Council  at  the  backward- 
ness of  the  Company,  for  on  January  25  the  Committees,  learning 
that  '  the  State  doth  resent  it  as  an  ill  omen  that  the  mony  was 
not  paid  in  which  was  brought  by  severall  adventurers  for  doubling 
about  the  debt  due  from  the  late  Farmours  of  the  Customes ', 
resolved  to  prepare  a  memorandum  for  the  Secretary  of  State, 
showing  'why  the  adventurers  did  call  for  their  mony  backe 
againe '.  No  further  progress  was  made  in  the  matter  during  the 
rest  of  the  year. 

The  sweeping  sequestrations  of  the  estates  of  Royalists  had 
included  the  property  of  Lord  Craven,  the  landlord  of  the  Company, 
and  on  February  18,  1651,  they  were  ordered  to  pay  no  more  rent 
to  His  Lordship.  Thereupon  it  was  resolved  to  apply  for  a  lease  of 
the  house  from  the  State.  Negotiations  continued  for  some  time, 
and  a  promise  was  received  that  no  rent  should  be  required  from  the 
Company  until  after  September  3.  In  December  the  Committee 
of  Sequestrations  demanded  the  six  months'  rent,  and  this  was 
ordered  to  be  paid;  while  on  January  16,  1652,  negotiations  were 
re-opened  for  granting  the  Company  a  lease  of  the  premises  from 
the  State.  Towards  the  end  of  February  a  preliminary  agreement 
was  made  for  this  purpose,  the  rent  to  be  140/.  per  annum  and  the 
lease  to  be  for  seven  years  ;  and  on  March  1 9  the  lease  was  read 
and  the  counterpart  was  ordered  to  be  sealed.  On  August  4  the 
Parliament,  in  sore  straits  for  money  to  carry  on  the  Dutch  War, 
ordered  the  sale  of  the  estates  of  twenty-six  Royalist  delinquents. 
Lord  Craven  among  the  number ;  and  thereupon  a  suggestion  was 
made  that  the  Company  should  buy  its  premises  with  the  trust  fund 
of  the  Poplar  Almshouse,  the  intention  being,  presumably,  that  the 
rent  should  take  the  place  of  the  interest  allowed  on  that  capital. 
This  proposal,  however,  was  negatived  in  the  interests  of  the 
Almshouse,  it  being  thought  more  profitable  to  invest  the  money 


INTRODUCTION  xxix 

in  land.  The  next  move  (October  8),  was  to  request  Methwold  and 
Moyer  to  purchase  the  house  in  their  own  names  and  give  the 
Company  the  refusal  of  the  bargain  ;  this  they  agreed  to  do,  but 
for  some  reason  or  other  the  scheme  was  not  carried  out.  On 
March  23,  1653,  the  East  India  House  was  sold  by  the  State  to 
Edward  Tooke ;  while  on  the  next  day  John  Pasford  bought  the 
little  house  in  Lime  Street  (at  the  back  of  the  large  one),  which 
was  also  occupied  by  the  Company.  The  only  notice  taken  by  the 
latter  was  to  order  that  the  rent  should  be  paid  to  the  new  owners. 
During  the  period  covered  by  the  present  volume  the  Company 
leased  out  its  dockyard  at  Blackwall.  It  had  now  become  the 
settled  policy  of  the  Company  to  freight  ships  instead  of  building 
and  repairing  them,  and  as  far  back  as  April,  1645,  it  had  been 
proposed  to  sell  the  yard,  thus  ridding  the  Company  of  a  '  mighty 
charge'.  Its  connexion  with  the  property  had  commenced  on 
January  30,  1621,  when  William  Burrell  assigned  to  three  feoffees 
named  by  the  Company  the  remainder  of  a  500  years'  lease  (dating 
from  1587)  which  he  held  from  the  Wentworth  family,  to  whom 
the  manor  of  Stepney  belonged.  The  rent  was  nominal — only  half 
a  crown  per  annum.^  In  March,  1629,  the  Company  desired  to 
enfranchise  the  ground,  but  the  Earl  of  Cleveland,  the  then  repre- 
sentative of  the  Wentworth  family,  refused  to  agree.  Towards  the 
end  of  1632  the  last  of  the  three  feoffees  died,  and  in  the  following 
May  six  fresh  ones  were  nominated  by  the  Company  and  duly 
admitted,  but  a  lawsuit  ensued  over  the  amount  of  fine  leviable,  as 
the  Earl  demanded  3,000/.  The  case  was  settled  in  1635  {Court 
Minutes^  i635~393  P*  79)3  the  fine  being  fixed  at  500/.,  the  six  lives 
changed  to  one  young  one  (Mr.  William  Garway),  and  an  agreement 
made  that  'upon  any  alienation'  only  three  feoffees  were  to  be  named. 
Eight  years  later,  the  Earl  having  become  involved  in  debt,  an  offer 
was  made  to  sell  to  the  Company  part  of  the  ground  and  to  make 
the  fine  certain  ;  but  the  price  asked  was  thought  too  high  and  the 
matter  dropped.  In  1650  Lady  Frances  Weld,  to  whom  the  Earl 
had  given  a  mortgage,  was  in  possession  of  the  Stepney  property 
{Calendar    of  Proceedings    of   the    Committee  for    Compounding ^ 

1  These  particulars  are  taken  from  a  privately  printed  work  entitled  The  Chronicles  of 
Blackwall  Yard,  of  which  only  Part  i  was  issued.  The  Court  Minutes  for  the  period  are 
missing. 


XXX  .  COURT   MINUTES 

part  ill,  p.  2157) ;  and  as  it  was  thought  that  a  higher  price  might 
be  got  for  the  dock  and  buildings  if  extra  lives  were  added  in  the 
lease,  negotiations  were  opened  with  her,  resulting  in  four  fresh 
names  being  inserted,  at  a  cost  of  330/.  (September  17,  1651). 
The  Committees  of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  now  set  to  work  in 
earnest  to  dispose  of  the  dockyard.  On  November  19,  the  price 
was  fixed  at  6,000/.  ;  but  this  sum  could  not  be  obtained,  and  on 
December  10  it  was  resolved  to  accept  an  offer  of  5,600/.  from 
Benjamin  Worsley.  This  individual,  however,  was  in  no  hurry  to 
complete  the  bargain,  and  on  March  10,  165a,  he  offered  as  an 
alternative  to  take  the  property  on  a  twenty-two  years'  lease  at 
a  rental  of  320/.  and  a  fine  of  600/. ;  failing  this,  he  desired  to  be 
released  from  his  agreement,  as  one  who  had  promised  to  share 
with  him  in  the  matter  was  unable  to  keep  his  engagement.  Here- 
upon the  Company  decided  to  cancel  the  bargain  and  look  out  for 
another  customer.  This  was  found  to  be  a  difficult  matter,  and  on 
September  22  it  was  resolved  to  sell  the  property  by  auction,  if 
necessary.  A  little  later  overtures  were  received  by  the  Company 
from  the  Victuallers  of  the  Navy,  who  had  been  allowed  to  make 
use  of  the  slaughterhouse,  etc.,  but  the  offer,  which  was  to  lease  the 
premises  at  350/.  per  annum,  was  rejected  as  insufficient.  Finally, 
on  December  3,  1652,  the  Committees  in  charge  of  the  business 
reported  that  they  had  let  the  greater  part  of  the  Yard  and  docks 
to  Henry  Johnson,  a  well-known  shipwright,  at  200/.^  per  annum 
for  21  years  from  Christmas,  the  date  of  the  contract  being 
November  25.  The  slaughterhouse  and  other  premises  were  still 
in  the  possession  of  the  Navy  Victuallers  on  April  6,  1653,  when  it 
was  decided  to  demand  from  them  125/.  as  half  a  year's  rent.  In 
September  the  Council  of  State  directed  the  Admiralty  Committee 
to  report  whether  the  dock  and  yard  would  be  suitable  for  the 
navy  and,  if  so,  what  price  would  be  demanded  for  them  ;  and  on 
October  21  reference  is  made  to  a  proposal  that  the  State  should 
hire  part  of  the  Yard.  Apparently  this  resulted  in  some  of  the 
storehouses  being  let  to  the  State  at  50/.  per  annum  (p.  307). 

The  volume  contains  several  allusions  to  the  Company's  alms- 
house at   Poplar,  among   them  the  admission  to  that  charity,  in 

^  On  p.  307,  however,  Johnson's  rent  is  stated  at  i88/.     Later  on  (October  4,  1654)  ^^ 
was  permitted  to  sublet  certain  warehouses. 


INTRODUCTION  xxxi 

July,  1651,  of  George  Forbes,  'the  onely  surviving  wittnes'  of 
the  Amboyna  Massacre.  On  October  21,  1653,  a  woman  who  had 
lost  two  husbands  in  the  Company's  service  was  added  to  the 
little  band  of  almsmen,  but  with  a  proviso  that  this  was  to  be  '  noe 
president  for  women  for  the  future'.  At  the  beginning  of  April, 
1652,  the  inhabitants  of  the  neighbourhood  petitioned  for  assistance 
towards  the  building  of  a  chapel  close  to  the  Almshouse.  The  site 
had  already  been  granted  by  the  Company,  together  with  a  quantity 
of  stones  for  the  building,  in  May,  1642  {Court  Minutes^  1640-43,  pp. 
351,  252) ;  and  it  was  now  agreed,  on  condition  that  a  place  should 
be  reserved  for  the  almsmen  *  to  sitt  in  constantly  to  heare  God's 
word  preached ',  to  contribute  200/.  out  of  the  Almshouse  funds,  half 
to  be  paid  when  the  walls  were  up  and  the  rest  when  the  roof  was 
on.  The  first  of  these  two  payments  was  made  in  June.  On 
February  4,  1653,  ^  further  petition  from  the  inhabitants  of  Poplar 
resulted  in  a  donation  of  50/.  from  the  residuum  of  the  Second 
General  Voyage ;  and  two  months  later  one  of  the  Company's 
servants,  Richard  Davidge,  requested  that  20/.  should  be  given  to 
the  fund  out  of  the  money  due  to  him  for  arrears  of  wages. 
A  further  sum  of  50/.  out  of  a  fine  imposed  upon  the  estate  of 
a  deceased  servant  was,  at  the  suggestion  of  Maurice  Thomson^, 
contributed  at  the  end  of  September.  The  building  seems  to  have 
been  completed  during  1654. 

Among  minor  points  of  interest  may  be  classed  the  references  to 
the  pay,  etc.,  of  the  porters  employed  in  the  Company's  work 
(pp.  43,  54,  190,  258):  the  demand  of  the  clothdrawers  for  higher 
fees  (p.  52):  the  complaint  on  p.  282  of  the  slackness  of  the*' 
Customs  officials :  and  the  action  of  Lord  Mayor  Fowke  in  resum- 
ing the  office  of  City  Garbler,  which  had  hitherto  been  performed 
by  a  deputy  (p.  207).  Fowke's  longstanding  claims  against  the 
Company  occupy  a  considerable  space  in  this  volume  and  were 
still  unsettled  at  its  close.  Finally  we  may  note  a  curious  incident 
which  is  mentioned  in  the  Minutes  for  February,  1650.  An  indi- 
vidual named   John  Chettwin,  who  was  to  go  in  the  Bonito  to 

1  Thomson  took  a  special  interest  in  the  project,  and  '  at  the  preaching  of  the  first 
sermon  .  .  .  condescended  to  go  into  the  clerk's  desk  and  there  named  and  set  the  first 
psalm  that  was  sung  in  this  chapel'  (Strype's  Stow,  vol.  ii,  appx. ,  p.  102).  He  was 
living  at  this  time  in  Worcester  House,  on  Mile  End  Green. 


xxxii  COURT   MINUTES 

Assada  as  a  planter,  was  found  to  have  *  attributed  to  himselfe  the 
name  of  Jesus  Christ'  and  to  have  so  signed  his  name  to  his 
indenture.  The  scandalized  Committees  were  inclined  to  bring  the 
matter  to  the  notice  of  the  Council  of  State;  but  after  a  brief 
examination,  finding  him  more  or  less  disordered  in  his  intellect^ 
they  were  content  to  hand  over  the  offender  to  the  Recorder  of 
London  for  punishment.  What  happened  in  consequence  is  not 
mentioned. 

As  in  the  case  of  the  previous  volumes,  the  index  is  the  work 
of  Miss  Sainsbury,  who  has  also  read  the, proofs  of  the  entire 
work.  It  may  be  well  to  repeat  that,  in  accordance  with  the 
general  plan  of  the  series,  the  names  of  persons  and  places  are  spelt 
as  in  the  manuscript  and  no  attempt  has  been  made  (except  in  the 
index)  to  reduce  them  to  uniformity. 


COURT   MINUTES,    ETC. 

OF  THE 

EAST   INDIA   COMPANY,    1650-1654 

The  Company's  Black  Book,  1624-1655  {Home  Miscellaneous, 
vol.  xxix). 

A  record  of  the  *  errors  and  misdemeanors '  of  the  Company's 
servants.  The  entries  for  1650-54  occupy  ff.  37-51.  The  persons 
mentioned  are :  Matthew  Andrews,  Henry  Barrett,  Thomas  Best, 
[William]  Blake,  [Gabriel]  Boughton,  James  Bridgeman,  John 
Burnell,  Richard  Davidge,  Robert  Doughty,  Daniel  Elder,  Henry 
Greenhill,  Francis  Hamersly,  —  James,  Edward  Knipe,  John  Lamb- 
ton,  [John]  Lewis,  [William]  Lovell,  Thomas  Merry,  —  Mosse, 
Thomas  Owen,  Thomas  Penniston,  —  Pitts,  —  Porter,  Frederick 
Skynner,  Edward  Steevens,  John  Swinnerton,  [Paul]  Waldegrave, 
and  Thomas  Winter.     (%6\  pp.) 

List  of  Piece-Goods,  etc.,  sold  and  delivered,  January, 
1650,  TO  August,  1652  {Home  Miscellaneous,  vol.  vi,  pp.  79-99)* 

Giving  the  quantities  and  prices  of  the  goods  and  the  names  of 
the  purchasers.     (20^//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  with  the  Committees  for  the 
Second  General  Voyage,  January  'x,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol. 
XX,  p.  450).! 

Lead  to  be  provided  for  the  Coast.  Richard  Clutterbuck  allowed 
for  damaged  saltpetre.  Lead  and  cloth  to  the  value  of  about  1,000/. 
to  be  shipped  in  the  Lioness,  with  4,000/.  in  silver  and  gold,  she  to 
carry  a  crew  of  sixty,  and  also  forty  passengers  for  Assada.     The 

*  Entered  also  in  vol.  xxii  (p.  132). 

S.C.M.     IV  B 


a  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

Bonito  to  carry  forty-five  men,  besides  twenty  passengers  for  Assada, 
and  lead  and  coin  to  the  value  of  10,000/.  Thirty  of  the  said 
passengers,  being  master  planters,  are  to  pay  10/.  a  head  for  their 
diet  and  passage,  and  4/.  per  ton  freight  for  any  goods  they  take 
with  them ;  the  other  thirty  to  go  as  the  Company's  servants. 
Having  regard  to  the  planters  who  are  to  go  in  the  Bonito^  the 
Husband  is  to  victual  that  ship  for  twenty  men  extra  for  six  months. 
The  said  vessels  to  go  to  Gravesend  next  week,  with  the  two  ships 
designed  for  Bantam.  The  wife  of  Benjamin  Robinson,  a  factor  at 
Masulipatam,  to  be  paid  10/.  quarterly  out  of 'her  husband's  wages. 
Mr.  Ivy  to  be  paid  1,009/.  ^3-^-  9^-'  ^"^  upon  his  account.  A  list 
of  the  Company's  debtors  is  read,  and  Spiller  directed  to  sue  those 
whose  debts  have  been  long  outstanding,     (ij//.) 

A  General  Court  of  Freemen  and  Adventurers,  with 
Others,  January  %,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  451). 

The  Governor  reminds  those  present  of  the  court  held  last 
August  ^  to  consult  as  to  the  best  way  to  carry  on  the  trade,  when 
eighteen  Committees  were  chosen  to  consider  this  matter,  who, 
after  several  meetings,  declared  that  a  five  years'  Voyage  would  be 
best,  and  agreed  upon  a  valuation  of  the  houses,  shipping,  fort, 
customs,  etc.,  belonging  to  the  Joint  Stock  in  India,  which  valuation 
was  approved  by  a  general  court  held  last  September.'^  The 
Governor  opines  that  at  that  time  a  considerable  amount  might 
have  been  subscribed,  had  not  an  Act  been  discovered  in  which 
some  gentlemen  desired  liberty  from  Parliament  to  plant  upon 
Assada,  with  many  other  privileges,  which  if  obtained  might  pre- 
judice the  Company ;  hereupon  the  Company  addressed  the  Council 
of  State  against  these  desired  privileges,  and  the  Council,  after 
hearing  the  Company  and  the  intending  Assada  adventurers,  ordered 
them  to  meet  and  treat  together ;  this  they  did,  and  after  some 
debate  and  argument '  the  difference  is  now  brought  to  a  period  and 
both  partyes  are  fully  agreed.'  The  Council  of  State  was  further 
petitioned  for  privileges  and  immunities,  and  it  directed  the  Com- 
pany to  draw  up  such  an  Act  '  as  wee  desired '.  This  was  done, 
with  the  advice  of  counsel,  and  presented  to  the  Council  of  State, 
and  by  them  referred  to   a   committee,  consisting   of  the   Lord 

*  See  the  previous  volume,  p.  341.  *  Ibid,^  p.  356. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  3 

President  and  two  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Great  Seal,  before 
whom  some  of  the  Company  appeared  last  Saturday ;  and  to-day 
the  Council  of  State  have  declared  their  opinion  in  favour  of  the 
Company  to  Parliament,  who  will  either  consider  the  Act  themselves 
or  leave  it  to  the  Council  to  perfect.  The  Governor  further  announces 
that  four  ships  have  been  freighted  for  Bantam,  two  on  account  of 
the  Joint  Stock  and  two  on  account  of  the  Voyage :  that  stock  to 
the  value  of  1,000/.  is  to  be  sent  in  each,  and  anything  remaining  in 
India  after  the  said  four  ships  are  laden  for  England  is  to  be  turned 
over  to  the  new  Voyage  at  ^s.  6d.  the  rial.  Four  ships  have  also 
been  freighted  for  the  new  Voyage,  two  for  the  Coast,  and  two  for 
Surat,  money  having  been  provided  so  that  the  ships  for  the  Coast 
may  be  soon  dispeeded  ;  and  letters  have  been  sent  to  Suratj 
directing  that  30,000/.  be  taken  up  at  interest  to  buy  goods  cheap 
in  the  time  of  the  rains  to  relade  the  ships.  The  minutes  of  the 
court  of  the  15th  August  and  of  the  27th  and  28th  September  last, 
with  the  Articles  of  Agreement  between  the  Company  and  the 
Assada  merchants,  are  read,  and  also  the  preamble  of  the  new  stock 
(to  which  30,200/.  has  already  been  subscribed).  The  preamble  is 
generally  approved ;  and  the  Governor  declaring  that  all  who  are 
willing  may  underwrite,  many  do  so.  Resolved  that  no  account 
under  100/.  be  allowed  in  the  books,  and  that  the  book  of  sub- 
scription shall  remain  open  in  the  counting-house  for  all  who  please 
to  underwrite  therein.     ( 1  -J  //.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  with  the  Committees  for  the 
Second  General  Voyage,  January  4, 1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xx, 
P-  453)-' 

Wine  to  be  provided  for  the  Bonito,  and  cloths  for  the  Coast. 
Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  consider  the  abilities  of  those 
who  petition  to  be  employed  as  factors  for  India,  and  as  purser  and 
steward  for  the  Bonito.     (j/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
January  5,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  454). 

An  order  of  the  Committee  of  the  Navy  is  read,  requiring  all  who 
have  any  informations  depending  against  them  in  the  Exchequer 

^  Entered  also  in  vol.  xxii  (p.  134). 
B  2 


4  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

for  buying  or  selling  ungarbled  spices  which  have  been  transported,^ 
to  give  in  their  names  to  that  Committee  before  next  Tuesday,  if 
they  desire  relief  from  Parliament.  Hereupon  a  general  court  is 
summoned  for  next  Monday  that  all  may  be  informed  of  this  order, 
and  those  named  in  the  list  now  presented,  against  whom  there  are 
informations,  are  to  be  given  particular  notice  to  be  present. 
Captain  Springate  and  Mr.  Porter  desire  to  send  ten  servants, 
a  minister,  and  a  factor  to  Assada,  and  Maurice  and  William 
Thomson  desire  to  send  ten  servants.  After  some  dispute  it  is 
agreed  that  they  shall  have  for  every  servant 'thirty  acres  of  land, 
and  pay  ^.  per  acre  quit  rent  to  the  Company  per  annum  (this  not 
to  be  paid  until  June,  165a),  10/.  a  head  for  each  person's  diet  and 
passage,  and  4/.  per  ton  freight  for  any  goods  taken.  James 
Anfosse  and  Alderman  Viner  accepted  as  securities  for  calicoes 
belonging  to  the  Second  General  Voyage.     (|  /.) 

A  General  Court,  January  5,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xx, 
p.  455)- 

The  Governor  announces  that  he  has  received  an  order,  dated  the 
31st  October  last,  requiring  all  Governors,  members  of  Companies, 
and  their  officers  to  take  the  following  engagement :  '  I  doe  declare 
and  promise  that  I  wilbe  true  and  faithfull  to  the  Commonwealth 
of  England  as  the  same  is  now  established  without  King  or  House 
of  Lords.'  This  is  read,  together  with  a  paper  of  instructions 
directed  to  the  Governor,  Alderman  Pennington,  and  Sheriff  Wilson 
touching  the  said  order  and  subscribed  by  the  Lord  President  of  the 
Council  of  State.^  The  words  of  the  engagement  are  engrossed  on 
two  pieces  of  parchment  and  signed  by  the  Governor,  Alderman 
Pennington,  and  several  of  the  generality  present.     (4/.) 

^  William  Cutler,  the  Deputy  Garbler  of  the  City,  had  for  some  time  been  suing  the 
Company  and  others  for  transporting  spices  ungarbled  (see  the  previous  volume,  passim). 
The  matter  had  been  carried  to  Parliament,  where  it  was  referred  to  the  Committee  of 
the  Navy.  On  June  27,  1650,  the  Committee  reported,  recommending  that  the  Company 
and  certain  merchants  should  be  exempted  from  prosecution  for  any  spices  transported 
before  the  preceding  August  28;  but  the  House  rejected  this  proposal  and  gave  Cutler 
leave  to  continue  the  various  suits,  subject  to  a  revision  of  the  matter  in  Parliament  at  the 
close  of  the  trials  {Commons^  Journals^  vol.  vi,  p.  433). 

*  See  a  note  on  p.  388  of  the  last  volume. 


EAST   INDIA    COMPANY  5 

A  Court  of  several  Committees,  January  7, 1650  {Court 
Book,  vol.  XX,  p.  456). 

Charles  Wylde  is  chosen  as  purser,  and  Edmund  Merchant  as 
steward  for  the  Bonito.  John  Leigh,  Robert  Doughty,  Paul 
Waldegrave,  Edward  Steevens,  Thomas  Symonds,  and  William 
Johnson  are  entertained  at  stated  wages  to  go  as  factors  to  the 
Coast  in  the  Bonito  and  Lioness,  and  Christopher  Blakiston,  Jeremy 
Crew,  William  Turner,  John  Rawlins,  John  Barton,  and  James 
Crawforth  to  go  as  factors  for  Bantam  in  the  Advice  and  East  India 
Merchant ;  all  to  stay  five  years  ;  their  wages  to  begin  from  the 
time  they  land  and  to  cease  when  they  embark  on  their  return  to 
England;  and  all  to  give  such  security  as  shall  be  approved  by 
the  Court.  Certain  Committees  to  agree  with  the  owners  of  the 
freighted  ships  about  taking  out  and  bringing  back  factors,  and  the 
allowance  to  be  given  to  them  for  private  trade,  etc.     (ij//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
WITH  THE  Mixed  Committees,^  January  9,  1650  {Court  Book, 
vol.  XX,  p.  457). 

Messrs.  Brett  and  Andrews  allowed  for  damaged  calicoes. 
Richard  Midleton  transfers  to  both  Alderman  Langley  and  William 
Willyams  500/.  adventure  and  profits  in  the  Second  General 
Voyage,  and  a  like  sum  to  each  in  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock. 
Spiller  is  directed  to  take  special  care  about  the  settlement  of 
Stephen  Boreman  and  John  Hobson's  debt  for  pepper.  James 
Anfosse  and  Alderman  Viner  accepted  as  securities  for  calicoes. 
Mr.  Hanson  is  refused  allowance  on  aloes  and  desired  to  settle 
his  account.  Certain  Committees  are  requested  to  examine  the 
accounts  of  freight,  and  to  settle  concerning  tares  for  goods  returned 
and  for  those  to  be  dispatched.  John  Cressy  refusing  to  give  any 
but  his  own  security  for  goods  bought,  he  is  told  that  it  is  the 
custom  to  give  further  security,  and  he  must  either  do  so  or  pay  for 
the  said  goods  before  he  can  receive  them.  Mr.  Tyrrell  and 
Anthony  Fenn,  presented  by  Captain  Newport,  master  of  the  East 
India  Merchant^  are  approved  as  chief  mates  for  that  ship.  Samuel 
Calcott  to   be   given    300/.  to  pay  such  bills  of  charges  for  the 

*  See  p.  iv  of  the  previous  volume. 

t 


6  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

Lioness  and  the  Assada  plantation  as  shall  be  sent  to  him  signed  by 
Mr.  Thomson.  Messrs.  Thomson,  Moyer,  Pennoyer,  and  Captain 
Blackman  are  entreated  to  attend  the  Council  of  State  and  procure 
a  report  of  the  Act  of  Parliament  concerning  the  trade.     (2  pp.) 

Resolution  of  the  Council  of  State  on  an  Application 
FROM  the  East  India  Company,  January  10,  1650  {Public 
Record  Office :  C.  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  10). 

The  Company  having  suffered  much  loss  and  damage  at  home 
and  abroad  by  means  of  many  ill-affected' persons,  who  have 
endeavoured  to  destroy  and  disturb  their  trade,  have  addressed 
themselves  to  the  Council  of  State  for  redress  and  support,  and  for 
recommendation  to  the  supreme  authority  of  the  nation,  the 
Parliament,  for  an  Act  to  establish  and  encourage  their  trade. 
This,  being  a  matter  of  consequence,  cannot  have  instant  expedition 
because  of  'the  present  great  affaires  of  the  nation' ;  but  because  the 
said  trade  may  suffer  greatly  if  there  is  not  a  present  subscription 
of  a  considerable  sum,  the  Council  thinks  good  to  publish  its 
opinion  that  the  continuation  and  support  of  this  trade  is  of  special 
concern  to  the  Commonwealth,  and  also  its  intention  to  further 
and  expedite  the  desires  of  the  Company,  that  those  who  subscribe 
and  adventure  with  them  may  not  be  disappointed  of  their  expec- 
tations.    (I  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
January  14, 1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  459). 

An  order  of  Parliament  of  the  nth  inst.^  is  read,  in  which  it 
appears  that  the  debate  touching  the  East  India  trade  and  whether 
it  IS  to  be  carried  on  by  one  Joint  Stock  is  to  be  resumed  next 
Friday.  Hereupon  it  is  moved  that  the  Company's  reasons  in 
favour  of  a  Joint  Stock  (now  read)  be  printed  to  give  to  some 
members  of  the  House.^  After  serious  consideration  aoo  copies 
are  ordered   to   be  printed   speedily.     Matthew  Andrews,  who  is 

'  See  Commons'  Journals,  vol.  vi,  p.  346.  No  debate  took  place  on  the  subject  at  the 
ime  arranged,  but  on  January  26  it  was  resolved  that  the  matter  should  be  considered  on 
the  31st  {Ibid.,  p.  350,  and  S.  P.  Dom.,  Interregnum,  i.  87,  p.  113). 

2  Two  printed  copies  of  this  document  are  in  the  Public  Record  Office  {C.O.  77, 
vol.  vii,  nos.  la,  75).  It  was  a  reproduction  of  the  paper  entered  on  p.  187  of  Court 
Minutes,  1644-49,  ^^^  ^^  fi"^*  paragraph  omitted. 


EAST   INDIA    COMPANY  7 

entertained  as  a  factor  for  the  Coast,  not  being  able  to  get  ready- 
in  time,  is  given  permission  to  await  the  departure  of  the  ships  in 
March.     (|/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
January  16,  1650  [Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  460). 

The  subscription  proceeding  very  slowly,  and  it  being  uncertain 
whether  a  considerable  stock  will  be  underwritten,  it  is  resolved  to 
dispeed  the  Bonito  and  Lioness  on  account  of  what  is  already- 
subscribed.  Richard,  son  and  executor  of  the  late  Richard  Bogan, 
transfers  to  Robert  Abdy  500/.  adventure  and  profits  in  the  Second 
General  Voyage.  The  Governor  is  entreated  to  sign  all  warrants 
for  the  division  of  60/.  per  cent,  in  pepper  ^  due  to  those  adventurers 
in  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  who  either  underwrite  or  pay  in  their 
money  by  the  end  of  the  month.  Canvas  for  store  to  be  delivered 
to  Yates,  master  of  the  Bonito.  Garbled  cloves  sold  to  William 
Hooker.  Thomas  Symonds  entertained  at  a  salary  of  20/.  per 
annum  to  go  as  factor  to  the  Coast  in  the  place  of  Matthew 
Andrews.  John  Bathust  and  James  Martin  accepted  as  securities 
for  calicoes,    (i/-) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
January  23,  1650  {Court  Book^  vol.  xx,  p.  461). 

The  Court  resolves,  as  a  competent  stock  has  not  been  sub- 
scribed nor  the  expected  encouragement  received  from  the  State, 
to  defer  the  choice  of  factors,  and  orders  that  all  who  are  awaiting 
entertainment  be  told  of  this,  and  that  a  written  notice  be  set  up  in 
the  House  a  fortnight  before  any  such  election.  Mr.  Rushworth,^ 
secretary  to  General  Fairfax,  requests  that  John  Lambton  may  be 
sent  as  an  under-factor  to  India;  he  is  informed  of  the  Court's 
decision  with  regard  to  the  election  of  factors,  but  is  promised  that 
his  request  shall  be  remembered.  The  Treasurer  announces  that  he 
has  provided  to  the  value  of  32,000/.  in  coin,  bullion,  and  ingots, 
that  bills  of  exchange  reach  him  daily  which  must  be  paid,  and 
that  he  has  issued  for  this  new  Voyage  a  considerable  sum  belong- 

^  Ordered  on  Oct.  3,  1649  (see  p.  359  of  the  previous  volume). 
2  See  a  note  on  p.  99  of  the  preceding  volume. 


8  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

ing  to  the  Stock  and  to  the  Second  General  Voyage,  for  which  he 
has  no  order ;  therefore  he  desires  to  be  supplied  with  money  and 
to  be  saved  harmless  for  what  he  has  done.  Hereupon  the 
Governor  declares  'they  had  gone  on  upon  some  uncertainties  in 
regard  the  subscription  went  so  slowly  on,  yett  they  should  see  by 
the  end  of  January  what  wilbe  done,  and  the  Joynt  Stocke  must 
followe  the  trade  if  the  new  subscription  doe  it  not'.  For  the 
money  bought  in  Holland  an  assurance  is  already  made,  and  it  is 
thought  fitting  that  one  should  be  made  on  the  Bonito  and  Lioness, 
After  discussion  it  is  resolved  that  two  policies  shall  be  taken  out 
for  the  Bonito  and  her  lading,  and  a  third  for  the  cargo  of  the 
Lioness^  from  the  last  of  January  to  the  last  of  February,  and  so 
pro  rata  for  every  month  until  intimation  to  stop  is  given  by  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stock,  or  by  whom  it  may  concern.  The  Treasurer's 
action  in  disbursing  the  money  belonging  to  the  Stock  and  Voyage 
for  the  new  undertaking  is  debated,  and  it  being  put  to  the  Com- 
mittees for  the  Stock  whether  they  approve  of  it  and  of  the  Trea- 
surer continuing  to  issue  their  money  at  six  per  cent,  interest,  they 
signify  their  approbation  and  consent.  The  Committees  for  the 
Voyage  are  told  that  7,000/.  of  their  money  has  been  issued  for  the 
new  Voyage ;  and  being  asked  if  they  are  content  that  what  shall 
come  into  cash  up  to  the  loth  of  April,  upon  orders  and  com- 
missions already  given,  shall  be  made  use  of  in  this  way,  and  six  per 
cent,  interest  be  allowed,  they  also  consent.  It  is  further  resolved 
that  the  Treasurer  shall  be  saved  harmless  for  any  bills  of  exchange 
which  he  has  accepted  or  shall  accept.  Certain  Committees 
are  requested  to  settle  the  accounts  of  freight  for  the  Fleece  and 
the  Advice.  Captain  Kempe  is  accepted  as  security  for  John 
Leigh,  Christopher  Willoughby  for  Robert  Doughty,  Thomas 
Pearle  for  William  Turner,  and  Walter  White  for  John  Rawlins. 
The  Court  directs  that  two  securities  each  be  given  for  youths 
under  age.  At  the  desire  of  Alderman  Atkins,  the  estate  of 
Richard  Evans  is  to  be  detained  until  Monday.  Mr.  Blount's 
accounts  to  be  examined.  Francis  Ash  admitted  to  the  freedom, 
paying  5/.  fine.  Mr.  Tryon  to  be  allowed  for  tare  of  benzoin. 
Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  consider  about  a  clause  for 
hindrance  of  private  trade  to  be  inserted  in  the  preamble.    (^\  pp.) 


EAST    INDIA   COMPANY  9 

A  Meeting  of   several  Committees,  January  23,   1650 
{Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  463). 

Having  been  desired  to  consider  about  a  clause  for  the  hindrance 
of  private  trade,  to  be  inserted  in  the  preamble,  the  Committees 
first  cause  a  similar  clause  from  a  former  preamble  to  be  read,  and 
after  consideration  decide  that  one  to  the  following  effect  shall  be 
entered  in  the  present  book  of  subscription  :  *  for  the  better  satisfac- 
tion of  all  that  intend  to  bee  adventurers  in  this  Voyage,  that  they 
may  clearely  perceive  none  of  us  intend  our  private  advantage  before 
the  generall  good,  wee  the  subscribers  doe  further  ingage  ourselves 
that  if  any  of  us  shall  have  or  use  any  private  trade,  either  outwards 
or  homewards,  or  in  the  East  Indies,  during  the  continuance  of  this 
Voyage,  then  in  that  case  wee  doe  hereby  engage  and  oblige 
ourselves  to  forfeite  and  loose  to  the  rest  of  the  adventurers  in  this 
Voyage  our  whole  stocke  which  wee  have  subscribed  and  paid  in  by 
vertue  of  this  preamble,  reserving  all  rights  and  priviledges  graunted 
by  agreement  to  the  planters  and  adventurers  of  Assada,  and  such 
contracts  as  shalbe  made  by  those  who  shalbe  entrusted  for  man- 
naging  of  the  said  Voyage.'  After  further  debate  the  Committees 
declare  that  in  their  opinions  broadcloth,  lead,  quicksilver,  vermilion, 
coral,  and  elephant's  teeth  should  be  prohibited  from  being  sent 
abroad ;  and  raw  silk,  cinnamon,  cloves,  cardamoms,  benzoin,  pepper, 
mace,  nutmegs,  aloes,  saltpetre,  cotton  yarn,  and  calicoes  and  indigo 
of  all  sorts,  from  being  sent  home ;  all  other  goods  to  be  sent  out 
and  returned  in  allotted  proportions  by  any  to  whom  allowance  is 
given.  These  opinions  to  be  drawn  up  and  presented  at  the  next 
court,     (i/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
January  25,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  465). 

Calicoes  bought  by  Thomas  Andrews  to  be  examined.  William 
Ralfes  to  be  paid  for  bringing  four  chests  of  rials  from  Holland. 
Certain  Committees  to  perfect  the  charter-parties  of  the  Advice  and 
East  India  Merchant.  Two  policies  of  assurance  for  io,oco/.  on 
the  Benito,  and  one  for  5,000/.  on  the  Lioness  are  read  and  approved, 
and  the  premium  fixed  at  30^-.  per  cent,  for  the  first  month  and  10s, 
per  cent,  per  month  after,  until  intimation  of  cessation  is  given. 


10  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

John  Bland  is  accepted  as  security  for  John  Barton.  The  clause 
drawn  up  for  the  prevention  of  private  trade  is  read,  approved,  and 
ordered  to  be  entered  in  the  book  of  subscription.  A  question 
arising  whether  those  lending  money  upon  bottomry  would  be  liable 
to  penalty,  it  is  unanimously  declared  that  money  so  lent  is  not 
private  trade.  At  the  desire  of  Thomas  Rich,  who  bought  pepper 
and  had  it  sifted  by  the  Garbler,  a  note  is  drawn  up  for  those  who 
remember  this  incident  to  sign.  The  owners  of  the  Golden  Fleece 
are  given  lOo/.  in  settlement  for  freight.  Abraham  Reynardson 
transfers  to  his  son  Abraham  i,ooo/.  adventure  in  the  Second 
General  Voyage.  Messrs.  Thomson,  Moyer,  Wright,  Thomas  and 
Nathaniel  Andrews,  and  Captains  Ryder  and  Blackman  are  re- 
quested to  meet  on  Monday  and  settle  concerning  the  voyage  of 
the  Lioness^  the  Assada  plantation,  and  '  Hewkly '  [Hugh].    (i|  pp.) 

A  Meeting  of  several  Committees,  January  ;j8,  1650 
{Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  466). 

Having  been  appointed  to  consider  about  the  Assada  plantation, 
Hugli,  and  the  voyage  of  the  Lioness,  the  Committees  first  turn 
their  attention  to  the  disposal  of  the  Assada  Merchant,  which  ship 
went  to  the  island  of  Assada  last  spring.  After  discussion  it  is 
decided  to  leave  this  matter  to  the  discretion  of  Colonel  Hunt, 
Governor  of  the  island,  his  council,  Captain  Brookehaven,  commander 
of  the  Lioness,  Mr.  Yates,  master  of  the  Bonito,  and  to  such  mer- 
chants as  are  to  go  in  the  said  ships,  who  are  to  be  put  in  commission 
with  the  Governor,  etc.,  for  this  purpose,  and  who  are,  according  to 
the  lading  already  procured  for  the  said  ship,  to  dispeed  her  either 
to  Persia,  to  Hugli  for  saltpetre,  or  else  to  England,  whichever  they 
think  best  and  most  advantageous  for  the  Company.  The  Com- 
mittees hope  that  the  said  ship  will  obtain  her  lading  in  sugar, 
ebony,  sandalwood,  elephants'  teeth,  '  bonges',  turtle  shells,  amber- 
gris, rice,  etc.,  and  that  by  the  next  ships  from  Surat  advice  may 
be  received  of  the  settlement  of  the  English  on  Assada.  In  their 
opinion  some  presents  should  be  sent  to  the  King  of  Assada ;  and 
Mr.  Thomson  announcing  that  there  is  a  small  chariot  which  cost 
100/.  and  belonged  formerly  to  Queen  Anne,  which  is  to  be  sold  for 
16/.  or  17/.,  Mr.  Pennoyer  (who  gave  this  information)  is  to  be 
asked  to  see  to  this  matter  and,  if  the  chariot  is  not  thought  suitable 


EAST   INDIA    COMPANY  ii 

for  the  King,  then  to  send  it  out  to  the  Bay  or  to  where  it  would 
sell  best.  It  is  thought  that  a  sword  and  a  looking-glass  should  also 
be  sent  to  the  King.  The  Committees  consider  that  5,500/.  should 
be  sent  in  money  in  the  Lioness^  with  lead,  cloth,  vermilion,  etc.,  to 
the  value  of  1,500/.  for  her  relading  home ;  what  remains  over  to 
be  left  at  Hugli  to  provide  lading  for  the  next  year's  shipping ;  also 
that  5,000/.  of  the  7,000/.  so  sent  should  be  laid  out  in  saltpetre, 
sugar,  calicoes,  or  what  the  factors  think  best,  and  that  the  merchants 
returning  in  her  should  bring  samples  of  such  goods  as  they  think 
will  sell  best  in  England.  A  list  of  provisions  to  be  supplied  for 
the  plantation  of  Assada  is  read  and  approved,  with  the  following 
list  of  factors  entertained  by  Mr.  Thomson  to  go  in  the  Lioness-, 
John  Brookehaven,  commander  of  the  said  ship  and  merchant,  to 
have  10/.  per  month  and  to  be  allowed  three  tons  of  goods  free  of 
freight  on  certain  conditions:  Benjamin  Gosnall,  master's  mate, 
entertained  at  61.  per  month :  James  Bridgeman,  merchant,  second 
to  Captain  Brookehaven,  and  in  charge  of  the  cargo  and  trade, 
entertained  at  100/.  per  annum,  he  to  return  in  the  Lioness  and  his 
wages  to  begin  when  he  joins  her  at  Gravesend :  George  Gawton, 
merchant,  entertained  as  purser  at  40/.  per  annum,  and  George 
Stukes  as  mate  at  303-.  per  month.  For  Hugli,  Robert  Spaven 
entertained  as  factor  in  chief,  William  Fairfax  as  second,  William 
Blake  and  Francis  Taylor  as  servants.  The  two  factors  to  be 
allowed  five  per  cent.  *  provision  ^ '  for  what  goods  they  shall  buy, 
and  to  have  2,000/.  sent  out  to  buy  saltpetre  for  next  year,  Spaven 
to  have  one-half  of  this  '  provision  ',  and  Fairfax  and  Gawton  (if  he 
stays)  the  other  half ;  these  factors  to  bear  the  charge  of  the  factory, 
and  to  keep  the  two  young  men.  It  is  thought  that  Serjeant-Major 
Hartly,  who  has  been  upon  former  plantations,  should  be  commis- 
sioned to  proceed  to  Assada  as  Deputy  Governor,  to  succeed  as 
Governor  in  the  event  of  the  death  of  Colonel  Hunt.  It  is  also 
thought  necessary  that  a  clause  should  be  inserted  in  the  instructions 
to  be  given  to  the  commanders  and  merchants  proceeding  in  the 
Bonito  and  Lioness^  directing  the  masters  of  the  ships  to  be  very 
careful  not  to  lose  their  monsoon,  but  if  they  do,  then  to  go  to  the 
nearest  of  the  Company's  chief  factories  and  be  employed  there  to 
the  best  advantage ;  also  in  case  the  Assada  Merchant  shall  not 

1  'Commission'  is  the  present- day  term. 


11  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

have  arrived  at  Assada  or  performed  the  commission  sent  by  Colonel 
Hunt,  then  Captain  Brookehaven,  with  the  advice  of  the  master  of 
the  Bonito  and  of  the  merchants  in  both  ships,  shall  carry  out  the 
instructions  formerly  given  to  the  utmost  of  their  power,  but  not  to 
the  hazard  of  their  intended  voyage.  The  above  several  opinions 
to  be  determined  by  the  Court.  Maurice  and  William  Thomson, 
Thomas  James,  Robert  Spaven,  James  Bridgeman,  [Nathan]  Wright, 
[Robert]  Burdett,  and  [Samuel]  Moyer  undertake  to  send  twelve 
men  to  Assada,  who  are  each  to  have  thirty  acres  of  land  at  4</.  per 
acre  yearly,  or  2  cwt.  of  sugar  ;  they  intend  to  send  out  eight  more 
men  in  March,    (i^pp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
January  29,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  469). 

The  report  of  the  Committees  appointed  to  settle  the  business  of 
the  Assada  Plantation  is  read,  but  its  consideration  is  deferred  to 
a  general  court  now  decided  to  be  held  next  Friday,  by  which  time 
it  is  hoped  that  a  favourable  answer  concerning  the  Act  for  the 
trade  will  have  been  received  from  Parliament,  and  by  then  too  the 
time  for  underwriting  in  the  preamble  will  have  expired,  and  there- 
fore some  resolution  must  be  come  to  for  prosecution  of  the  trade. 
The  Secretary  is  desired  to  request  Mr.  Pennoyer  to  accompany 
him  to  Colonel  Hutchinson^,  who  is  to  report  the  Company's  Act, 
and  to  ask  his  favour  therein.    (|/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
January  30,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  470). 

The  money  due  upon  the  account  of  the  late  Richard  Evans  to  be 
paid  to  his  administrator,  Michael  Glover.  Mr.  Shute,  who  bought 
indigo  from  the  Company  last  September  which  he  could  not  then 
have  delivered,  is  told  that  payment  for  the  same  is  to  begin  from 
the  first  of  December  last.  On  reading  the  report  of  the  Com- 
mittees for  Assada  and  Hugli,  it  is  judged  necessary  that  a  factor 
entertained  by  the  Company  should  be  sent  to  the  latter  place 
with  those  entertained  by  Mr.  Thomson,  and  that  all  should  be 

1  This  was  the  celebrated  regicide,  who  represented  Nottinghamshire  in  Parliament 
and  was  at  this  time  a  member  of  the  Council  of  State. 


EAST   INDIA    COMPANY  13 

subordinate  to  the  Agent  at  the  Coast;  but  decision  herein  is 
deferred  to  the  general  court.  William  Francklin,  who  '  pretended  ' 
to  have  served  formerly  in  the  custom-house,  is  given  lOi-.     (ip.) 

Votes  of  Parliament  concerning  the  East  India  Trade, 
January  31,  1650  {Public  Record  Office:  C.  O.  "]"],  vol.  vii,  no.  \i)> 

The  petition  of  the  East  India  Company  being  read,  it  is  resolved 
that  *  the  East  India  trade  bee  carried  on  by  one  Company  and  with 
one  joint-stocke,  and  the  management  thereof  to  bee  under  a  regu- 
lation in  such  manner  as  the  Parliament  shall  thinke  fit';  also  that 
'the  East  India  Company  doe  proceed  upon  the  grounds  of  the 
Articles  of  Agreement  made  between  them  and  the  Adventurers  to 
Assada  of  the  21st  of  November,  1649,  untill  the  Parliament  take 
further  order.'  Signed^  Henry  Scobell,  clerk.  (|  p.  Printed. 
No.  wlis  a  duplicate  of  the  foregoing^  also  printed). 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
February  i,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  471). 

Several  votes  of  Parliament  passed  yesterday,  decreeing  that  the 
East  India  trade  should  be  carried  on  by  a  Joint  Stock,  are  read. 
Hereupon  it  is  decided  to  call  the  new  stock  the  United  Joint 
Stock ;  and  in  order  that  all  who  please  may  subscribe  to  the  same, 
the  said  votes  are  ordered  to  be  printed  and  sent  with  letters  from 
the  Company  to  all  the  port  towns,  the  time  for  underwriting  to  be 
until  the  loth  of  March.  Although  the  stock  is  not  'such  as  they  ex- 
pected ',  the  Committees  resolve  to  send  out  ships  and  to  follow  the 
trade  upon  what  has  been  or  shall  be  underwritten  for  account  of 
the  United  Joint  Stock,  and  to  extend  the  time  for  subscription 
(which  is  already  expired)  for  a  week.  Both  resolves  to  be 
submitted  to  the  general  court.  After  some  debate  the  Committees 
present  for  the  Stock  decide  by  erection  of  hands  that  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock  shall  adventure  in  the  United  Joint  Stock  30,000/.  of 
the  money  due  for  its  ships,  customs,  etc.,  and  that  the  adventurers 
in  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  shall  be  called  together  to  determine 
concerning  this.     The   result  of  the  meeting  of  the  Committees 

1  See  also  ConiJtions'  Journals^  vol.  vi,  p.  353.  At  the  same  time  permission  was  given 
to  the  Company  to  transport  20,000/.  in  foreign  coin  and  bullion  in  the  East  India 
Merchant,  Advice,  Bonito,  and  Lioness. 


14  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

appointed  for  the  business  of  Assada  and  Hugli  is  read,  and  debate 
ensues  as  to  the  employment  of  George  Gawton,  the  stay  of  the 
Lioness  and  Bonito  at  Assada,  and  about  writing  to  the  Agent  at 
Fort  St.  George  to  render  all  assistance  to  Captain  Brookehaven  in 
his  voyage  to  Hugli.  The  Committees  formerly  appointed  and 
Messrs.  Mann  and  Riccard  are  requested  to  meet  and  settle  this 
business.  The  following  securities  are  accepted :  Aaron  Baker  for 
Charles  Wylde,  Charles  Goldsmith  for  Paul  Waldegrave,  William 
Steevens  for  his  brpther  Edward,  George  Price  for  Jeremy  Crew, 
and  Mr.  Johnson  for  his  son  Thomas  [should  be  William].  Sarah, 
widow  of  William  Griffen,  a  gunner  killed  in  India,  to  be  paid  5/. 
upon  her  late  husband's  account.  Twenty  nobles  to  be  given  from 
the  poor-box  to  the  poor  of  Barking  parish,  who  sustained  loss 
from  the  recent  fire  there.^  Saltpetre  to  be  delivered  to  William 
Pennoyer.  Thomas  Godfrey  entertained  to  go  with  Captain  Minors 
as  chief  mate  in  the  William.  Boatswain  Ingram's  bill  of  charges 
for  six  months  to  be  paid.     {%  pp)    . 

A  General  Court,  February  i,  1650  (Couri  Book,  vol.  xx, 
P-  473)- 

The  Governor  announces  that,  through  the  Council  of  State 
reporting  the  Company's  business  to  Parliament,  the  latter  has 
passed  several  votes  for  encouragement  of  the  trade.  These  are 
read,  together  with  the  Articles  of  Agreement  made  with  the  Assada 
Adventurers  to  which  they  refer,  and  the  Governor  adds  that  the 
Company  has  now  'more  then  they  could  procure  these  eight 
yeares'.  He  further  informs  the  generality  that  the  Committees  are 
of  opinion  to  follow  the  trade  upon  the  new  United  Joint  Stock 
with  what  has  already  been  or  shall  be  underwritten,  and  to  extend 
the  time  for  subscription  another  week  so  that  all  who  please  may 
adventure :  that  four  ships  are  ready  to  depart,  two  for  this  account, 
one  for  the  Joint  Stock,  and  one  for  the  Second  General  Voyage : 
that  30,000/.  in  coin  and  bullion  belonging  to  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock  and  Second  General  Voyage  is  provided  for  this  new  stock 
at  six  per  cent,  interest:  and  that  15,000/.  is  assured  on  the  Lioness 

^  This  refers  to  a  disastrous  fire  which  took  place  in  the  parish  of  All  Hallows, 
Barking  (near  the  Tower),  on  January  4,  1650.  For  details  see  Strype's  edition  (1720) 
of  Stow's  Survey, 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  15 

and  Bonito.  But  the  principal  point  to  be  decided  is  concerning  the 
extension  of  the  time  of  subscription.  By  request  the  Governor  puts 
it  to  the  question  whether  the  generality  will  agree  to  extend  the 
time  of  subscription  until  the  9th  instant  at  night,  and  to  this  they 
unanimously  consent ;  and  also  that  the  time  shall  be  extended  to 
the  loth  of  March  next  for  those  who  live  beyond  twenty  miles 
radius  of  London.  The  Deputy  acquaints  the  adventurers  in  the 
Second  General  Voyage  that  there  is  to  be  a  division  of  twenty-five 
per  cent,  in  money  the  loth  of  April  next.^  He  also  informs  the 
new  adventurers  that  the  present  undertaking  is  named  the  United 
Joint  Stock.  Hereupon  some  dispute  ensues  as  to  how  long  this 
stock  is  to  continue,  and,  the  Governor  putting  it  to  the  question,  it 
is  resolved,  by  a  general  erection  of  hands,  that  nothing  shall  be 
exported  on  account  of  the  United  Joint  Stock  after  Midsummer, 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
February  5,  1650  (Courl  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  474). 

It  is  resolved  that  all  factors  entertained  for  Bantam  and  the 
Coast  shall  be  given  10/.  for  fresh  provisions,  they  not  receiving 
wages  on  their  outward  or  homeward  voyage.  Several  letters, 
commissions,  and  instructions  concerning  Assada  are  read  and 
approved.  The  Court  resolves  that  the  money  to  be  sent  to 
Bantam  and  the  Coast  shall  be  shipped  next  Friday,  and  certain 
Committees  are  desired  to  go  to  Gravesend  and  clear  the  ships. 
On  the  motion  of  Mr.  Thomson,  1,000  rials  are  ordered  to  be  sent 
to  Assada  to  buy  ambergris,  etc.,  to  increase  the  trade  of  the 
island.     (|/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
February  6,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  475). 

A  discussion  is  had  concerning  adventuring  money  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  some  thinking  that  the  old  stock  should  be  brought 
to  an  end,  and  pay  its  debts.  It  is  stated  that  the  new  stock  is 
not  tied  to  take  the  houses,  etc.,  from  the  old  stock  unless  300,00c/. 
is  subscribed,  and  then  payment  is  only  to  be  made  at  ^s.  6d.  the 
rial  and  at  eighteen  months'  time ;  it  is  therefore  suggested  that  the 

1  See  p.  389  of  the  last  volume. 


i6  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

old  stock  without  any  loss  or  damage  might  adventure  part  of  this 
sum  in  the  new  stock,  in  which  case  it  is  hoped  that  the  money  may 
in  two  years  produce  los.  the  rial  and  so  ease  them  of  all  charges. 
It  is  resolved  that  the  adventurers  in  the  old  stock  (who  are  to 
meet  in  the  afternoon)  shall  be  moved  to  adventure  26,000/.  in  the 
United  Joint  Stock.  Mr.  Young  is  accepted  as  security  for  Thomas 
Symonds,  and  John  Gould  for  Christopher  Blakston.  Frederick, 
son  of  Daniel  Skinner,  requesting  to  be  employed  in  India,  he  is 
promised  that  his  entertainment  shall  have  first  consideration. 
Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  go  to  Gravesend  to  clear  the 
ships  and  settle  the  factors  in  them.  Mr.  Arnold  to  be  paid  300/. 
on  account  of  freight  of  goods  brought  home  in  the  Advice,  and 
Mr.  Newport,  master  of  the  East  India  Merchant,  300/.  in  part  of 
what  is  to  be  advanced  to  him.  William  Nettlam,  who  has  been  at 
the  Bay  [  of  Bengal  ]  many  years,  at  a  salary  of  20/.  per  annum,  to 
be  allowed  50/.  per  annum  if  he  is  continued  in  employment  by  the 
United  Joint  Stock.  The  Court  orders  that  Jeremy  Crew  is  not  to 
be  employed  at  'Sellabarre^  or  any  other  sickly  places  in  the  south- 
wards'.     (i^//.) 

A  General  Court  of  Adventurers  in  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock,  February  6,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  477). 

The  Governor  recalls  that  about  eight  months  ago  Mr.  Hurt, 
paymaster  of  the  mariners,  was  found  to  be  short  900/.  odd  in  his 
accounts,  for  which  he  was  arrested  and  is  still  a  prisoner  in  the 
King's  Bench,^  and  adds  that  a  petition  has  been  presented  to  him 
on  Hurt's  behalf.  The  petition  is  read,  and  after  some  discussion 
it  is  resolved  not  to  release  Hurt  until  he  gives  an  account  of  how 
he  disposed  of  the  Company's  money.  The  Governor  then 
announces  that  112,000/.  has  been  underwritten  for  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  upon  which  they  are  resolved  to  continue  the  trade, 
although  by  agreement  the  stock  should  have  been  300,000/.  when 
they  were  to  have  paid  the  old  stock,  according  to  valuation,  for 
its  houses,  ships,  etc.  At  a  Court  of  Committees  a  motion  has 
been  made  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  to  adventure  26,000/.  of  what 
will  be  due  for  its  houses,  ships,  etc.  in  the  United  Joint  Stock,  for 

*  Sillebar,  on  the  south-west  coast  of  Sumatra,  near  Bencoolen. 

*  See  the  previous  volume,  p.  325,  etc. 


EAST    INDIA   COMPANY  17 

which  if  the  latter  should  pay  according  to  the  valuation,  it  will  be 
eighteen  months  before  it  can  be  received  *  at  soonest ',  and  then  but 
at  55-.  6d.  the  rial.  The  money  so  adventured  it  is  hoped  may  in 
two  years  yield  los,  the  rial,  and  so  ease  the  old  stock  from  all 
charges.  The  Governor  puts  it  to  the  question  whether  this  suni 
shall  be  so  adventured,  and  it  is  agreed  to  nemine  contradicente. 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
February  ii,  1650  (Coz^rt  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  478). 

The  Committees  appointed  to  clear  the  ships  at  Gravesend 
report  that  the  Bonito  and  Lioness  are  *very  much  pestred',  and 
have  asked  the  Advice  and  the  East  India  Merchant  to  take  some  of 
their  water  ;  they  also  desire  that  alteration  may  be  made  in  their 
cargoes.  The  Advice  has  aboard  1,000/.  for  the  Second  General  Voy- 
age, and  2,000/.  for  the  United  Joint  Stock  ;  the  Bonito  carries  gold 
and  silver  to  the  value  of  10,473/.  ^^^'  ^"<^  ^^  Lioness  7,000/. 
After  debate  the  Committees  decide  not  to  alter  the  disposal  of  the 
money  in  the  ships.  On  a  motion  for  stock  to  be  sent  to  the  south- 
wards to  supply  the  subordinate  factories,  the  Court  orders  that  two 
chests  of  money  belonging  to  the  United  Joint  Stock  now  aboard 
the  Advice  be  shipped  in  the  Lioness  and  landed  at  the  Coast  to 
enable  the  factors  to  buy  coarse  clothing  to  send  to  Macassar  ;  also 
that  the  factors  at  Madraspatam  be  instructed  to  charge  the 
President  and  Council  at  Surat  with  bills  of  exchange  to  the  value 
of  3,000/.  or  4,000/.,  to  be  similarly  invested  in  coarse  clothing  for 
Macassar.  The  ships  now  setting  forth  to  be  directed  to  keep 
company  as  far  as  Cape  Verde.  Captain  Newport  is  appointed 
admiral,  Captain  Brookehaven  vice-admiral,  and  Captain  Arnold 
rear-admiral.  John  Nelson,  formerly  servant  to  Thomas  Milward, 
is  admitted  to  the  freedom  by  service,  paying  loj.  to  the  poor-box. 
Captain  Brookehaven  to  be  paid  26/.  13J.  4^.,  the  usual  gratuity 
given  to  commanders  of  freighted  ships  in  lieu  of  primage  and 
average.  Two  bags,  each  containing  500  rials,  to  be  sent  to 
Assada,  one  in  the  Bonito^  the  other  in  the  Lioness.  The  Fourth 
and  the  United  Joint  Stocks  mutually  agree  that,  when  the  latter's 
ships  and  factors  arrive  in  India,  some  shall  be  appointed  to  value 
such  things  as  are  to  be  turned  over  to  the  United  Joint  Stock,  and 


i8  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

to  select  such  factors  as  are  necessary.  Hereupon  the  names  of 
the  factors  at  the  Coast  are  read,  and  the  Court  orders  that 
Benjamin  Robinson,  who  went  out  for  the  Second  General  Voyage, 
is  to  return;  also  the  youth,  John  Gurney,  and  the  chirurgeon, 
Nathaniel  Lumbly,  as  another  surgeon  is  going  out  to  remain 
there.  Captain  Brookehaven  and  Messrs.  Leigh,  Doughty,  and 
Steevens,  who  go  as  factors  to  the  Coast,  are  appointed  on  behalf 
of  the  United  Joint  Stock  to  join  with  Mr.  Greenehill,  Agent  at  the 
Coast,  and  a  like  number  of  factors  for  the  Joint  Stock  to  decide 
which  factors  to  send  home  and  which  to  retain  there,     (a  pp) 

A  General  Court  of  Adventurers  in  the  United  Joint 
Stock,  February  12,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  480). 

The  preamble,  with  the  additional  clause  concerning  private  trade, 
is  read,  and  the  Governor  announces  that  the  book  for  subscriptions 
was  open  until  last  Saturday  night,  and  that  upwards  of  157,000/. 
(besides  the  26,000/.  to  be  adventured  by  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock) 
has  been  underwritten.  He  also  states  that  four  ships  have  been 
dispeeded,  one  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  one  for  the  Second 
General  Voyage  (each  carrying  1,000/.),  and  two  for  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  in  which  gold  and  silver  to  the  value  of  18,000/.  is 
shipped.  He  then  acquaints  the  Court  with  the  conditions  on  which 
15,000/.  has  been  assured  on  the  Lioness  and  Bonito,  and  adds  that 
letters  are  ready  to  be  sent,  with  the  Articles  of  Agreement  for 
Assada,  containing  directions,  according  to  that  agreement,  for 
factors  to  be  chosen  at  the  Coast,  three  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
and  three  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  who  are  to  make  an  indifferent 
valuation  of  the  household  movables  and  to  send  home  such  factors 
as  are  not  wanted.  Business  of  this  nature  at  Surat  and  Bantam  is 
to  be  deferred  until  March.  Besides  the  book  for  subscriptions 
before  them  there  are  two  more,  one  of  which  has  been  sent  to 
Parliament,  the  other  to  the  Council  of  State,  but  nothing  is  under- 
written in  either.  Thirteen  letters  have  been  sent  to  the  several 
port  towns,  giving  notice  that  all  who  wish  may  adventure  in  this 
stock,  but  answer  has  been  received  from  Plymouth  only,  in  which 
promise  is  made  to  acquaint  the  corporation.  Already  40,000/.  has 
been  laid  out  by  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and  Second  General  Voyage 
for  this  new  stock,  for  which  six  per  cent,  interest  is  to  be  paid. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  19 

The  Treasurer  moves  for  enlarged  payments,  in  regard  of  the  great 
occasion  for  money  or  else  for  money  to  be  taken  up  at  interest. 
After  some  discussion,  it  is  resolved  to  defer  decision  on  this  point 
until  the  loth  of  March,  the  time  limited  for  those  in  the  country  to 
underwrite ;  but  it  is  declared  that  any  adventurer  bringing  in  money 
before  it  is  due  shall  be  allowed  six  per  cent,  interest.  It  is  also 
decided  that  the  assurance  on  the  Bonito  and  Lioness  shall  cease 
on  the  I  st  March  ;  that  factors  in  India  may,  if  they  please,  adven- 
ture in  this  stock,  paying  in  what  they  subscribe  at  5^.  the  rial ;  and 
that  those  factors  who  pay  in  money  to  the  Company's  cash  in 
India  at  $s.  6d.  the  rial,  shall  be  repaid  in  England  by  bills  of 
exchange.  Further  it  is  resolved  that  the  same  Committees  who 
saw  to  the  dispatch  of  the  two  last  ships  shall  perform  similar 
offices  for  the  two  to  be  sent  next  March,  and  make  choice  of  such 
factors  as  they  shall  think  fit.  Any  adventurer  in  the  United  Stock 
may  be  present  when  factors  are  chosen,  but  none  to  attend  the 
courts  who  are  not  adventurers  in  this  stock,     (aj//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
February  13,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  482). 

The  Court,  being  informed  that  a  man  going  as  a  servant  of  the 
Company  to  Assada  in  the  Bonito  '  attributed  to  himselfe  the  name 
of  Jesus  Christ ',  and  has  so  signed  his  indenture,  orders  that  he  be 
sent  up  to  the  court,  and  the  Committees,  *  being  very  sensible  of 
his  crime  as  blasphemous ',  think  to  acquaint  the  Council  of  State 
with  the  same.  Payment  to  be  made  to  Mr.  Cuttler  for  several 
goods  garbled  for  the  Company.  John  Perring  admitted  to  the 
freedom  on  payment  of  5/.  Arnold,  master  of  the  Advice ,  desires 
to  be  paid  sixty  rials  which  he  disbursed  at  Sillebar ;  but  the  Court, 
thinking  this  sum  must  have  been  for  port  dues,  for  which  the 
Company  is  not  liable,  resolves,  as  he  did  good  service  at  that  place, 
to  give  him  half  the  amount,  which  is  not  to  be  taken  as  a  precedent. 
Perring  is  paid  for  biscuit  furnished  to  the  William  and  Supply. 
The  master  and  officers  in  the  William^  who  were  fined  for  damage 
done  to  calico  in  that  ship,  to  be  paid  their  wages,  from  which  a  due 
proportion  for  the  said  fine  is  to  be  deducted.  A  petition  is  read 
from  Francis  Chestin,  a  scrivener  in  Ratcliffe,  who  forged  the 
Secretary's  hand  for  payment  of  wages  to  certain  women  ;  on  con- 

C  2 


%o  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

sideration  of  this  abuse,  it  is  decided  to  leave  Chestin  to  the  ordinary 
course  of  justice.  After  some  dispute  the  order  for  the  recall  of 
Benjamin  Robinson  is  revoked,  and  it  is  resolved  to  let  him  remain 
where  he  is,  provided  that  this  is  agreed  to  on  the  arrival  of  the 
Boniio  and  Z ioness.     {i^pp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
February  15,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  484). 

John  Prickman  and  Godfrey  Leigh  admitted  to  the  freedom,  each 
paying  5/.  Richard  Boylston,  servant  to  Thomas  Boylston,  and 
John  Congreave,  servant  to  Humphrey  Browne,  admitted  by  service, 
each  paying  ioj.  to  the  poor-box.  Christopher  Willoughby  transfers 
to  John  Prickman  600/.  subscription  in  the  United  Joint  Stock,  none 
of  which  is  paid  in,  but  this  Prickman  undertakes  to  do.  John 
Cartwright  is  refused  entertainment  as  a  factor,  but  is  given  5/. 
towards  the  expenses  of  his  return  to  Holland.  Mr.  Bingham,  an 
old  servant  of  the  Company,  petitioning  for  entertainment  as 
a  merchant,  is  told  that  his  employment  shall  be  considered.  The 
election  of  factors  for  Surat  and  Bantam  is  deferred  until 
Wednesday.  Some  of  the  Committees  think  that  Messrs.  Penniston, 
Winter,  and  Olton  should  return  from  Bantam,  and  all  agree  that 
some  able  men  should  be  sent  there  and  to  Surat  on  behalf  of 
the  United  Joint  Stock.  Aaron  Baker  is  asked  to  go  as  President 
to  Bantam  ;  he  begs  to  be  excused,  but  expresses  his  willingness  to 
do  so  next  year.  He  is  desired  to  withdraw,  when  it  is  unani- 
mously agreed  to  elect  him  as  President  for  that  place  this  year ; 
and  thereupon  he  requests  to  be  allowed  to  give  his  answer  next 
Wednesday.  A  question  having  been  raised  as  to  whether  the 
Deputy  has  a  vote  in  all  matters  passed  in  the  court,  he  is  asked  to 
withdraw  and  the  Governor  puts  it  to  the  question,  when  it  is  unani- 
mously answered  in  the  affirmative.  Mr.  Pennoyer  presents  an 
account  of  the  charge  of  setting  the  Assada  Merchant  out  to  sea  and 
requests  an  order  for  payment.  Hereupon  certain  Committees  are 
desired  to  meet  with  Mr.  Hale,  Treasurer  for  the  Assada  business, 
and  to  examine  and  report  on  the  said  account.  The  selection  of 
Captain  Blackman  as  chief  for  Surat  is  unanimously  approved.  The 
Captain  is  told  of  this  and  desires  to  be  allowed  to  give  his  answer 
next  Wednesday.      Mr.    Robinson   and   Captain    Ryder    present 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  :ii 

Mr.  Day  as  master  for  the  Love ;  they  are  desired  to  attend  the  court 
on  Wednesday  for  the  Company's  answer.     (2^//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
February  10, 1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  486). 

Captain  Day  is  approved  as  master  for  the  Love ;  he  names  John 
Lucar  and  Thomas  Taylor  as  his  mates.  Lead  to  be  provided  for 
Surat  and  Bantam.  Captain  Blackman  returns  thanks  for  his 
proposed  entertainment  as  chief  at  Surat,  and  desires,  if  he  goes, 
to  be  allowed  to  take  with  him  his  wife,  and  two  or  three  women 
servants  to  attend  her ;  that  a  godly,  able  minister  may  be  appointed 
to  reside  at  Surat ;  and  that  he  may  enlarge  his  subscription  to 
3,000/.  All  other  matters  he  refers  wholly  to  the  Court.  Aaron 
Baker,  being  asked  if  he  is  willing  to  go  as  President  to  Bantam, 
replies  that  for  seventeen  years  he  has  only  been  one  whole  year  in 
England,  but  yet  he  is  ready  to  serve  the  Company  and  to  under- 
take the  said  employment,  provided  that  his  wife,  with  two  or  three 
women  servants,  may  accompany  him.  He  is  requested  to  with- 
draw to  the  garden  and  the  minutes  of  the  last  court  are  read,  and 
dispute  ensues  as  to  whether  Captain  Blackman  was  absolutely 
chosen  President  for  Surat,  and  if  so  whether  he  is  to  take  that 
position  on  arrival  or  to  succeed  Mr.  Merry.  Finally  the  resolution 
passed  at  the  last  court  concerning  this  point  is  confirmed.  It  is 
also  decided,  after  a  long  debate,  that  both  Baker  and  Blackman 
shall  be  permitted  to  take  their  wives  with  their  women  attendants, 
though  this  has  never  been  allowed  before.  Mr.  Baker,  being  told 
of  the  Court's  decision,  demands  500/.  per  annum,  and  states  his 
willingness  to  remain  in  the  East  for  five  years.  The  Court 
consents  to  this,  because  of  his  ability  and  good  service,  but  decides 
that  no  salary  is  to  be  paid  to  him  either  on  his  outward  or  home- 
ward voyage.  On  his  further  request  to  be  allowed  to  indulge  in 
private  trade  to  the  extent  of  1,000  rials  of  eight  yearly,  he  is  told 
that  instead  he  shall  be  given  an  additional  100/.  a  year,  and  his 
house  charges  for  diet  of  his  wife,  child,  and  women  servants  shall 
be  borne  by  the  Company,  on  condition  that  he  refrains  from  private 
trade  and  does  his  best  to  stop  others  from  indulging  in  the  same. 
These  terms  he  accepts.  Captain  Blackman  is  told  that  his  wife  and 
her  women  attendants  may  accompany  him,  that  a  minister  shall  be 


%%  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

provided,  but  that  during  Mr.  Merry's  sojourn  at  Surat  he  must  be 
content  to  be  second.  To  this  the  Captain  makes  no  demur,  but 
demands  a  competent  allowance  for  private  trade.  Hereupon 
Messrs.  Thomson  and  Moyer  are  desired  to  persuade  him  to  with- 
draw this  demand.  The  Captain  requests  time  for  consideration. 
John  Waters  is  paid  5/.  for  piloting  the  Lioness  from  Limehouse  to 
the  Downs.  Many  desiring  to  underwrite  in  the  book  of  subscription, 
it  is  agreed  that  any  who  like  may  do  so,  but  that  anything  under- 
written must  be  approved  by  the  generality.     (3  //.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
February  %o,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  489). 

The  following  men  are  nominated  for  election  as  factors  for  Surat 
and  Bantam :  Christopher  Oxenden,^  Frederick  Skinner,  Matthew 
Andrews,  Augustine  Swallow,  John  Lambton,  Timothy  Cartwright, 
Godfrey  Goodman,  David  Fleetwood,  William  Campion,  Peter 
Wightwicke,  Thomas  Harrison,  Thomas  Billedge,  Edward  Rainey, 
Henry  Thriscrosse,  Anthony  Denny,  John  Swinnarton,  Thomas 
Greeneway,  Edward  Josselyn,  John  Smith,  Richard  Shingler,  and 
*  Warcop,  for  Mr.  Speaker,  if  hee  come  in  tyme'.  Final  choice  to  be 
made  this  day  week.  Aaron  Baker  moves  that  Timothy  Wilson 
be  sent  as  second  to  Bantam,  but  resolution  herein  is  deferred. 
Captain  Blackman  desires  to  be  excused  from  going  to  Surat,  but 
expresses  his  willingness  to  serve  the  Company  at  home.  Here- 
upon Henry  Borneford,  who  has  served  the  Company  a  long  time 
at  Surat,  is  nominated  by  the  Deputy,  who  is  desired  to  approach 
him  on  the  subject,     (i^//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
February  22,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  490). 

John  Chettwin  being  questioned  concerning  his  alleged  blasphemy 
and  returning  weak  and  impertinent  answers,  the  Secretary  is  desired 
to  take  him  to  the  Sessions  House  and  to  acquaint  the  Recorder 
and  some  of  the  justices  with  his  crime.  There  being  only  a  small 
quantity  of  pepper  procurable  yearly  at  Banjarmassin  and  the 
factors  there  contracting  heavy  debts,  the  Committees  are  of  opinion 
to  give  up  that  factory  and  to  send  only  one  ship  there  yearly  to 

1  Brother  of  the  well-known  George  Oxenden. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  33 

trade  as  best  it  can.  Resolved  that  the  following  factors  shall  be 
continued  in  their  several  posts :  James  Bostocke,  for  five  years 
from  the  arrival  of  the  William  at  Bantam,  Edward  Whiteway, 
Christopher  Perrott,  Francis  Wynne,  William  Mynne,  William 
Helmes,  and  Walter  Massey :  while  Messrs.  Penniston,  Winter,  and 
Olton  are  to  be  recalled,  also  Messrs.  Wotton  and  Mosely,  unless 
Mr.  Baker  sees  cause  to  detain  the  two  last  named.  Richard 
Wotton,  Senior,  to  be  continued  as  steward  of  the  house  at  25/.  per 
annum.     (li//-) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
February  33,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  49a). 

The  following  factors  to  be  continued  at  Bantam :  Quarles 
Browne,  Edward  Kinnersly,  George  Greenewell,  Edward  Minors, 
Gregory  Downes,  Henry  Dacres,  Thomas  Leaver,  Isaac  Holdish, 
and  Jonathan  Massey ;  to  be  recalled  :  Abraham  Hutchins,  Thomas 
Fenn,  and  John  Yard.  To  be  continued  at  the  Coast:  Henry 
Greenehill  (for  a  year  after  Mr.  Baker's  arrival,  if  the  latter  thinks 
fit,  and  if  Greenehill  will  engage  to  forbear  private  trade  and 
'demeane  himselfe  like  a  good  Christian'},  William  Gurney,  Martin 
Bradgate,  Benjamin  Robinson,  Christopher  Yardly,  William  Winter, 
Thomas  Chambers,  and  William  Nettlam.  The  Committees  having 
resolved  to  continue  twenty-four  factors  at  Bantam  and  the  Coast, 
besides  the  four  lately  gone  for  Hugli  and  the  six  sent  to  Bantam 
in  the  last  ships,  they  now  resolve  to  send  out  an  additional  ten 
next  March  to  the  said  places.  They  are  also  of  opinion  that  Fort 
St.  George  should  be  manned  constantly  with  sixty  English  soldiers. 
A  warrant  to  be  made  out  for  payment  of  3,000/.  to  Mr.  Hale  for 
charges  for  the  Assada  plantation.  Certain  Committees  are  desired 
to  examine  the  bills  of  charges  for  the  Lioness  and  to  sign  those 
they  think  fit.  At  the  request  of  Mr.  Burnell,  Robert  Smith  is  to 
be  allowed  to  stand  for  election  as  a  factor.  Messrs.  Hanson,  Lucy, 
and  Frith  accepted  as  securities  for  benzoin,     (ij//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
February  25,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  494). 

The  following  factors  to  be  continued  at  Surat :  Thomas  Merry  as 
President,  at  300/.  per  annum  for  a  year  after  the  arrival  of  the  ships 


24  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

to  be  dispeeded  thither  in  March ;  Edward  Pearse,  accountant, 
his  salary  to  be  increased  from  loo/.  to  aoo/.  per  annum ;  George 
Oxenden,  his  salary  to  be  increased  from  40/.  to  100/.  per  annum  ; 
both  these  on  condition  that  they  abstain  from  private  trade ; 
Anthony  Clitherowe,  Henry  Young,  John  Adler,  and  Nicholas 
Buckeridge.  To  be  continued  at  Ahmadabad :  Anthony  Smith 
and  Isaac  {should  be  Isaiah]  Joyce.  At  Agra :  Richard  Davidge 
and  Thomas  Andrews.  At  Lucknow,  William  Jesson  and  John 
Burnell.  At  *Sinda'  or  'Tuttha'  [Tatta]  :  John  Spiller,  Nicholas 
Scrivener,  Henry  Garry,  Richard  Newland,  Thomas  Reynardson, 
Charles  Milward,  Daniel  Elder,  and  William  Weale.  In  Persia : 
George  Tash,  John  Lewis,  Thomas  Best,  and  John  Goodyeare.  The 
following  to  return  home :  John  Bradbent,  Philip  Wylde,  Francis 
Hamersly,  Thomas  Cogan,  Thomas  Cooke,  and  Rivett  Walwin. 
The  factories  at  Suakin,  Achin,  Basra,  and  Mokha  to  be  dissolved, 
and  ships  to  be  sent  there  only  if  the  trade  is  found  profitable. 
It  is  further  resolved  to  have  twelve  factors  at  Surat,  four  at 
Ahmadabad,  six  at  Agra  and  Lucknow,  four  at  'Sinda',  four  in 
Persia,  and  four  at  Baroda  and  Broach,  making  thirty-four  in  all ;  and 
as  only  twenty-five  of  the  present  factors  are  retained,  it  is  resolved 
that  nine  more  shall  be  sent  out  next  March  to  complete  the 
number  for  the  northern  factories.  At  the  request  of  Samuel 
Pennoyer,  Thomas  Colt  is  to  be  allowed  to  stand  for  nomination  as 
a  factor.  {^\pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
February  27,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  496). 

Resolved  that  bonds  to  forbear  private  trade  shall  be  sent  to 
Surat  to  be  sealed  by  those  factors  who  have  not  already  done  so, 
and  that  any  refusing  to  seal  them  shall  be  sent  home  to  England. 
It  having  been  agreed  to  dissolve  four  of  the  Company's  factories, 
the  Committees  decide  to  send  only  four  young  men  to  Surat 
instead  of  nine  as  formerly  resolved.  Richard  Clarke  chosen 
purser  for  the  William,  with  Thomas  Heme  as  his  mate,  and 
Richard  Parkes  steward,  with  Daniel  Charke  as  his  mate.  The  wife 
of  Henry  Olton  to  be  paid  25/.,  the  half-yearly  allowance  due  to 
her  next  midsummer,     (i/.) 


EAST  INDIA  COMPANY  i^5 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
February  27,  1650  [Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  497). 

The  following  are  entertained  as  factors:  John  Lambton, 
Frederick  Skinner,  Robert  Smith,  Christopher  Oxenden,  Matthew 
Andrews,  Richard  Shingler,  Thomas  Harrison,  John  Swinnarton, 
Peter  Wightwicke,  William  Campian,  John  Smith,  Henry  Thres- 
crosse,  Godfrey  Goodman,  and  Thomas  Greeneway.  Anthony 
Denny,  Timothy  Cartwright,  and  Edward  Rainey  are  entertained 
for  Bantam  for  three  years  under  Mr.  Baker  without  wages,  the 
Company  to  find  their  diet  and  apparel,  with  the  promise  that 
when  they  are  able  to  do  good  service  they  shall  receive  suitable 
salaries.  Edward  Josselyne  is  entertained  for  Surat,  but  to  receive 
no  wages  until  notice  is  given  of  his  abilities,     (i  p) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
March  i,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  498). 

Saltpetre  to  be  delivered  to  William  Pennoyer.  At  the  request 
of  Colonel  West,^  Lieutenant  of  the  Tower,  Augustine  Swallowe  is 
entertained  as  a  supernumerary  for  Surat,  to  remain  for  three  years 
without  salary,  the  Company  to  find  his  diet  and  apparel  and  to 
give  him  a  suitable  salary  when  he  is  able  to  do  them  service.  The 
Court  resolves  not  to  entertain  any  more  factors  on  any  terms 
whatsoever,  unless  it  shall  be  necessary  to  chose  '  a  prime  man '  to 
accompany  Mr.  Baker  to  Bantam.  The  following  factors  are 
appointed  at  stated  salaries :  Christopher  Oxenden,  John  Swinnar- 
ton, Matthew  Andrews,  and  John  Lambton  to  Surat;  Frederick 
Skinner,  John  Smith,  Peter  Wightwicke,  Richard  Shingler,  Godfrey 
Goodman,  Thomas  Harrison,  Robert  Smith,  Henry  Thriscrosse, 
Thomas  Greenway,  and  William  Campian  to  Bantam.  All  are  to 
serve  for  five  years,  their  salaries  to  begin  when  they  arrive  at  their 
destinations  and  cease  at  their  embarkation  for  home.  All  whose 
salaries  are  not  above  20I.  per  annum  are  to  receive  10/.  thereof 
yearly  in  India,     (ij//.) 

^  Francis  West,  who  had  distinguished  himself  in  the  Civil  War  and  had  been 
Lieutenant  of  the  Tower  in  May,  1645.     He  died  in  August,  1652. 


26  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
March  6,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  500). 

Captain  Ryder,  one  of  the  owners  of  the  Love,  promising  that  she 
shall  be  ready  by  the  20th  instant,  the  Court  resolves  that  the  said 
vessel  and  the  Aleppo  Merchant  shall  sail  from  Gravesend  on  that 
date.  A  list  of  those  indebted  to  the  Company  is  read,  and  an  action 
is  ordered  to  be  entered  against  John  Taylor  ;  Edward  Bicknell  is 
to  be  sued  in  the  event  of  his  not  paying  up ;  and  nothing  is  to  be 
delivered  to  Mr.  Vandermarsh  on  his  adventure  in  the  Voyage  until 
he  has  settled  his  debt.  On  information  that  the  creditors  of  Mr. 
Hobson  (who  is  also  indebted  to  the  Company)  are  to  meet  at  the 
King's  Head  tavern  this  afternoon,  Thomas  Mann  is  requested  to 
attend  and  hear  what  is  proposed.  The  Treasurer  announces  that 
in  April  there  is  to  be  a  division  of  25/.  per  cent,  in  money  to  the 
adventurers  in  the  Second  General  Voyage,  which  amounts  to 
36,000/. ;  that  6,000/.  is  owing  by  the  said  Voyage  to  some  gentlemen 
who  lent  money  when  the  ships  came  home  ;  that  9,000/.  or  10,000/. 
has  to  be  sent  to  Surat  to  pay  a  debt  there ;  and  that  he  is  out  of 
cash  2,000/.  or  3,000/.  on  that  account ;  therefore  he  wishes  to  know 
what  is  to  be  done  in  the  matter.  Hereupon  it  is  resolved  that  9,000/. 
shall  be  sent  to  pay  the  debt  at  Surat,  and  that  as  much  money  as 
the  Treasurer  shall  think  fitting  shall  be  taken  up  at  interest  for  the 
Voyage's  account  for  that  purpose  and  for  the  division  to  be  made 
in  April.  After  some  dispute  it  is  decided  to  send  50,000/.  or 
51,000/.,  if  it  can  be  had,  to  Surat  in  the  Love  and  Aleppo  Merchant 
for  the  account  of  the  United  Joint  Stock,  and  to  Bantam  as  much 
as  can  be  procured  (not  exceeding  30,000/.),  in  the  William  and 
Golden  Fleece,  and  these  two  ships  are  ordered  to  be  ready  at 
Gravesend  to  set  sail  on  the  15th  April.  To  supply  this  money  the 
Treasurer  is  to  take  up  as  much  at  interest  for  the  United  Joint 
Stock's  account  as  he  shall  think  fitting.  At  the  request  of  David 
Ottgar,  his  son  Daniel  is  given  permission  to  go  in  one  of  the 
Company's  ships  to  Surat  and  stay  there  for  five  years  as  their 
servant  at  his  father's  charge,  diet  alone  excepted  ;  his  father  to  sign 
a  bond  for  500/.  that  his  said  son  will  not  indulge  in  private  trade. 
The  Supply  to  be  appraised.  Mr.  Baker  reporting  that  seamen  are 
badly  wanted  at  Bantam,  the  Court  resolves  to  send  out  twenty-five 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  «7 

in  the  William  and  fifteen  in  the  Golden  Fleece  for  the  account  of 
the  United  Joint  Stock.  Mr.  Hanson  is  granted  remission  of 
interest  on  payment  due  for  goods.  Elephants'  teeth  to  be  provided 
for  India,  and  cordage,  anchors,  canvas,  etc.,  for  Surat.  James 
Herbert  transfers  to  Captain  Ryder  500/.  adventure  and  profits  in 
the  Second  General  Voyage.     {%\  pp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
March  8,  1650  [Court  Book^  vol.  xx,  p.  502). 

At  the  request  of  the  Secretary,  his  son,  Edward  Swinglehurst,  is 
to  be  allowed  to  go  to  Surat  as  the  Company's  servant,  his  father 
paying  10/.  yearly  for  the  first  three  years  towards  his  maintenance, 
after  which  time  he  is  to  be  allowed  a  salary  according  to  his  ability. 
The  Court  resolves  to  take  the  said  30/.  from  the  Secretary,  but  to 
make  it  up  to  him  in  some  other  way.  In  return  for  a  present  of 
two  Persia  carpets  sent  by  the  Governor  of  Surat,  the  Court  resolves 
to  send  him  ten  yards  of  fine  scarlet,  ten  yards  of  green  satin,  and 
ten  yards  of  crimson  velvet ;  the  cost  to  be  borne  equally  by  the 
Old  Joint  Stock,  the  Second  General  Voyage,  and  the  United  Joint 
Stock.  The  Deputy  is  given  permission  to  send  some  scarlet  cloth 
to  four  friends  at  Surat.  Captain  Bailey  is  given  50/.  for  making 
the  Downs  his  first  port  with  the  William,  and  allowed  a  month's 
pay  for  his  attendance  in  the  ship  after  she  came  to  an  anchor. 
Calicoes  to  be  delivered  to  Mr.  Oyles.  Inquiries  to  be  made  con- 
cerning charges  for  painting  the  Eagle.  John  Swift  transfers  QiOol. 
adventure  and  profits  in  the  Second  General  Voyage,  viz.  100/.  to 
Mr.  Smith,  and  100/.  to  Mr.  Vincent.  Henry  Osbaston,  executor 
to  his  brother  Francis,  transfers  to  David  Ottgar  800/.  adventure 
and  profits  in  the  Second  General  Voyage.  Henry  Huckford 
transfers  to  Mr.  Ottgar  200/.  adventure  and  profits  in  the  Second 
General  Voyage.  Joanna  Porter,  executrix  to  her  late  husband 
Captain  Thomas  Porter,  transfers  to  Robert  Ellis  400/.  adventure 
and  profits  in  the  Second  General  Voyage,  which  adventure  is 
assigned  by  Mr.  Ellis  to  Mr.  Hodges.  John  Beex  transfers  to 
Francis  Sayon  500/.  adventure  and  profits  in  the  Second  General 
Voyage,  with  62/.  los.  due  at  interest.  Nicholas  Corsellis  transfers 
to  Maurice  Thomson  600/.  adventure  and  profits   in   the  Second 


a8  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC,  OF  THE 

General  Voyage,  and  William  Bovey  transfers  to  Nathan  Wright 
500/.  adventure  and  profits  in  the  same.     (2  pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
March  13,  1650  [Court  Book^  vol.  xx,  p.  504). 

Five  hundred  bags  of  pepper  belonging  to  the  Second  General 
Voyage  to  be  sold  at  \%d.  per  cwt.  at  six  months  time  from  Lady 
Day,  any  man  to  be  allowed  to  underwrite  for  the  whole  parcel, 
or  for  part,  but  not  for  less  than  fifty  bags.  A  paper  signed  by 
Mr.  Sadler,  the  Town  Clerk,  is  read,  by  which  it  appears  that 
John  Jones  has  been  sworn  Garbler  of  the  City  by  the  Common 
Council ;  also  another  paper  signed  by  Mr.  Cuttler  (who  *  pretends  * 
to  be  the  Garbler)  promising  to  save  harmless  all  those  whose 
goods  he  shall  garble.  The  Court  directs  that  any  man  coming 
for  his  pepper  shall  be  allowed  to  employ  which  of  the  two  garblers 
he  pleases.  After  some  dispute  concerning  the  date  set  down  in 
the  preamble  for  payment  of  the  subscriptions,  it  is  thought  that 
the  first  two  payments  should  be  made  at  the  times  stated,  and 
the  four  last  at  Midsummer,  Michaelmas,  in  February,  and  the 
following  Midsummer ;  but  this  is  referred  to  be  decided  by  the 
generality.  Robert  Bowen,  who  came  home  master  of  the  Dolphin^ 
is  given  a  gratuity  of  30/.  for  primage  and  average  of  the  goods 
brought  in  that  ship.  James  Birkdell,  who  returned  master  in  the 
Bonito,  to  be  paid  all  wages  and  debts  due  to  him.  The  lease  of 
the  warehouses  at  Leadenhall  having  expired,  certain  Committees 
are  requested  to  see  about  its  renewal.  Calicoes  to  be  examined 
and  priced.  Mr.  Baker  presents  Mr.  Thomson  as  minister  for 
Bantam ;  the  latter  declares  his  willingness  to  accept  the  post,  and 
refers  his  salary  and  other  particulars  to  the  decision  of  the  Court. 
The  Committees  resolve  to  hear  him  preach  next  Monday  week, 
and  select  for  his  text  Exodus  xxxiii,  ver.  15,^  and  promise  that 
timely  notice  shall  be  given  to  him  where  his  sermon  is  to  be 
delivered.  Mr.  Baker  informs  the  Court  that  '  one  Jermin ',  who 
disciplined  the  soldiers  at  Armagon,  is  dead,  that  it  is  necessary 

1  '  And  he  said  unto  him,  If  Thy  presence  go  not  with  me,  carry  us  not  up  hence.' 
For  some  particulars  of  the  subsequent  career  of  the  Rev.  Joseph  Thomson,  see  The 
Church  in  Madras,  by  the  Rev.  Frank  Penny,  vol.  i,  pp.  33,  661,  etc.  A  letter  from 
him  to  Elias  Ashmole,  dated  from  Bantam,  Jan.  31,  1651,  and  describing  his  voyage 
out,  is  among  the  Ashmolean  MSS.  in  the  Bodleian  (Black's  Catalogue,  p.  484). 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  29 

to  have  some  one  in  his  place,  and  that  James  Martin  is  qualified 
for  that  post.  Mr.  Martin  is  called  in  and  asked  whether  he  bore 
arms  on  the  side  of  the  late  King ;  he  states  that  he  was  never 
a  commission  officer,  but  that  he  commanded  some  of  the  Arch- 
bishop's tenants  in  Yorkshire.  He  is  advised  to  obtain  permission 
from  the  Council  of  State,  and  promised  that,  when  he  shall  have 
done  so,  the  Company  will  give  him  fitting  entertainment.  Some 
Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock  desiring  to  buy  the  Supply, 
an  estimate  of  her  value,  amounting  to  i^oo/.,  is  presented,  but 
resolution  is  deferred,  and  Steevens  is  directed  to  certify  whether 
she  can  be  repaired  in  time  to  go  with  the  William.  The  Governor 
announces  that  a  commission  of  bankruptcy  is  issued  against  Mr. 
Courteen,  and  that  some  of  the  Company  are  desired  to  attend 
the  Commissioners  concerning  some  gold  which  it  is  pretended 
the  Company  has  of  Courteen's ;  ^  Mr.  Acton  is  requested  to  attend 
and  give  what  satisfaction  he  can.  Robert  Lowder  and  John 
Markham  accepted  as  sureties  for  Thomas  Greeneway.  Ordered 
that  4/.  from  the  wages  of  John  Osborne,  who  is  in  India,  be  paid 
to  Margaret  Jackson  towards  the  maintenance  of  a  child  of  his. 
{^\pp) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  March  13, 1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  507). 

The  chief  cause  of  meeting  being  to  decide  concerning  the 
subscription,  the  Governor,  by  desire,  puts  it  to  the  question 
whether  those  who  have  underwritten  (8,700/.  in  all)  since  the  time 
for  subscription  expired  shall  be  admitted  as  adventurers  in  this 
stock;  this  is  generally  consented  to.  He  then  announces  that 
22,000/.  is  to  be  sent  to  the  Coast,  50,000/.  in  money  and  8,000/.  in 
goods  to  Surat,  and  20,000/.  to  Bantam  \^  for  all  which  money  will 
be  wanted,  therefore  the  dates  for  payment  of  subscriptions  must 
be  settled,  that  cash  may  be  supplied.  After  some  consideration,  it 
is  resolved  that  the  dates  set  down  in  the  preamble  shall  be  adhered 
to.     The  Governor  further  states  that  in  his  opinion  there  are  but 

1  See  the  Introduction  to  the  previous  volume,  p.  x. 

*  On  March  19  permission  was  given  to  the  Company  to  transport  80,000/.  in  foreign 
coin  and  bullion  in  the  five  ships  about  to  sail  to  the  East  Indies  {Commons^  Journals , 
vol.  vi,  p.  384), 


30  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF   THE 

two  ways  to  obtain  the  desired  money,  viz.:  by  allowing  those  who 
have  already  subscribed  to  enlarge  their  subscriptions,  or  for  any 
who  please  to  bring  in  any  of  their  payments  and  be  allowed 
interest  for  the  same.  The  Court  resolves  that  liberty  shall  be 
given  to  any  who  please  to  enlarge  their  subscription  between  this 
and  the  last  day  of  the  month,  and  that  as  many  as  bring  in  any  of 
their  payments  (due  after  the  loth  April)  between  this  and  the  last 
of  May  shall  be  allowed  seven  per  cent,  interest,  while  those  who 
have  already  paid  in  and  been  allowed  six  per  cent,  shall  now  be 
allowed  the  said  seven  per  cent.  It  is  likewise  decided  that  any 
who  have  not  as  yet  subscribed  shall  be  permitted  to  do  so  up  to 
the  25th  instant.  The  Governor  states  that  already  there  is  a  con- 
siderable adventure  at  sea  for  this  stock,  and  in  all  probability  there 
will  be  50,000/.  more  in  the  Surat  ships  in  the  Downs  this  month ; 
that  if  new  men  are  admitted,  it  is  fit  they  should  pay  something 
towards  this  ;  and  also  that  it  would  be  well  to  know  who  is  to  bear 
the  adventure  in  the  meantime.  This  being  put  to  the  question,  it 
is  decided  that  the  present  adventurers  shall  be  responsible  for  the 
stock  until  the  new  men  have  underwritten,  and  that  all  new 
adventurers  shall  bring  in  their  first  three  payments  on  the 
loth  April.  It  is  next  resolved  that  the  Supply,  built  in  India  and 
belonging  to  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  which  some  adventurers  in  this 
stock  wish  to  buy  to  carry  planters  to  Assada,  shall  be  purchased, 
her  provisions  taken  at  a  valuation,  and  Steevens  directed  to  re- 
pair her  forthwith.  The  Governor  tells  the  generality  that  thirteen 
letters  have  been  written  to  several  port  towns  inviting  subscriptions 
to  this  stock,  but  answers  have  been  received  from  Exeter  and 
Bristol  only,  and  there  is  no  probability  that  anything  will  be 
subscribed  at  either  place.     (%\  pp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
March  15,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  509). 

John  Taylor's  plea  to  be  allowed  remission  of  part  of  his  debt  is 
refused.  Mr.  Whitaker  at  Amsterdam  and  Mr.  Aschman  at  Middel- 
burg  to  be  desired  to  provide  rials  (wanted  for  the  Bantam  ships)  to 
the  value  of  5,000/.  or  6,000/.,  as  many  as  possible  in  Peru  money, 
'so  as  they  bee  true  and  weighty',  and  to  have  them  ready  in  time 
to  ship  by  the  aoth  April.     The  Company's  factors  at  Venice  are 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  31 

likewise  to  be  desired  to  provide  100  bullions  of  quicksilver  at  the 
best  possible  rate  and  at  the  cheapest  season  of  the  year,  and  to 
send  twenty  or  thirty  bullions  by  November,  as  some  will  have  to  be 
dispatched  to  the  Coast  about  that  time  ;  the  rest  to  be  shipped  so 
as  to  arrive  in  January.  The  William  to  carry  out  lito  men  and 
return  with  no.  The  objection  made  by  a  gentleman  at  the  last 
meeting  to  James  Martin  being  entertained  to  command  the 
Company's  soldiers  at  Fort  St.  George  being  withdrawn,  Martin  is 
now  appointed  to  that  post  at  the  yearly  salary  of  40/.  for  five 
years,  to  begin  at  his  arrival  at  Bantam  and  cease  at  his  coming  from 
thence.  He  is  given  10/.  for  fresh  provisions,  and  lent  201.  for 
supply  of  necessaries.  The  young  men  entertained  for  Surat  and 
Bantam  are  given  10/.  apiece  for  supply  of  fresh  provisions,  but 
nothing  is  given  to  those  entertained  as  supernumeraries  at  their 
parents'  expense.  Cordage,  pitch,  tar,  cloths,  satin,  and  '  six  peeces 
of  watered  chambletts'  to  be  provided  for  Bantam  ;  also  looking- 
glasses,  gold  and  silver  lace,  knives,  and  other  things ;  and  the 
Husband  is  to  provide  the  hundred  muskets  desired,     (a//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
March  io^  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  511). 

Edward  Maisters  is  permitted  to  go  as  a  supernumerary  to  Surat 
in  one  of  the  Company's  ships,  his  father  undertaking  to  pay  for 
his  'passage,  schooling,  dyett,  and  all  other  charges  whatsoever' 
until  he  is  able  to  serve  the  Company.  Messrs.  Oxenden, 
Andrews,  Swinglehurst,  Swallowe,  and  Maisters  to  go  in  the  Love 
to  Surat,  and  Messrs.  Swinnarton,  Ottgar,  Josselyne,  and  Lambton 
in  the  Aleppo  Merchant.  Mr.  Day,  master  of  the  Love^  to  be 
admiral.  The  following  securities  are  accepted :  Barnabas  Mayre 
for  Matthew  Andrews,  William  Dyer  for  John  Swinnarton,  Mr. 
Maisters  for  Christopher  Oxenden  (until  his  father  comes  to  town, 
who  is  then  to  be  his  surety),  the  Secretary  for  his  son  Edward 
Swinglehurst,  and  George  Smith,  Junior,  for  John  Lambton.  James 
Bearblocke  is  chosen  master  of  the  Supply  at  5/.  per  month ;  he  has 
served  the  Company  five  or  six  years  in  India  as  master  of  one  of 
their  ships,  but  lost  everything  when  the  Hart  was  burnt.  In  the 
same  ship  the  Company  had  44,000  rials  and  Bearblocke  had  1,000 
or  1,100  rials.   Mr.  Baker  and  his  Council  at  Bantam  lent  Bearblocke 


3%  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

400  rials  upon  his  bond  to  repay  the  same  in  England  out  of  his 
wages,  if  the  Company  should  require  it.  The  Court,  considering 
all  this,  decides  to  return  Bearblocke  this  bond  in  full  of  all 
demands.  George  Sandford  is  chosen  purser  of  the  Supply,  and 
Francis  Calender  steward.  William  Pearse,  administrator  of 
Bartholomew  Austin,  to  be  paid  239/.  due  to  the  latter's  account. 
On  information  that  the  creditors  of  Messrs.  Hobson  and  Boreman 
are  to  be  paid  loj.  in  the  pound,  certain  Committees  are  desired  to 
meet  with  the  rest  of  the  creditors  and  subscribe,  on  the  Company's 
behalf,  as  the  others  do.  The  executors  of  tl;e  late  John  Blount 
to  be  paid  300/.  on  account.  Some  dispute  arises  concerning  the 
charter-party  of  the  Aleppo  Merchant ^  in  which  is  a  covenant  wherein 
it  is  stated  that,  if  she  be  dispeeded  from  Surat  before  the  last  of 
January,  the  owners  are  to  allow  the  Company  400/. ;  it  is  finally 
decided  to  omit  the  said  covenant,  as  the  ship  is  bound  to  stay  at 
St.  Helena  till  the  20th  of  May  to  keep  company  with  the  other 
homeward-bound  vessels.  Mr.  Ashwell  is  permitted  to  send  a 
looking-glass  to  Bantam  to  be  sold  there,  the  proceeds  to  be  paid 
into  the  Company's  cash,  and  repaid  in  England  at  ^s.  the  rial. 
Certain  Committees  are  requested  to  ship  and  make  provision  for 
forty  seamen  and  forty  planters  for  Bantam  and  Assada  in  the 
Supply.  Maurice  Thomson  transfers  to  William  Thomson  1,000/. 
adventure  and  profits  in  the  United  Joint  Stock.     (3  pp.) 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  March  20,  1650 
(Public  Record  Office :  S.  P.  Dom. :  Interregnum^  I.  64,  p.  105). 

.  .  .  To  be  read  to-morrow.  .  .  .  The  petition  of  the  East  India 
Company,  for  a  warrant  for  keeping  the  men  from  pressing  that  are 
ready  to  go  with  two  of  their  ships  to  the  East  Indies.  .  .  . 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
March  aa,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  514). 

Rough  drafts  of  the  charter-parties  of  the  Aleppo  Merchant  and 
Love  are  read  ;  several  clauses  are  debated,  and  it  is  finally  resolved 
that  the  Aleppo  Merchant  shall  carry  five  seamen  for  the  Company 
and  four  factors,  the  owners  to  be  allowed  10/.  a  head  for  each  of 
the  former  and  for  two  of  the  latter ;  the  Love  to  carry  five  seamen 
and  five  factors,  the  owners  to  be  allowed  10/.  a  head  for  each  of  the 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  33 

former  and  for  three  of  the  latter.  Two  clauses,  to  be  inserted  in 
the  said  charter-parties  concerning  demurrage,  are  next  drawn  up 
and  agreed  to.  The  masters  of  each  ship,  if  kept  at  demurrage,  to 
be  allowed  as  much  money  as  is  needful  to  buy  provisions  and 
other  necessaries,  not  exceeding  4,000  rials  at  the  rate  of  ^s.  6d.  the 
rial.  Ellis  Cuncliffe  and  William  Bathurst  admitted  to  the  freedom 
on  payment  of  5/.  each  and  10s,  to  the  poor-box.  Cloth  to  be  pro- 
vided for  Assada.  Samuel  Gibbs  transfers  to  George  Smith, 
Junior,  300/.  adventure  and  profits  in  the  Second  General  Voyage, 
and  a  like  sum  with  all  profits  in  the  same  Voyage  to  William 
Vincent,     (i^pp.) 

Proceedings  of  the  Admiralty  Committee,  March  23, 
1650  {Public  Record  Office:  S.  P.  Dom.:  Interregnum,  I.  123,  pp. 
275-«77)- 

.  .  .  Order  referring  the  petition  of  the  East  India  Company, 
for  a  warrant  to  keep  their  men  (110  in  number)  from  being  pressed, 
to  the  Generals  of  the  Fleet,  to  do  as  they  conceive  most  advan- 
tageous for  the  service.  ... 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
March  27,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  516). 

Thomas  Rowse,  Peter  Browne,  Gifford  Bale,  and  Thomas 
Culling  admitted  to  the  freedom  on  payment  of  5/.  each  and  loj.  to 
the  poor-box.  Mr.  Martin  is  permitted  to  pay  in  2,^1.  to  the  Com- 
pany, for  which  sum  500  mahmudls  is  to  be  repaid  in  India  to 
Hopton  Martin  to  buy  clothes  and  other  necessaries.  It  is  resolved 
that  no  man  shall  be  allowed  to  carry  out  vermilion,  quicksilver, 
lead,  elephants'  teeth,  broadcloth,  or  coral,  and  that  this  prohibi- 
tion shall  be  inserted  in  all  charter-parties.  Joseph  Thomson  enter- 
tained to  go  as  minister  to  Bantam  at  50/.  per  annum,  to  begin  at 
the  ship's  entering  into  pay  at  Gravesend  and  cease  on  his  return  to 
England.  He  is  given  10/.  to  buy  books  and  told  that,  if  he  desires, 
his  father  shall  be  allowed  8/.  or  10/.  yearly.  Certain  Committees 
are  requested  to  meet  Messrs.  Hobson  and  Boreman's  creditors 
and  settle  for  the  Company  as  they  think  fit.  Daniel  Ottgar  and 
Augustine  Swallowe  to  pay  for  their  passage.  At  the  instance  of 
the  Governor,  certain  Committees  are  appointed  to  join  with  him 

S.C.M.    IV  D 


34  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

privately  to  recover  a  debt  for  the  Company.     Others  are  desired 
to  go  with  the  money  and  clear  the  Surat  ships  from  Gravesend. 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  March  %%  1650  (Court  Book,  vol. 
XX,  p.  518). 

Sale  of  sereias,  guzees,  cossaes,  morees,  rowladoes,  dustataes, 
cotton  wool,  cloves,  and  dust  of  pepper,  with  prices  and  names  of 
purchasers,     (ij  pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
March  29,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  519). 

Notwithstanding  their  former  order,  the  Court  now  decides  to  pay 
for  Augustine  Swallowe's  passage.  On  information  that  the  lands 
of  several  men,  who  stood  security  for  the  great  pepper  debt,  are  to 
be  sold  shortly,  they  being  delinquents,  and  that  if  the  Company 
pays  their  composition  they  may  obtain  the  said  lands,  certain 
Committees  are  desired  to  consult  with  Mr.  Acton  and  take  all 
possible  care  to  get  in  this  debt.  The  Court  is  acquainted  that  the 
Lioness  and  Bonito  after  leaving  the  Downs  were  forced  in  again 
the  following  day,  and  that  the  masters  and  pursers  bought  fresh 
provisions  (Mr.  Young  having  left),  particulars  whereof  are  now  pre- 
sented ;  the  Court  orders  payment  for  the  same  to  be  made  and 
the  amount  to  be  charged  to  the  account  of  the  masters  and  pursers 
of  the  said  ships,  so  that  the  reason  for  this  purchase  may  be  known 
at  their  return.  Defective  ordnance  to  be  supplied  for  ballast  to 
the  William.     Mr.  Hanson  buys  dust  of  pepper.     (1  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
April  5,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  520). 

Colonel  Thomson  having  declared  his  willingness  to  serve  the 
Company  in  making  a  speedy  report  to  Parliament  about  the  Gar- 
bler,  and  desiring  some  of  the  Company  to  be  present  in  the  House 
next  Tuesday,  when  he  will  do  his  best  in  this  matter,  as  many  of 
the  Committees  as  possible  are  desired  to  attend  on  that  occasion. 
Mr.  Pennoyer  is  allowed  certain  tares  for  saltpetre.  Mary,  widow 
of  Richard  Martin,  who  died  in  the  Supply,  is  promised  the  proceeds 
of  certain  calicoes  bought  by  her  late  husband,  and  also  anything 


EAST  INDIA   COMPANY  s5 

that  shall  appear  to  be  due  to  her  on  the  arrival  of  the  Surat  ships. 
An  inventory  of  all  that  remains  at  Blackwall  and  in  the  warehouses 
is  ordered  to  be  made  out.  Humphrey  Weston's  demand  for 
money  he  pretends  to  be  due  to  him  is  examined  and  refused,   (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
April  io,  1650  [Court  Book^  vol.  xx,  p.  ^ici). 

Robert  Blackborne,  Clerk  to  the  Committee  of  the  Navy,  who  is 
always  ready  to  do  the  Company  service,  has  the  freedom  bestowed 
upon  him  gratis.  The  William  and  Golden  Fleece  to  be  at  Graves- 
end  ready  to  set  sail  on  the  20th  instant.  Mr.  Baker  moves  for  the 
appointment  of  a  second  at  Bantam  who  could  succeed  him  in  case 
of  death,  for  none  of  those  entertained  are,  in  his  opinion,  sufficient 
for  that  post,  some  of  the  best  men  at  Bantam  having  been  recalled. 
He  also  asks  permission  to  take  Benjamin  Robinson  from  the  Coast 
to  keep  the  accounts  at  Bantam.  This  occasions  much  dispute,  and 
finally  it  is  resolved  that  Mr.  Baker  shall  have  the  disposal  of  the 
time  and  services  of  every  man  under  his  government  and  be  at 
liberty  to  detain  any  factor  who  is  sent  for.  Wine  and  beer  to  be 
provided  for  Bantam,  and  wine  for  the  Supply.  The  Governor  and 
Mr.  James  Mann  are  given  permission  to  send  drinking-glasses  to 
Bantam  free  of  freight,  the  proceeds  to  be  paid  into  the  Company's 
cash  at  the  rate  of  ^s.  the  dollar.  A  report  having  arisen  that  the 
Love  had  sprung  a  leak.  Captain  Minors,  Messrs.  Steevens  and 
Spiller  have  been  sent  to  ascertain,  and  a  letter  is  now  read  from 
them  certifying  that  she  is  a  '  strong  tight  shippe,  sufficient  to  pro- 
ceed on  her  voyage '.  The  Captain  and  his  companions  are  here- 
upon desired  to  return  to  London,     (ij//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  April  17, 1650  {Court Booky  vol.  xx, 

Frederick  Skinner,  John  Smith,  Peter  Wightwicke,  Godfrey 
Goodman,  Robert  Smith,  Henry  Threscrosse,  Thomas  Greeneway, 
and  William  Campian  are  appointed  to  go  to  Bantam  in  the  Goldett 
Fleece.  Richard  Shingler,  Thomas  Harrison,  Anthony  Denny, 
Timothy  Cartwright,  and  Edward  Rayney  to  go  in  the  William. 
Samuel  Wightwicke  is  accepted  as  security  for  his  son  Peter,  and 
James  Martin  for  William  Campian.     The  owners  of  the  Golden 

D  a 


36  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC,  OF  THE 

Fleece  to  be  paid  800/.  imprest.  Mr.  Smith,  by  an  assignment  from 
the  Commissioners  of  Bankruptcy  sitting  for  Mr.  Courteen,  demands 
the  Barbary  ducats  saved  by  the  Company's  servants  out  of  the 
Little  William  at  the  Coast.  He  is  told  that  several  bills  have 
been  exhibited  in  Chancery  against  the  Company  touching  this 
matter,  and  that  there  is  to  be  held  next  Tuesday  a  Court  of  the 
Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  whom  this  business  con- 
cerns ;  that  they  shall  be  told  and  their  answer  reported.  The 
accounts  of  Matthew  Nowell  and  Thomas  Owen,  factors  who  died 
at  Bantam,  are  to  be  considered  at  the  said  meeting,    (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
April  19,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  524). 

The  Court  consents  to  take  certain  cloths  from  William  Pennoyer. 
The  factors  entertained  for  Bantam  are  given  10/.  each  for  fresh 
provisions.  Mr.  Smith  is  accepted  as  security  for  his  son  Robert, 
William  Robinson  for  Edward  Rayney,  William  Justice  for  Richard 
Shingler,  and  Mr.  Harrison  for  his  son  Thomas.  At  the  request  of 
some  of  the  owners  of  the  Golden  Fleece,  it  is  resolved  that  the 
following  shall  be  inserted  in  her  charter-party:  if  she  stays  at 
demurrage  her  master  is  to  have  an  additional  2,000  rials  at  ^s.  6d. 
the  rial,  if  required  for  provisions  and  necessaries,     (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
April  24,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol  xx,  p.  ^1$), 

Mr.  Baker's  own  bond  is  accepted.  The  following  securities  are 
also  accepted :  Thomas  Smith  for  his  son  John,  John  Goodman  for 
Godfrey  Goodman,  Daniel  Skinner  for  his  son  Frederick,  Nathaniel 
Teemes  for  Richard  Clarke,  Robert  Neale  for  Thomas  Heme,  and 
George  Sandford  for  his  son  George.  All  adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock  who  have  not  yet  paid  in  their  money  are  to  be 
requested  to  do  so.  Gumlac  sold  to  Mr.  Land.  Peter  Wightwicke 
not  to  be  sent  to  any  *  unhealthfull  place  unlesse  in  case  of  necessity'. 
It  is  left  to  the  discretion  of  Mr.  Baker  which  of  the  four  ships  to 
keep  at  demurrage  at  Bantam,  if  there  is  not  sufficient  lading  for 
them  all.  The  Court  also  resolves  that  if  the  Second  General 
Voyage  has  more  goods  at  Bantam  than  will  lade  home  its  two 


EAST    INDIA  COMPANY  37 

ships  the  Golden  Fleece  and  Advice^  the  overplus,  if  possible,  shall 
be  laden  in  the  William  and  East  India  Merchant^  belonging  to 
the  Fourth  Joint  Stock ;  if,  on  the  other  hand,  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock  has  more  goods  at  Bantam  than  will  lade  home  their  said 
two  ships,  then  the  overplus,  if  possible,  shall  be  laden  in  the  two 
said  ships  belonging  to  the  Second  General  Voyage.  The  Court 
declares  that  the  William  and  East  India  Merchant  are  freighted 
for  the  account  of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  the  Golden  Fleece  and 
Advice  for  the  account  of  the  Second  General  Voyage,  and  the 
Aleppo  Merchant,  the  Love,  and  the  Supply  for  the  account  of  the 
United  Joint  Stock.     Calicoes  sold  to  James  Martin.     (li//.) 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  April  25,  1650 
{Public  Record  Office :  S,  P.  Dom. :  Interregnum^  I.  64,  p.  a6i). 

Order  on  a  petition  setting  forth  the  spoils  made  on  the  ships  and 
goods  of  merchants  trading  into  the  Mediterranean  sea  and  else- 
where, and  on  other  complaints  of  piracies  :  that  as  Council  wishes 
to  use  all  good  means  for  preservation  of  trade,  the  Governors, 
Deputies,  and  Assistants  of  the  Companies  trading  to  East  India, 
Turkey,  Muscovy,  Eastlands,  Merchants  Adventurers,  and  some  of 
the  merchants  trading  to  Italy,  France,  Spain,  Portugal,  Guinea,  and 
Barbadoes,  confer  and  agree  on  means  that  may  conduce  to  the 
future  safety  of  the  trade,  and  satisfaction  for  past  losses. 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
April  a6,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  527). 

Derebauds  and  Sinda  cloth  sold  to  James  Martin.  Some  of  those 
who  have  adventured  in  the  United  Joint  Stock  being  unwilling  to 
pay  in  their  money,  Mr.  Acton  is  directed  to  take  a  copy  of  the  pre- 
amble, to  which  they  have  all  subscribed,  and  consult  with  counsel 
as  to  what  the  Company  should  do  in  this  matter.  Money  for  the 
William  to  be  shipped  in  her  next  Monday.  Robert  Durham, 
a  carpenter  injured  at  Black  wall  Yard,  is  given  ops.  Order  to  be 
given  for  the  burial  of  James  Coy,  an  almsman  deceased  at  Black- 
wall,    (i/.) 


38  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
April  27, 1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  528). 

Mr.  Baker  desires  information  concerning  private  trade,  which  if 
he  indulges  in  he  is  to  forfeit  a  bond  of  i  ,000/.,  his  wages,  and  his 
adventure  in  the  United  Joint  Stock  ;  he  is  told  that  whatsoever  he 
shall  buy  for  *  household-stuffe,  victualing,  apparell,  or  other  neces- 
sarys  for  himselfe  and  family '  will  not  be  considered  private  trade, 
or  accounted  to  his  prejudice.  Men  to  be  shipped  in  the  Downs,  if 
necessary,  to  complete  the  number  of  forty  to  be  sent  to  Assada  in 
the  Supply,  and  in  case  sufficient  are  not  obtainaTjle,  some  are  to  be 
taken  from  the  William  to  make  up  the  number  ;  but,  to  avert  this 
latter  contingency,  Samuel  Calcott  is  directed  to  entertain  men  at 
8j.,  10^.,  or  12^.  the  month,  to  serve  either  at  sea  or  on  shore,  according 
to  Mr.  Baker's  order  on  his  arrival  in  India.     (|  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
May  I,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  529). 

On  information  from  Captain  Minors  that  the  *  States  Officers ' 
will  not  permit  the  William  to  be  cleared  at  Gravesend  unless  the 
arms  of  the  late  King  are  removed  or  defaced,^  order  is  given  for 
some  deal  boards  to  be  nailed  over  the  said  arms  and  the  arms  of 
the  Company  to  be  painted  upon  cloth  and  affixed  to  the  same. 
A  letter  from  several  members  of  the  Committee  of  the  Admiralty 
directed  to  the  Governor  is  read,  desiring  the  Company  to  furnish 
the  State  with  500/.  in  rials  of  eight.^  This  letter  was  delivered  at 
the  Exchange  to  the  Deputy,  who  told  the  messenger  who  brought 
it  that  all  the  Company's  rials  were  aboard  their  ships.  The 
messenger  applied  again  yesterday,  and  was  taken  by  Mr.  Dunckyn 
to  'Lumber'  Street  to  some  goldsmiths  who  could  supply  the 
required  rials.  But  the  Court,  seeing  that  the  letter  is  signed  by 
Sir  Henry  Vane  and  others,  thinks  fit  to  send  an  answer,  stating  the 
willingness  of  the  Company  to  have  acceded  to  the  request  of  the 
State  if  they  had  had  any  rials  in  their  possession.  On  information 
from  Amsterdam  that  some  rials  have  been  shipped  there  which 

1  In  obedience  to  an  order  of  Parliament  on  the  9th  of  the  preceding  month  {Commons' 
journals,  vol.  vi,  p.  394). 

'  See  S.  P.  Dom. :  Interregnum ,  I.  123,  pp.  322-4,  for  some  correspondence  bearing 
on  this  subject. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  39 

should  arrive  very  shortly  in  London,  order  is  given  for  the  William 
to  remain  at  Gravesend  until  further  notice.  Mr.  Pennoyer  is  re- 
fused allowance  for  certain  cloths  which  the  Company  took  off  his 
hands.  Mr.  Acton  reports  that  he  has  consulted  Serjeant  Glynn 
about  those  adventurers  who  refuse  to  pay  in  their  money,  and  the 
Serjeant  is  of  opinion  that  a  bill  might  be  exhibited  in  Chancery  to 
enforce  them  to  do  so ;  after  some  dispute  Spiller  is  directed  to 
solicit  payment  from  them  again  and  to  inform  them  of  this 
opinion.  A  motion  to  insure  some  of  the  goods  homeward-bound 
for  account  of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  is  approved,  but  resolution 
herein  is  deferred.     (i|//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
May  3,  1650  {Court  Book^  vol.  xx,  p.  530). 

Mr.  Smith,  in  virtue  of  a  deed  signed  by  several  Commissioners 
of  Bankruptcy,  demands  the  money  due  from  the  Company  to 
Mr.  Courteen  for  9,000  Barbary  ducats  saved  from  the  wreck  of 
the  Little  William,  He  is  told  that  several  persons,  who  claim 
this  money,  have  exhibited  bills  in  Chancery  and  in  the  Exchequer 
against  the  Company  for  the  same,  and  that  forty  cloths  belonging 
to  the  Company  were  seized  in  India  last  year  for  Mr.  Courteen's 
debts,  so  that  no  answer  concerning  this  matter  can  be  given  at 
present ;  but  Mr.  Acton  shall  consult  with  counsel  as  to  what 
course  the  Company  shall  pursue,  and  then  their  resolution  shall 
be  made  known  to  the  Commissioners.  Lady  Denny  is  accepted 
as  security  for  her  son  Anthony,  who  is  going  as  a  supernumerary 
to  Bantam.  At  the  request  of  James  Martin,  the  Court  orders 
10/.  of  his  salary  to  be  paid  yearly  to  Andrew  Palmer.  Resolution 
concerning  insurance  of  the  ships  expected  this  year  for  account 
of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  is  again  deferred.  Some  offers  being 
made  to  buy  the  Company's  pepper,  it  is  decided  to  sell  it  at 
\'Xd.  per  lb.  at  six  months'  time,  but  not  less  than  fifty  bags  in 
a  parcel.  Richard  Shute,  a  subscriber  to  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
declares  that  he  is  ready  to  pay  in  his  money,  but  that  there  is 
an  order  of  Parliament  decreeing  that  none  who  trade  as  merchants 
are  to  hold  any  place  in  the  Customhouse,^  and  this  is  the  reason 

1  See  Commons'  Journals ^  vol.  vi,  p.  395. 


40  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

he  has  not  paid.  A  list  of  the  Company's  debtors  is  read,  and 
it  appearing  that  Mr.  Shute  owes  3,687/.  iij.  for  indigo,  in  which 
the  Deputy  and  Mr.  Brett  are  also  concerned,  the  money  is  ordered 
to  be  paid  by  the  aoth  instant  or  the  bills  will  be  put  in  suit.  A 
messenger  being  sent  by  Sir  Henry  Mildemay  to  desire  the  atten- 
dance this  afternoon  of  some  of  the  Company  at  the  Council  of 
State,  the  Governor,  the  Deputy,  Mr.  Burnell,  Mr.  Thomson,  and 
Captain  Blackman  are  requested  to  go.  The  William  and  Golden 
FUece  ordered  to  proceed  to  the  Downs  as  soon  as  possible,  (ij//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
May  7, 1650  {Cour^  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  53a). 

There  being  a  great  quantity  of  pepper  belonging  to  different 
men  in  the  Company's  warehouses,  and  if  it  is  not  taken  away, 
no  room  will  be  found  for  the  pepper  now  returned  in  the  Endymion 
and  Blessing,  the  Court  orders  notice  to  be  issued  that  all  goods 
are  to  be  removed  within  fourteen  days,  or  a  warehouse  will  be 
hired  for  the  same  and  the  entire  cost  of  removal,  etc.,  charged  to 
the  owners  of  the  said  goods.  Certain  Committees  are  desired 
to  give  order  for  an  inventory  to  be  made  of  all  things  remaining 
at  Blackwall ;  others  to  see  that  an  inventory  is  made  of  what 
remains  in  Blount's  warehouses,  in  the  custody  of  Bowen  at 
Leadenhall,  in  the  Exchange  Cellar  under  the  care  of  the  Secretary, 
in  the  warehouses  under  the  care  of  Rilston,  and  also  of  what 
there  is  *  in  this  house '.     (ij  pp,) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
May  8,  2650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  ^'^'^, 

Aaron  Baker  to  be  given  60/.  for  supply  of  fresh  provisions. 
James  Birkdell,  who  went  out  and  returned  as  master  of  the  Bonito, 
requests  payment  for  six  weeks'  stay  aboard  the  said  ship  at  Black- 
wall,  and  a  gratification  for  making  the  Downs  his  first  port ;  he 
is  allowed  5/.  for  his  attendance  in  the  Bonito,  but  nothing  for 
making  the  Downs  his  first  port,  this  gratification  being  only  given 
to  the  man  who  has  the  position  of  admiral.     (^/O 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  41 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
May  10,  1650  [Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  534). 

A  broker  offers  to  buy  100,  or  not  more  than  300,  bags  of  the 
Company's  pepper  at  13^.  per  lb.  at  ten  months'  discount,  or 
the  whole  parcel  for  the  same  price  at  twelve  months'  discount. 
This  offer  is  accepted,  and  certain  Committees  are  desired  to  treat 
with  the  broker,  sell  the  pepper  to  him,  but  not  to  allow  above  ten 
months'  discount.  A  motion  is  made  for  Thomas  Millward  to 
receive  50/.,  which  was  deposited  with  the  Company  for  Mrs. 
Katherine  Alston,  one  of  his  father's  creditors,  now  deceased ;  ^ 
the  Court  orders  that  when  Millward  shall  have  made  his  com- 
position with  the  executors  of  the  said  gentlewoman  he  shall  have 
the  money.     Calicoes  to  be  delivered  to  Jacques  Oyles.     (|  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
May  15,  1650   {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  ^'>^S)' 

Anne  Spalton,  a  poor  widow  whose  son  lost  all  he  had  in  the 
Hart  when  she  was  fired  in  the  Indies,  is  given  loj.  James  Birk- 
dell  renews  his  request  for  some  gratification  for  making  the  Downs 
his  first  port ;  he  is  again  told  that  this  gratuity  is  bestowed  only 
on  the  admiralof  the  fleet,  but  at  the  same  time  he  is  given  another 
5/.  in  full  of  all  his  demands.  He  then  acquaints  the  Court  that  he, 
with  Mr.  Leaver,  and  Mr.  Bridgman,  purser,  bought  cowries  for 
ballast  for  his  ship  when  in  India,  and  these  (now  in  the  custody  of 
the  Husband)  he  desires  may  be  delivered  to  him  ;  the  Court  directs 
that  they  be  weighed,  and  promises  to  consider  his  request.  Re- 
solved that  two  policies  of  assurance  shall  be  made  for  the  30,00c/. 
in  the  Eagle  from  Surat,  reckoning  every  five  mahmudls  at  8j. 
sterling  ;  and  for  the  1^0,000/.  in  the  Anne,  Greyhound,  and  Farewell, 
or  any  of  them  from  Bantam,  reckoning  every  rial  at  8j.  sterling ; 
the  premiums  to  be  six  per  cent,  and  only  adventurers  in  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock  to  underwrite,  and  they  for  not  above  half  their  stock, 
for  ten  days  time,  or  until  further  order ;  any  man  subscribing  500/. 
in  the  Eagle  is  also  to  underwrite  for  ^50/.  in  the  three  other  ships. 
An  account  is  presented  of  the  estate  of  the  late  Matthew  Nowell, 
a  factor  deceased  at  Bantam,  showing  that  there  is  due  to  him  1,085/. 
whereof  350/.  has  been  paid  to  his  mother  as  executrix  ;  the  Court, 

*  See  the  previous  volume,  p.  270. 


4%  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

conceiving  that  Nowell  must  have  been  a  great  private  trader  to 
have  amassed  so  large  an  estate  in  so  short  a  time,  and  many- 
calicoes  having  been  found  in  his  possession  at  his  death,  resolves  to 
impose  a  fine,  and  orders  400/.  to  be  paid  to  his  mother,  in  addition 
to  what  she  has  already  received,  in  full  of  all  demands.  This  she 
willingly  consents  to.  An  account  of  the  late  Thomas  Owen,  who 
also  died  at  Bantam,  is  presented,  and  the  Court  orders  950/.  to  be 
paid  to  Samuel  Sambrooke,  as  administrator,  in  full  of  all  demands. 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
May  22,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  5^6), 

Cowries  to  be  delivered  to  James  Birkdell,  who  is  to  pay  30/.  for 
their  freight.  Only  men  who  are  solvent  to  be  allowed  to  under- 
write in  the  policies  of  assurance  on  the  ships  from  Surat  and 
Bantam  ;  every  adventurer  to  be  at  liberty  to  underwrite  to  the 
extent  of  three-quarters  of  his  stock,  if  he  does  so  by  this  day  week, 
one-half  in  the  policy  on  the  Eagle,  and  one-quarter  in  the  other 
policy.  Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  meet  and  treat  with 
some  of  the  Guinea  Company  concerning  sending  a  ship  with  gold 
from  Guinea  to  India.  A  letter  is  read  from  the  Mayor  of  Lynn, 
requesting  that  the  wages  of  Roger  Whitfeild,  who  returned  as 
carpenter  in  the  Blessing,  may  be  detained,  he  having  a  wife  and 
family  in  that  town  in  great  want,  and  there  being  a  woman  at 
Blackwall  who  pretends  that  she  is  his  wife  ;  it  is  decided  to  detain 
his  wages.  Mr.  Taylor,  a  solicitor,  is  given  20/.,  in  addition  to  his 
charges,  for  *  some  extraordinary  service  '  rendered  to  the  Company. 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
May  29,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  537). 

The  Deputy  announces  that  he  with  other  Committees  met  some 
gentlemen  of  the  Guinea  Company,  who  presented  proposals  to 
which  the  Deputy  made  answer;  both  proposals  and  answer  are 
read,  but  no  conclusion  is  come  to.  Samuel  Pennoyer  desires  to  be 
paid  the  division  in  money  due  to  him  in  the  Second  General 
Voyage ;  he  is  told  that  his  having  underwritten  for  1,000/.  in  the 
United  Joint  Stock  and  paid  in  nothing  is  the  reason  payment  has 


EAST  INDIA    COMPANY  45 

not  been  made  to  him.  Hereupon  the  Court,  learning  that  several 
adventurers  have  done  the  same  thing,  orders  that  no  adventurer  in 
the  Second  General  Voyage  who  has  underwritten  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock  and  not  made  good  his  payment  is  to  receive  his 
division.  A  great  quantity  of  pepper  having  been  sent  from 
Bantam,  and  a  considerable  amount  remaining  in  the  warehouses, 
a  letter  is  written  to  Mr.  Baker,  in  the  Downs,  to  tell  him  to  send 
home  sugar  and  other  goods  if  possible.  Something  being  amiss 
in  the  policy  for  the  Bantam  ships,  a  fresh  one  is  ordered  to  be 
drawn  up,  and  the  Governor  and  Deputy,  who  have  already  under- 
written, are  to  be  allowed  to  blot  out  their  subscriptions  ;  and  any 
adventurer  in  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  is  to  be  permitted  to  under- 
write in  the  policy  until  Friday  week,  on  observing  the  conditions 
formerly  set  down,     (i  ^.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
June  7,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  539). 

At  the  request  of  Gregory  Clement,  an  eighth  part  of  the  freight 
due  on  the  Endymion  (lately  returned  from  India),  belonging  to 
him,  is  ordered  to  be  paid  to  the  Deputy.  On  receiving  a  petition 
from  the  Tacklehouse  porters  requesting  increased  fees  '  in  regard  of 
the  greate  charge  of  housekeeping,  and  the  extraordinary  taxacions 
in  these  hard  tymes ',  the  Court  is  pleased  to  allow  them  3^.  '  for 
landing,  pyling,  housing,  and  weighing  *  each  bag  of  pepper,  instead 
of  the  former  fee  of  id.  per  bag.  All  the  Company's  principal 
debtors  to  be  summoned  to  appear  at  the  next  court  to  show  cause 
why  they  do  not  pay.  On  consideration  of  the  great  debt  due  from 
Lord  Cottington  for  pepper,  some  think  that  something  might  be 
obtained  from  Sir  Paul  Pindar ;  therefore  some  of  the  Committees 
are  desired  to  apply  to  him  concerning  this  matter.  The  Court  is 
reminded  of  the  1,600/.  due  to  Sir  Peter  Richaut,  which  they  paid 
to  Parliament  in  1643  on  the  promise  that  the  bill  should  be 
delivered  to  the  Company  or  that  they  should  be  secured  on  their 
next  customs,  neither  of  which  promises  have  been  kept ;  and  on 
information  that  Mr.  Trenchard  and  Serjeant  Wylde,  who  received 
the  said  sum,  promised  to  further  this  business,  the  Secretary  is 
directed  to  frame  a  petition  to  Parliament  and  give  it  to  Mr. 
Trenchard.     A   bill  of  exchange  is   presented,   charged  on  the 


44  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

Company  by  the  President  and  Council  at  Bantam,  for  payment  of 
i,ooo  rials  of  eight  at  ^s.  6d.  the  rial  to  William  Brad  bent,  who  came 
home  master  in  the  Blessing ;  this  is  ordered  to  be  paid.  The  owners 
of  the  Endymion  to  be  paid  1,500/.  on  account  of  freight.  Permission 
is  given  to  adventurers  in  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  to  underwrite  for 
as  much  more  in  the  two  policies  as  they  have  already  subscribed 
until  this  day  week,  observing  the  former  directions.  Certain 
Committees  are  requested  to  go  to  Woolwich  and  see  if  the  reported 
wetness  of  the  great  quantity  of  pepper  in  the  Blessing  was  caused 
by  the  insufficiency  of  the  ship  or  by  negligence  of  the  mariners. 
(14//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
June  la,  1650  (Court  Book^  vol.  xx,  p.  541). 

Mr.  Rowland,  summoned  to  the  court  as  a  debtor,  declares  that 
he  has  not  paid  the  Company  because  he  wants  some  allowance  for 
tare ;  he  is  told  that,  when  his  debt  is  paid,  his  request  shall  be 
considered  The  Committees  appointed  to  examine  the  damaged 
pepper  in  the  Blessing  certify  that  the  mischief  was  caused  by  the 
ship  bearing  extraordinary  sail ;  on  hearing  this  the  Court  directs 
that  payment  be  made  to  the  chirurgeon  and  common  sailors  of 
what  is  due  to  them.  It  is  resolved  that  there  shall  be  a  division 
of  fifty  per  cent,  in  pepper  to  the  adventurers  in  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock,  each  to  pay  for  the  same  at  \id,  per  lb.  at  eighteen  months' 
time,  to  begin  from  next  Midsummer ;  every  man  to  take  away  his 
pepper  and  pay  his  money  upon  discount  before  Christmas.  If 
any  is  left  after  that  time,  it  will  be  sold  by  the  candle,  and  any 
loss  arising  will  be  charged  to  the  account  of  each  adventurer  who 
has  not  taken  away  his  share  by  the  appointed  time.  That  all 
may  know  of  this  order,  a  general  court  of  the  adventurers  in  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stock  is  summoned  for  this  day  week  in  the  afternoon. 
Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  meet  and  consider  about  the 
private  trade  brought  home  in  the  Blessing,     (}kpp) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
June  14, 1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  542). 

The  full  amount  for  the  policies  of  assurance  not  being  yet 
subscribed,  liberty  is  given  to  the  adventurers  in  the  Fourth  Joint 


EAST   INDIA    COMPANY  45 

Stock  to  underwrite  what  more  they  please  between  this  and  Wed- 
nesday morning ;  and  if  there  is  not  sufficient  by  then,  other  *  good 
men'  are  to  be  allowed  to  subscribe.  Certain  Committees  are 
desired  to  examine  the  charges  for  the  repair  and  setting  to  sea  of 
the  Supply.  The  request  of  Tomblings,  Clerk  of  Blackwall  Yard, 
to  be  allowed  the  same  salary  as  his  predecessor,  is  postponed  for 
future  consideration.     (|  p) 

A  Court  of  COiMmittees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
June  19,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  543). 

Thomas  Mann,  who  was  desired  to  consult  with  Mr.  Hobson's 
creditors,  presents  a  bond  for  50c/.  by  which  James  Goffe,  cloth- 
worker,  and  William  Barker,  mercer,  are  bound  to  pay  the  Company 
0,^01.  by  the  ist  August;  hereupon  the  Court,  by  desire,  orders 
a  release  to  be  sealed  for  the  debt.  Mr.  Van  Payne  petitioning 
the  Company  to  accept  3  or  4  per  cent,  interest  for  what  he  owes, 
a  former  order  of  the  6th  June,  1649,  when  4  per  cent,  was 
accepted,  is  confirmed.  A  dispute  arising  about  the  sale  of  Black- 
wall  Yard,  and  the  Company  having  only  'one  life'  in  the  said 
Yard,  it  is  thought  that  *if  they  could  obtaine  to  have  two  lives 
more  putt  in,  it  would  sell  the  better';  and  now  being  a  good 
opportunity  to  get  the  same  at  an  easy  rate,  Mr.  Davies  is  desired  to 
treat  with  the  steward  of  the  Manor  about  this.  An  order  is  read 
from  the  Commissioners  for  Compounding  with  Delinquents  ^  sit- 
ting at  Westminster,  requiring  Sir  Peter  Richaut  to  deliver  to  the 
Company  a  bill  sealed  to  him  by  them  for  payment  of  1,656/.,  of 
which  1,600/.  was  paid  for  the  use  of  the  Commonwealth,  or  else  to 
give  a  discharge  for  the  same ;  the  Court  directs  that  Sir  Peter  be 
served  with  this  order.     (|/.) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock,  June  19,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  544). 

The  Governor  announces  the  arrival  of  the  Blessing  and  Endy- 
mion  from  Bantam  for  the  account  of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  with 
a  lading  consisting  chiefly  of  pepper ;  also  that  three  more  ships  are 
expected  for  the  same  account,  and  one  for  the  account  of  the  Second 

*  See  Calendar  of  Committee  for  Compounding,  part  ii,  p.  1254. 


46  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

General  Voyage.  He  tells  of  the  proposed  division  of  pepper,  with 
the  attendant  conditions  resolved  upon  by  the  Court  of  Committees. 
After  some  debate  their  said  resolution  is  confirmed  by  the  generality. 
He  next  declares  that  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  is  being  drawn  to  an 
end,  and  the  Court  of  Committees  thinks  fit  to  dispose  of  Blackwall 
Yard  with  all  that  remains  there,  but '  they  have  at  present  onely 
Mr.  Garwayes  life  in  it ',  so  propose,  if  possible,  to  get  two  more 
lives  before  putting  the  Yard  up  for  sale.  It  is  unanimously  agreed 
that  the  sale  and  disposure  of  the  said  Yard  with  all  the  stores  in  it 
shall  be  left  to  the  Court  of  Committees.  Tlie  Governor  further 
declares  that,  as  the  Company  has  not  enough  *  in  Christendome '  to 
pay  its  debts,  it  has  been  decided  to  make  two  policies  of  assurance 
amounting  to  60,000/.  [sic]  upon  the  ships  from  Surat  and  Bantam ; 
37,000/.  of  this  has  already  been  underwritten,  and  the  generality 
may  also  underwrite  if  they  please,  but  if  they  do  not,  then 
strangers  will  be  permitted  to  do  so.  Hereupon  it  is  resolved  that 
every  adventurer  in  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  shall  have  liberty  to 
underwrite  what  sum  he  pleases  in  the  said  policies  between  this 
and  Saturday  night,  but  not  after,  and  at  the  expiration  of  that 
time  other  *  good  men '  may  subscribe.  The  petition  of  Mr.  Van 
Payne,  and  the  Court's  order  of  the  6th  June,  1649,  are  next  read, 
and  it  is  unanimously  resolved  that  4  per  cent,  interest  per 
annum  shall  be  accepted  from  him.  It  is  agreed  by  general 
erection  of  hands  that  Jones,  and  not  Cuttler,  shall  be  employed  to 
garble  the  Company's  cinnamon  and  all  other  goods  needing  this 
process.     (2J//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
June  ai,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  546). 

The  Court  approves  of  the  sale,  by  John  Day,  broker,  of  Mr. 
HoUoway's  cloves  to  Messrs.  Lane  and  Hussy.  Messrs.  Clement, 
Vincent,  Nelson,  and  Willoughby  are  each  permitted  to  under- 
write 500/.  in  the  policy  for  the  Eagle,  and  i^ol.  on  the  other  three 
ships.  Some  dispute  arising  concerning  the  recovery  of  the  money 
due  from  the  Dutch,  the  Court  directs  that  by  the  next  meeting 
the  orders  concerning  the  turning  over  of  the  First  Joint  Stock 
to  the  Second  Joint  Stock,  and  of  the  latter  to  the  Third  Joint 
Stock,  and  of  the  Third  to  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  with  the  several 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  47 

preambles  for  each  Stock,  be  looked  out,  that  it  may  be  known  for 
certain  to  whom  the  said  money  appertains.     (J  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
June  26,  1650  {Court  Book^  vol.  xx,  p.  547). 

An  order  of  Parliament  concerning  the  dispute  between  the 
Company  and  Alderman  Fowke  ^  is  read,  and  certain  Committees 
are  entreated  to  wait  on  the  committee  to  whom  this  business  has 
been  referred,  and  to  desire  that  a  longer  time  may  be  allowed 
for  the  Company  to  prepare  an  answer.  Mr.  Acton  also  is  directed 
to  draw  up  a  petition  concerning  the  same  to  the  Lord  Lieutenant 
of  Ireland  [Cromwell],  which  the  Governor  and  some  other  Com- 
mittees are  requested  to  present.  A  court  of  election  is  appointed 
to  be  held  next  Tuesday  afternoon  to  which  only  adventurers  in 
the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and  the  United  Stock  are  to  be  summoned. 
Sir  Peter  Richaut  is  promised  that  his  bill  for  1,656/.  shall  not  be 
demanded  for  a  week ;  but  in  the  meantime  the  Secretary  is 
directed  to  attend  Mr.  Moyer  and  get  the  order  concerning  it 
altered.  After  reading  the  preambles  of  the  Second  and  Third 
Joint  Stock,  together  with  several  orders  for  the  turning  over  of 
one  Stock  to  another,  the  Committees  opine  that  the  money  due 
from  the  Dutch  East  India  Company  belongs  to  the  adventurers 
in  the  Third  Joint  Stock,  and  that  something  should  be  done  about 
it ;  therefore  they  direct  that  all  the  adventurers  in  the  said  Stock 
be  summoned  to  meet  next  Friday  to  deliberate  concerning  the 
same.  Charles,  son  of  the  late  John  Blount,  to  be  paid  25/.  in 
part  of  money  due  by  bill  to  his  father,  which  he  is  to  spend 
in  sending  his  brother  to  the  university.  Mr.  Rowland  allowed 
405.  for  want  of  tare  in  mace  bought  of  the  Company,     (ij//.) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  June  36,  1650  {Court  Book, 
vol.  XX,  p.  548). 

Sale  of  cloves,  various  coloured  cloths,  indigo,  stick-lac,  cotton- 
yam,  packing  wool,  coloured  wrappers,  wax  cloth,  serebafts,  tap- 
seels,    salpicadoes,    coloured    ginghams,    striped    stuffs,    sannoes, 

^  For  some  particulars  see  the  previous  volume,  p.  235.  The  order  referred  to  was 
made  on  June  22,  setting  up  a  Committee  to  investigate  the  case  {Commons'  youmals, 
vol.  vi,  p.  430). 


48  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

sallowes,  blue  baftas,  pintadoes,  blue  calicoes,  gurraes,  rowladoes, 
dust  of  pepper,  *  Barowse  *  ^  benzoin,  and  sallampores,  with  prices 
and  names  of  purchasers,    (a  //.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
July  a,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xx,  p.  550). 

The  Court  is  moved  not  to  stir  in  the  matter  of  Sir  Peter 
Richaut's  bill,  as  he  and  his  son  Peter  will  give  a  bond  to  save  the 
Company  harmless  ;  but  the  Committees  do  not  think  it  safe  to 
accept  the  said  bond,  and  therefore  direct  the'  Secretary  to  apply 
to  Mr.  Moyer  and  the  rest  of  the  Commissioners  for  Compounding 
with  Delinquents,  etc.,  for  the  speedy  obtaining  of  the  money.  On 
information  that  the  dispute  between  the  Company  and  Alderman 
Fowke  is  to  be  heard  this  afternoon  before  a  Committee  of  Parlia- 
ment in  the  Queen's  Court  at  Westminster,  certain  Committees  are 
desired  to  attend.  Samuel  Sambrooke  is  allowed  10/.  for  perform- 
ing the  duties  of  the  late  Mr.  Blount  from  November  to  Christmas, 
and  the  son  of  the  latter  is  allowed  10/.  for  his  father's  services 
from  Michaelmas  to  the  said  November.  Sambrooke  is  also  to  be 
allowed  60/.  per  annum  for  performing  Blount's  duties,  besides  40/. 
per  annum  formerly  allowed  him  for  registering  the  Company's 
letters  with  Bowen.  Charles  Blount  is  allowed  20/.  per  annum  from 
last  Christmas  as  assistant  to  Sambrooke.  Richard  Swinglehurst, 
the  Company's  secretary,  is  given  a  gratuity  of  100/.,  Valentine 
Markham,  the  auditor,  a  gratuity  of  50/.,  and  James  Acton,  the 
solicitor,  a  gratuity  of  661.  13J.  4^.,  for  their  extraordinary  pains  in 
the  Company's  service.     (^\pp) 

A  General  Court  of  Election,  July  3, 1650  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  i). 

The  Governor  intimates  that  only  adventurers  in  the  United  Joint 
Stock  are  present,  and  that  they  have  met  to  decide  as  to  the  form 
and  government  for  the  management  of  their  business.  The  votes 
of  Parliament  for  carrying  on  the  East  India  trade  by  a  Joint  Stock, 
and  part  of  the  Articles  of  Agreement  between  the  Company  and 
some  gentkmen  adventurers  to  Assada  are  read.  Hereupon  several 
present  declare  that  only  a  Committee  for  the  United  Joint  Stock 

^  Baros,  on  the  west  coast  of  Sumatra. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  49 

should  be  chosen  to  solicit  Parliament  for  a  patent  and  for 
encouragement  fitting  for  the  trade,  and  that  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
should  go  on  and  proceed  to  elect  men  according  to  their  charter. 
After  some  dispute  whether  to  choose  a  committee  for  the  United 
or  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  first,  it  is  decided  to  choose  one  for 
the  former  first.  It  is  further  resolved  that  this  committee  shall 
consist  of  thirteen  persons,  who  shall  act  for  and  manage  all  business 
belonging  to  the  said  Stock  during  the  ensuing  year ;  that  every 
man  elected  to  serve  on  the  said  committee  must  have  not  less  than 
1,000/.  adventure  in  the  said  Stock,  and  must  underwrite  the  clause 
for  private  trade.  It  is  also  resolved  that  each  man  chosen  shall  have 
some  gratuity  for  his  pains,  but  resolution  as  to  the  amount  to  be 
given  is  deferred  until  the  end  of  the  year,  when  the  generality  shall 
decide  on  the  same  as  they  think  fit.  The  names  of  the  adventurers 
are  read,  and  the  following  are  chosen  to  form  a  committee :  William 
Cokayne,  William  Methwold,  John  Massingberd,  Maurice  Thomson, 
Samuel  Moyer,  Richard  Bateman,  Thomas  Jennings,  Thomas 
Andrews,  Nathaniel  Andrews,  Andrew  Riccard,  Nathaniel  Wyche, 
Captain  William  Ryder,  and  Captain  Jeremy  Blackman,  or  any 
seven  of  them,  to  manage  all  business  whatsoever  appertaining  to 
the  United  Joint  Stock  for  the  year  ensuing.  Either  Cokayne, 
Methwold,  Massingberd,  or  Thomson  to  be  present  at  each  assembly, 
and  one  of  them  to  appoint  every  meeting.  It  is  resolved  to  meet 
again  in  the  afternoon  to  make  choice  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock.     (i|//.) 

A  General  Court  of  Election,  July  3,  1650  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  i). 

This  meeting  being  convened  for  election  of  Governor,  Deputy, 
Treasurer,  and  twenty-four  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
William  Cockayne  is  re-elected  Governor  for  the  ensuing  year, 
William  Methwold,  Deputy,  and  John  Massingberd,  Treasurer.  The 
names  of  the  former  Committees  are  read,  and  some  being  dead,  and 
others  *  not  in  a  capacity  to  come',  the  following  five  men  are  chosen 
to  fill  the  vacant  places:  John  Langley,  Daniel  Andrews,  Ozias 
Churchman,  Anthony  Bateman,  and  William  Meggs.  Thus  the 
Committees  for  the  ensuing  year  are :  Sir  Jacob  Garrad,  William 
Ashwell,  Richard   Bateman,  Rowland  Wilson,   Thomas   Burnell, 


50  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

Thomas  Jennings,  Gilbert  Keate,  Thomas  Kerridge,  Thomas  and 
James  Man,  James  Martin,  John  Langley,  Robert  Abdy,  Thomas 
and  Daniel  Andrews,  Ozias  Churchman,  William  Williams,  Thomas 
Rich,  Thomas  Hodges,  Andrew  Riccard,  Richard  Davies,  Anthony 
Bateman,  William  Meggs,  and  George  Smith.  Richard  Swingle- 
hurst  is  re-elected  Secretary.     (i|//.) 

A  Court  of  Adventurers  in  the  Third  Joint  Stock; 
July  5,  1650  {Court  Book^  vol.  xxi,  p.  3). 

The  Deputy  announces  that  this  meeting  is  summoned  because 
there  is  some  hope  of  restitution  being  obtained  from  the  Dutch  for 
the  many  injuries  done  by  them  to  the  Company  in  India.  This 
restitution,  if  received,  belongs  solely  to  the  adventurers  in  the  Third 
Joint  Stock,  there  having  been  a  reservation  made  of  this  debt  when 
the  said  Stock  was  drawn  to  an  end.  He  further  announces  that 
overtures  were  made  formerly  by  Sir  Henry  Vane  (then  Secretary  of 
State)  for  the  Company  to  come  to  terms,  and  800,000  guilders  were 
offered,  of  which  the  Company  was  to  receive  500,000.  After  many 
debates  it  was  agreed  to  accept  this  sum,  and  all  was  so  far  advanced 
that  he  (the  Deputy)  had  been  appointed  to  go  to  Holland  about  it, 
but  '  the  great  distractions  of  the  tymes  then  hindred  any  further 
proceedings'.^  Very  lately  overtures  have  been  made  to  the 
Governor  by  some  who  undertake  to  recover  the  said  debt  on 
receiving  consideration  for  their  pains,  and  to  bear  all  costs  whether 
the  money  is  obtained  or  not.  After  some  dispute  the  Governor, 
the  Deputy,  the  Treasurer,  and  Mr.  Jennings  are  appointed  and 
given  full  power  to  treat  with  these  persons ;  and  that  nothing  may 
be  divulged  to  prejudice  their  proceedings,  all  are  enjoined  to 
secrecy  upon  their  oaths,     (i/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
July  10,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  4). 

Two  cellars  under  Crosby  House  are  let  to  Anthonio  Fardinando 
[Don  Anthonio  Fernandez]  at  los.  per  week  for  three  months 
certain,  and  at  the  same  rent  for  as  long  as  he  shall  keep  them ; 
a  little  cellar,  *  under  this  house ',  which  he  has  already  made  use  of, 
is  also  let  to  him  for  the  same  time  at  3^".  ^d.  per  week.  John 
Madocke's  bill  of  43/.  1 1  j.  4^.  for  necessaries  for  the  Blessing  to  be 

*  See  the  1640-43  volume,  p.  xviii. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  51 

paid,  and  the  amount  to  be  made  up  to  50/.  as  a  reward  for  his 
pains.  As  many  of  the  Committees  as  possible  are  desired  to 
attend  the  Committee  of  Parliament  to-morrow  about  Alderman 
Fowke's  business.  Thomas  Tomblings  requests  that  his  salary  may 
be  made  equal  to,  or  greater  than  that  of  his  predecessor, '  in  regard 
his  paines  was  as  great,  if  not  greater ' ;  the  Court,  though  willing 
to  gratify  him  because  of  his  fidelity  and  ability,  yet  defers  doing 
so  until  Blackwall  Yard  is  disposed  of,  which  it  is  expected  will  be 
in  about  three  months'  time.  A  note  is  presented  by  Tomblings  of 
some  repairs  wanting  to  the  cooper's  workhouse  ;  he  is  ordered  to 
see  that  both  this  and  all  other  places  in  the  said  Yard  are  kept  in 
good  repair.  Mr.  Robinson  and  other  owners  of  the  Endymion  to 
be  paid  lyOool.  on  account  of  freight,  and  the  Deputy  500/.  on  the 
like  account ;  and  certain  Committees  are  desired  to  examine  the 
said  vessel  and  to  adjust  her  freight,  having  regard  to  damage  of 
goods  and  breach  of  covenant  in  bringing  home  calicoes.  Some 
of  the  pepper  brought  home  in  her  is  to  be  sent  to  the  Exchange 
cellar  to  be  garbled.  A  list  of  the  Company's  debtors  is  read,  and 
Mr.  Shute,  Mr.  Brett  and  Company  are  summoned  to  appear  at 
t     the  next  court,     (ij//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
July  17,  1650  (Court  Book^  vol.  xxi,  p.  6). 

Messrs.  Shute,  Oyles,  Brett,  and  the  Deputy  (who  is  interested), 
promising  to  pay  their  debt  within  a  month,  further  prosecution 
concerning  the  same  is  deferred.  On  information  that  Bradbent, 
master  of  the  Blessings  has  landed  goods  at  Dover,  he  is  called  in 
and  questioned  ;  he  acknowledges  having  landed  eight  bales  of  silk, 
but  expresses  contrition,  and  pleads  for  the  Court's  favour ;  after 
some  consideration  it  is  resolved  that  on  payment  of  60/.  for 
freight  of  the  said  silk  and  certain  calicoes,  his  account  shall  be 
cleared.  Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  award  some  gratuity 
to  Mr.  Taylor,  a  solicitor,  who  '  used  the  Company  very  freindly ' 
when  he  had  information  against  them  in  the  Exchequer  about  the 
cloves  sold  to  the  Dutchmen.  The  officers  of  the  Blessing  to  be 
paid  all  wages  and  debts  due  to  them.  The  widow  of  Edmond 
Herbert,  one  of  the  Company's  porters,  is  given  40J.  Boatswain 
Ingram's  bill  for  boat  hire,  etc.,  to  be  paid,     (ij//.) 

E  2 


S%  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
July  19,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  3). 

The  order  of  the  generality  empowering  this  Committee  to  man- 
age all  business  appertaining  to  the  Stock  is  read,  and  Mr.  Cokayne 
declares  that  it  is  time  to  consider  how  the  trade  is  to  be  carried 
on  next  year.  At  present  the  Stock  owes  at  interest  34,000/.,  and 
it  will  be  necessary  to  appoint  some  one  to  provide  money, 
which  is  now  to  be  had  at  good  rates.  It  is  thought  that  three 
freighted  ships  should  be  dispeeded  this  yej3,r,  with  stock  to  the 
value  of  70,000/.,  viz.  one  to  be  sent  to  Surat  with  30,000/.,  one  to 
Bantam  with  20,000/.,  and  one  to  the  Coast  with  20,000/.  Mr. 
Massingberd  is  entreated  to  take  up  money  at  interest  for  the  use 
of  this  Stock  and  to  provide  rials  of  eight  to  the  value  of  10,000/.  at 
the  best  possible  rate,  and  for  so  doing  he  shall  be  saved  harmless. 
Dispute  arises  about  having  gold  from  Guinea  and  so  obtaining 
money  at  an  easier  rate,  and  it  is  resolved,  if  feasible,  to  agree  with 
the  Guinea  Company  about  sending  a  ship  from  thence  to  India  to 
furnish  the  Company  with  gold  there  at  a  certain  rate,  and  the 
Committees  formerly  appointed  to  treat  with  the  Guinea  Company 
are  desired  to  meet  them  again,     (i  /.) 

Jeronimo  Williamson  Aschman  at  Middelburg  to  the 
East  India  Company,  July  J|,  1650  (Home Miscellaneous,  vol.  xl, 
f.  2,2). 

Encloses  a  list  [printed]  of  the  cargoes  of  the  newly  arrived  Dutch 
fleet  of  nine  ships.  From  them  he  hears  that  three  English  vessels 
were  at  St.  Helena  and  two  more  expected ;  the  lading  of  the  five 
consists  mostly  of  pepper.     (J  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
July  24,  1650  (Cofirl  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  7). 

Upon  the  petition  of  Peter  Worcester,  Robert  Cobly,  Richard 
Hodgekyns,  and  Samuel  Royse,  clothdrawers  to  the  Company,  for 
higher  fees,  the  Court  orders  that  \od.  per  piece  be  allowed  for 
every  long  cloth,  and  dd.  for  every  half.  Thomas  Dowle,  chief 
master's  mate  in  the  William,  to  be  given  5/.  in  full  for  attendance 
on  board  before  the  said  ship  was  unladen.     All  the  Company's 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  53 

officers  to  be  continued"  in  their  former  employments,  as  they  will 
be  wanted  for  the  account  of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and  the 
Second  General  Voyage.  Mr.  Davies,  who  was  formerly  desired  to 
confer  with  the  steward  of  the  manor  *  to  procure  a  life  or  two  to 
bee  added  to  Mr.  William  Garways '  before  Blackwall  Yard  is  put 
up  for  sale,  is  directed  to  proceed  in  this  matter  as  quickly  as 
possible.     ( j  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
July  31,  1650  [Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  8). 

The  Governor  intimates  that  the  ships  from  the  East  are  expected 
daily,  and  that  the  Company  is  'soe  continually  and  excessively 
abused  in  private  trade '  that  it  would  be  well  to  send  to  Deal  or 
Dover  to  prevent  the  landing  of  the  same.  Hereupon  certain  Com- 
mittees are  appointed  for  this  business,  and  the  Secretary  is  directed 
to  give  them  such  commission  and  instructions  as  have  been  given 
in  a  like  case  before.  As  there  is  not  sufficient  Malabar  pepper  for 
all  to  receive  their  divisions  in  it  for  the  Second  General  Voyage, 
Jambi  pepper  is  to  be  delivered  in  its  stead  at  14^.  per  lb.  George 
Smith  transfers  to  William  Harris  1,000/.  adventure  and  profits  in 
the  Fourth  Joint  Stock,     (i  p) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
August  14,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  9). 

The  Blessing  to  be  caulked.  Mr.  Young  writing  from  aboard  the 
Eag-le  for  50/.  to  defray  charges  for  provisions,  etc.,  for  the  ships  at 
Dover,  this  sum  is  sent  to  him,  with  instructions  to  repair  to  the 
Downs,  pay  all  necessary  charges,  and  then  return  with  all  speed  to 
see  the  Eagle  discharged.     (^/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
August  16,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  10). 

A  letter  is  read  from  Mr.  Isaacson,  minister  at  Surat,  in  which  he 
states  that  he  lost  all  he  had  when  he  went  out  in  the  John  through 
Mucknell's  treachery,  and  since  coming  to  Surat  *  hee  had  a  losse 
equalizing,  if  not  exceeding  the  former,  all  his  bookes,  clothes  and 
other  utensills  being  drowned  in  Suratt  river ' ;  therefore  he  prays 
that,  to  provide  him  with  necessaries,  one-third  of  his  salary  since 


54  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

his  departure  from  England  may  be  paid  to  his  father ;  this  the 
Court  orders  to  be  done.  Certain  Committees  are  entreated  to  go 
aboard  the  Eagle  next  Monday  and  see  the  private  trade  brought 
home  in  her  sent  up  to  the  Customhouse.  Others  are  requested  to 
examine  cotton  yam  bought  by  Richard  Clutterbucke,  for  which  he 
desires  allowance,  as  it  is  damaged.  The  Committees  appointed  to 
make  up  the  Endymion's  freight  and  settle  with  her  owners  are 
desired  to  meet  next  Tuesday.  Several  bales  of  calicoes  from  the 
Eagle  having  got  wet  in  a  lighter,  the  man  in  charge  is  questioned 
and  states  that  another  boat  in  the  night  collided  with  and  knocked 
a  hole  in  her ;  he  is  told  that  satisfaction  for  the  damage  done  will 
be  expected  from  him,  and  certain  Committees  are  entreated  to 
examine  the  said  calicoes  and  either  send  them  to  *a  whitsters 
to  bee  dryed',  or  put  them  up  for  sale,     (ij//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
August  ai,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  11). 

The  Committees  report  that  the  account  of  th^  Endymions 
freight  drawn  up  by  Markham  is  correct ;  that  by  mutual  agree- 
ment an  abatement  of  la/.  has  been  allowed  for  damaged  pepper  ; 
and  that  i,aoo  pieces  of  calicoes  have  been  brought  home  in  her 
contrary  to  charter-party.  Mr.  Robinson  and  Captain  Seaman 
are  told  that  a  fine  of  60/.  will  be  imposed  for  this  breach  of  con- 
tract, and  to  this  they  submit.  The  owners  of  the  Ruth,  lately 
returned  from  Bantam,  to  be  paid  a,ooo/.  upon  account  of  freight. 
A  certificate  is  presented  for  the  Governor's  signature  to  be 
delivered  to  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Great  Seal  of  England 
on  behalf  of  Mr.  Hurt  (who  is  detained  in  the  Upper  Bench  at  the 
Company's  suit  for  900/.) ;  this  it  is  thought  should  not  be  signed 
until  a  better  account  is  received  of  what  Hurt  has  done  with  the 
Company's  money.  A  petition  is  read  from  the  Mercers'  porters 
humbly  begging  to  be  re-employed,  and  showing  that  they  left  the 
Company's  work  because  they  would  not  join  with  other  porters 
who  wronged  and  abused  the  Company  very  much ;  on  information 
that  they  left  when  there  was  great  need  of  porters,  used  very  ill 
language,  and  refused  to  pay  their  share  in  any  loss  that  occurred, 
their  petition  is  refused,  the  Fishmongers'  porters  having  been 
employed  in  their  place.     The  Greyhounds  guns  having  been  put 


EAST  INDIA   COMPANY  55 

ashore  and  she  only  drawing  eleven  feet  of  water,  order  is  given  for 
her  to  be  brought  to  Blackwall  to  be  unladen.  Upon  reading  an 
order  of  the  Committee  of  Parliament,  dated  the  i6th  present,  the 
Court,  in  obedience  to  the  same,  directs  that  Alderman  Fowke  be 
permitted  to  see  and  have  copies  of  such  of  the  Company's  acts, 
orders,  and  entries  as  concern  his  adventures,  he  to  give  notice  of 
his  coming  to  do  so,  that  the  Company's  officers  may  be  appointed 
to  attend  him.  Upon  the  petition  of  Samuel  Tyne,  who  married 
the  sister  and  executrix  of  the  late  Francis  Mountford,  to  be  paid 
what  is  due  to  the  latter's  account,  the  Court  resolves,  as  Mountford 
was  a  great  private  trader  with  Messrs.  Willoughby  and  Cart- 
wright,  to  deduct  as  a  fine  162^/.  16^".  6d.  and  pay  the  remaining 
300/.  due  to  Mountford's  account  to  Mr.  Tyne  in  full  of  all 
demands,  on  he  and  his  wife  giving  a  general  release.     (i|//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
August  ^3,  1650  {Court  Book^  vol.  xxi,  p.  13). 

The  Greyhound  and  Farewell  to  be  unladen.  The  owners  of  the 
Anne  Clear e  to  be  paid  2,000/.  upon  account  of  freight.  The 
Governor  reports  the  sale  of  the  calicoes  which  were  damaged  after 
being  taken  out  of  the  Ruth.  Mr.  Vivian  moves  that  as  the 
accounts  of  the  Second  General  Voyage  have  come  home,  some 
Committees  may  be  appointed  for  that  Voyage  to  meet  with  an 
equal  number  to  be  appointed  on  behalf  of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
to  adjust  and  perfect  the  accounts  between  the  said  Stock  and 
Voyage.  Hereupon  it  is  resolved  that  Sambrooke  shall  make  out 
a  statement  of  the  two  accounts,  and  they  shall  then  be  examined 
by  Mr.  Vivian,  with  any  other  Committees  he  pleases  to  call  upon, 
and  such  proposition  as  they  shall  think  fitting  to  be  made  to  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stock  shall  be  adopted,     (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and 
Second  General  Voyage,  August  a8,  1650  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  14). 

Allowance  made  to  Mr.  Clutterbucke  for  damaged  cotton  yam 
and  some  rotten  cotton  yarn  sold  to  him  at  \%d.  per  lb.  Resolved 
that  a  division  of  25  per  cent,  in  pepper,  from  that  returned  in  the 


56  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

Ruth  and  what  is  remaining  of  the  old  store,  shall  be  made  to  the 
adventurers  in  the  Second  General  Voyage.  It  is  also  resolved  that 
as  the  debt  at  interest  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  is  great,  a  division 
of  50  per  cent,  in  pepper  shall  be  made  to  each  adventurer  in  that 
Stock,  the  said  pepper  to  be  paid  for  at  I2d.  per  lb.  at  five  six 
months  from  Michaelmas ;  every  man  to  pay  in  his  money,  or  give 
security  for  the  same,  and  to  take  away  his  pepper  before  Lady 
Day ;  no  pepper  to  be  removed  before  payment  is  made,  and  any 
pepper  left  to  be  sold  by  the  candle ;  any  loss  arising  to  be  charged 
to  the  account  of  those  who  have  not  taken  away  their  pepper,  and 
any  profit  made  to  accrue  to  the  Company.  Certain  Committees 
are  requested  to  examine  and  report  on  damaged  pepper  returned 
in  the  Ruth.  A  gratification  of  10/.  is  awarded  to  Captain  Seaman, 
who  came  home  master  in  the  Endymiofty  but  his  petition  for  re- 
mission of  the  fine  of  60/.  for  breach  of  charter-party  in  bringing 
home  calicoes  is  refused.  Certain  Committees  are  entreated  to 
attend  the  Commissioners  of  Customs  about  goods  conveyed  out  of 
the  Eagle  and  Greyhound^  and  to  desire  that  no  countenance  may  be 
given  to  those  who  take  goods  out  of  the  Company's  ships,     (i  j//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
August  30,  1650  (Court  Book^  vol.  xxiii,  p.  4). 

The  Governor  intimates  that  they  have  met  to  consider  what 
ships  and  goods  to  send  out  next  year,  and  that  as  rials  are  so 
scarce  more  commodities  must  be  sent.  Hereupon  certain  Com- 
mittees are  desired  to  provide  aoo  cloths  for  India  between  this  and 
next  Lady  Day.  On  being  informed  that  all  their  coral  in  India  is 
sold,  the  Court  resolves  to  send  advices  to  the  Company's  factors  at 
Leghorn  to  buy  twenty  chests  at  the  best  possible  rate  and  at  the 
first  opportunity  ;  but  being  told  that  one  Mr.  Bernardo,  a  merchant, 
has  some  coral  in  town,  Bowen  is  sent  to  see  the  same,  but  is  not 
allowed  to  do  so  until  next  Tuesday.  Hereupon  he  is  directed  to 
write  to  the  Leghorn  factors  and  desire  them  to  provide  fifteen 
chests  of  coral ;  and  if  the  coral  in  town  is  not  bought,  then  he  is  to 
write  to  Leghorn  for  another  five  chests.  Vermilion  to  the  value  of 
1,000/.  to  be  provided,  and  elephants'  teeth  to  the  value  of  a,ooo/. 
Calicoes  sold  to  Messrs.  Mead  and  Thorowgood.  The  owners  of  the 
Endymion  to  be  paid  500/.  on  account  of  freight.   A  motion  is  made 


EAST  INDIA  COMPANY  S7 

for  the  Farewell  to  be  sent  to  the  Coast  and,  in  order  to  ascertain 
her  price,  direction  is  given  for  her  to  be  valued  before  the  next 
meeting.  Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  meet  and  treat  with 
the  Guinea  Company  about  the  business  formerly  proposed.  The 
President  and  Council  of  Surat  to  be  advised  by  letter  overland  to 
provide  at  least  300  tons  of  saltpetre  and  sugar.  Courts  for  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stock  and  Second  General  Voyage  to  be  held  every 
Wednesday  morning,  those  for  the  United  Joint  Stock  every  Friday 
morning.  James  Allison,  a  Dutchman,  is  given  5/.  for  services 
performed  in  the  Farewell.     (}^\pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and 
Second  General  Voyage,  September  4,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol. 
xxi,  p.  16). 

Richard  Chambers,  Senior,  and  Richard  Chambers,  Junior, 
accepted  as  securities  for  pepper.  The  order  made  for  a  division  of 
50  per  cent,  in  pepper  is  rescinded  until  it  shall  be  known  what  the 
Hollanders  intend  to  do  with  their  pepper ;  but  at  the  same  time 
the  Court  directs  that  any  adventurer  shall  be  allowed  to  take  out 
his  division  at  five  six  months  from  Michaelmas,  but  none  be  obliged 
to  do  so.  The  men  in  the  Greyhound  and  Farewell  to  be  paid. 
White  guzzees  sold  to  Philip  Mead.  Lettice  Young,  who  has 
troubled  the  Company  and  Mr.  Sambrooke  many  years,  comes  into 
court  with  Mr.  Owen  and  two  other  solicitors,  and  desires  that  some 
exposition  concerning  her  case  may  be  read  ;  but,  her  case  having 
been  dismissed  from  Chancery,  her  request  is  refused,  and  Mr.  Owen 
is  told  that  if  it  is  thought  that  the  Company  or  Sambrooke  have 
wronged  her,  she  can  take  what  course  she  pleases  against  them. 
Certain  Committees  are  requested  to  attend  the  Committee  of 
Parliament,  which  is  to  sit  at  Westminster  about  Mr.  Fowke's 
business  ;  Sambrooke  is  also  directed  to  attend.  At  the  request  of 
James  Mann,  his  two  sons,  who  reside  at  Leghorn,  are  to  be  directed 
to  provide  twenty  chests  of  coral  for  the  Company.  The  Blessing 
and  the  Farewell  to  be  brought  into  dock,  examined,  and  valued 
with  their  provisions  just  as  they  are.     (i  J  pp.) 


58  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

A  General  Court  of  Adventurers  in  the  Second 
General  Voyage,  September  6,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi, 
p.  18). 

The  Governor  reports  the  sale  of  indigo  and  calicoes.  He 
declares  that  the  chief  cause  of  their  meeting  is  to  resolve  concern- 
ing a  bill  of  exchange  sent  from  Bantam  for  payment  of  158,446 
rials  (about  43,000/.  sterling)  by  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  to  the 
adventurers  in  the  Second  General  Voyage.  Hereupon  a  clause 
is  read  from  a  letter  sent  by  the  Ruth  concerning  the  turning  over 
the  remains  from  the  said  Voyage  to  the  Stock  at  ^s.  6d.  the  rial ; 
also  certain  advices  from  the  Bantam  factors  to  the  Stock  and 
Voyage,  by  which  it  appears  that  on  payment  of  this  sum  the 
adventurers  in  the  Voyage  are  *  quite  cleared  out  of  India '.  After 
some  dispute  it  is  resolved  to  refer  the  matter  to  the  Committees 
appointed  by  the  Second  General  Voyage  and,  if  they  think 
fitting,  to  present  the  said  bill.  The  names  of  the  said  Committees 
are  read,  and  it  is  found  that  three,  Sir  John  Gayer,  Robert  Gayer, 
and  Gilbert  Morewood  are  dead.  So  the  Court  nominates  in 
their  stead  Richard  Waring,  John  Langley,  and  Nathaniel  Wich. 
All  goods  now  come  home  are  ordered  to  be  sold  by  this  Com- 
mittee, except  the  pepper,  which  is  to  be  divided,     (i  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  September  it,  1650  (Court 
Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  19). 

Mr.  Boone,  the  chirurgeon,  to  furnish  the  Company's  ships  with 
the  usual  chests  of  medicine,  and  the  owners  of  the  freighted  vessels 
to  be  recommended  to  have  their  ships  supplied  in  a  like  manner. 
The  Governor,  Deputy,  Treasurer,  and  seven  others  are  appointed 
a  committee  to  consider  and  report  how  the  charges  of  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock  may  be  eased,  and  a  note  is  directed  to  be  made  of 
all  standing  charges,  salaries  of  officers,  and  rent  of  warehouses,  etc. 
Certain  goods  sent  by  President  Merry  to  the  Deputy  are  ordered 
to  be  delivered,  and  their  freight  charged  to  Merry's  account.  The 
men  returned  in  the  Eagle  to  be  cleared,     (ij//.) 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  59 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
September  13,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  5). 

A  valuation  of  the  Farewell,  amounting  to  700/.,  is  presented, 
and  Stevens  is  directed  to  prepare  an  estimate  of  the  cost  of  fitting 
her  to  go  to  sea,  and  Tomblings  to  make  an  inventory  and  estimate 
of  all  her  cables,  anchors,  and  all  other  things  and  stores  belonging 
to  her,  which  estimates  certain  Committees  are  desired  to  examine 
and  report  upon.  The  Court,  noting  the  great  prejudice  the  Com- 
pany continually  sustains  by  the  exorbitant  private  trade  of 
merchants,  mariners,  and  others,  resolves  to  find  some  remedy 
whereby  the  Company,  which  bears  all  charges  of  the  trade,  shall 
reap  the  benefit  also ;  therefore  they  entreat  certain  Committees 
to  consider  what  goods  shall  be  allowed  to  be  carried  out  and 
brought  back  by  merchants,  mariners,  and  others,  and  in  what 
proportions ;  also  to  consider  what  men,  shipping,  and  other  pro- 
visions are  necessary  to  be  sent  this  year  to  Assada,  and  how  that 
plantation  may  be  improved  to  the  advantage  of  the  Company 
and  honour  of  the  nation.  The  following  ships  are  named  as 
suitable  to  be  freighted  this  year,  viz.  the  Anne,  Dover  Merchant^ 
Smyrna  Merchant,  Experience,  Endymion,  Phoenix,  Eagle,  Fare- 
well, and  Peregrine^  and  the  Court  orders  that  they  be  examined. 

'A  Meeting  of  divers  Committees  to  consider  of  the 
Businesse  of  the  Plantation  of  Assada,  and  what  Goods 
TO  Prohibite  from  Private  Traders',  September  16,  1650 
(Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  7). 

It  is  resolved  to  prohibit  the  exportation  of  the  following 
goods :  broadcloth,  lead,  quicksilver,  vermilion,  coral  and  elephants' 
teeth ;  and  the  importation  of  calicoes  and  indigo  of  all  sorts, 
cardamoms,  cloves,  cinnamon,  benzoin,  musk,  aloes  soccatrina,  salt- 
petre, black  and  white  pepper,  nutmegs,  mace,  silk,  and  cotton 
yarn  ;  and  in  the  event  of  any  of  the  said  goods  being  taken  aboard 
the  Company's  ships,  they  are  to  be  forfeited  and  held  to  belong  to 
the  Company.  The  following  goods  to  be  allowed  to  be  brought 
home  by  the  owners,  masters,  and  mariners  of  every  freighted  ship 
without  fear  of  incurring  penalty :  olibanum,  tincal,  gum-lac,  seed- 


6o  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

lac,  shellac,  tamarind,  myrrh,  cowries,  dragon's  blood,  cassia  fistula, 
cubebs,  agate  ware  of  all  sorts,  camphor,  China  dishes,  civets, 
ambergris,  bezoar,  diamonds,  pearls,  rubies,  sugar,  cassia  lignum, 
lignum  aloes,  China  roots,  dried  myrabalans,  and  conserves  of  all 
sorts :  all  these  to  be  taken  out  and  brought  back  in  the  proportion 
of  five  tons  outward  and  five  tons  homeward  for  every  loo  tons  of 
the  ship's  burden.  It  is  next  considered  whether  to  send  any  more 
men  to  Assada  until  advice  has  been  received  from  thence,  twenty- 
six  or  thirty  having  been  sent  already  in  the  Assada  Merchajtt, 
seventy  in  the  Boniio  and  Lioness,  3ind  forty  in -the  Supply;  there- 
fore, though  it  is  thought  that  loo  more  men  might  be  sent  thither 
in  the  ships  designed  for  India  this  year  which  should  touch  at  that 
place,  yet  resolution  in  this  matter  is  deferred.  The  following  con- 
ditions to  be  enjoined  on  the  owners  of  ships  to  be  freighted  this 
year :  none  of  the  above-mentioned  prohibited  goods  to  be  taken 
out  or  brought  home,  on  penalty  of  forfeiture  of  the  same :  the  pro- 
portions of  any  goods  taken  out  or  brought  back  by  the  owners, 
masters,  and  manners  not  to  exceed  five  tons  outwards  and  five 
tons  homewards  on  every  loo  tons  of  the  ship's  burden :  all  men 
employed  in  the  freighted  ships  to  be  engaged  at  the  East  India 
House,  and  there  enter  into  bond  neither  to  carry  out  nor  bring 
home  any  prohibited  goods  upon  penalty  of  forfeiture  :  and  because 
mariners  are  required  in  India,  those  entertained  shall  serve  upon 
ships  in  India,  provided  that  not  above  20  men  out  of  100  are  taken 
from  any  one  ship,  and  so  in  proportion  to  bring  home,  if  required, 
a  like  number  now  serving  the  Company  in  India  in  exchange ;  the 
owners  of  each  ship  to  be  bound  by  charter-party  for  the  masters 
and  mariners  to  serve  the  Company  in  India  on  shore  as  well  as  at 
sea,  both  for  offence  and  defence,  as  the  President  and  Council  at 
Bantam,  Surat,  or  elsewhere  shall  direct:  to  leave  Gravesend  by 
the  15th  February :  to  carry  to  Assada  twenty  or  forty  passengers, 
for  whom  they  shall  be  paid  10/.  per  head,  and  to  stay  at  that  place, 
if  required,  until  the  loth  August :  to  stay  in  India,  if  required, 
until  the  last  day  of  January  without  demurrage :  and  upon  the 
return  home  to  wait  at  St.  Helena  for  the  rest  of  the  fleet  until 
May  15,  and  return  in  company  with  them  to  England.  All  other 
conditions  to  be  the  same  as  those  in  the  charter-parties  of  the  Love 
and  Advice,     (aj//.) 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  6i 

A  Meeting  of  the  aforesaid  Committees,  September  i8, 
1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  9). 

After  some  debate,  resolution  as  to  the  number  of  men  to  be  sent 
to  Assada  is  deferred  to  the  consideration  of  the  whole  Court,  but 
all  present  agree  that  the  ships  designed  for  India  this  year  should 
touch  at  Assada  and  land  there  such  passengers  as  shall  be  sent, 
and  do  whatsoever  else  shall  be  directed.     (J  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and 
Second  General  Voyage,  September  18,  1650  {Court  Book,vo\. 
xxi,  p.  30). 

Malabar  pepper  sold  to  John  Bland.  Captain  Limbrey  to  be 
paid  10/.  for  eighteen  months'  allowance  towards  Dungeness  lights. 
Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  attend  to-morrow  at  the  sitting 
of  the  Committee  of  Parliament  about  Alderman  Fowke's  business. 
An  order  of  the  Council  of  Trade  sitting  at  Whitehall  is  read, 
requiring  an  account  of  all  coin  and  bullion  exported  by  the  Com- 
pany since  1620,  with  the  licences  or  warrants.^  Captain  Thomson, 
master  of  the  Ruth,  presents  a  list  of  calicoes  brought  home  in  his 
ship  as  private  trade,  with  the  names  9f  the  owners,  and  promises 
to  deliver  the  said  goods  into  the  Company's  warehouse.  Several 
Committees  of  the  Second  General  Voyage  desire  to  know  whether 
the  Court  intends  to  accept  the  bill  of  exchange  for  43,000/.  from 
Bantam,  and  if  so  they  desire  the  money  according  to  the  purport 
of  the  bill,  ^  being  fully  satisfied  all  remaines  in  India  and  all  shipps 
sent  out  for  the  Voyage  are  to  bee  accompted  to  belong  to  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stocke '.  The  Court  resolves  to  accept  the  bill,  and 
to  make  payment  accordingly,  which  being  done,  the  Golden  Fleece 
and  the  Advice,  sent  out  by  the  Voyage,  are  to  be  looked  upon  as 
freighted  by  the  Stock,  and  all  money  disburst  for  imprest  or  laden 
in  the  said  ships  by  the  Voyage  is  to  be  made  good  and  repaid  by 
the  Stock.  At  the  request  of  Samuel  Wightwicke,  whose  son  Peter 
went  out  last  year  as  an  underfactor  in  the  Golden  Fleece,  the  Court 

*  On  September  3  an  application  from  the  East  India  Company  to  Parliament  for 
permission  to  ship  20,000/.  in  the  Farewell  to  the  Coast  was  referred  to  the  Council  of 
Trade  {Commons'  Journals,  vol.  vi,  p.  461).  The  Council  reported  favourably  on 
December  24,  and  licence  was  accordingly  given  for  the  exportation  of  money  to  the 
desired  limit  in  the  ship  Welcome  {Ibid.,  p.  513). 


6a  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

directs  that  notice  be  given  to  the  President  and  Council  at  Bantam 
for  him  to  be  sent  home.  The  Greyhound  to  be  docked  at  Black- 
wall,  if  this  can  be  done  while  the  Eagle  is  there.  The  owners  of 
the  Endymion  to  be  paid  799/.  lu.  'xd.  in  full  of  freight  for  goods 
brought  home,  and  Captain  Seaman  to  be  reimbursed  for  provisions 
supplied  to  the  Blessing,  Captain  Black  well  desires  to  be  given 
a  bundle  of  things  sent  home  belonging  to  his  son  Joshua,  who  was 
formerly  a  factor  at  Agra  and  has  turned  Moor ;  ^  the  Captain  is 
given  the  said  belongings,  but  his  son's  wages,  also  claimed,  are 
detained,  he  being  still  alive.  Certain  Committees  to  meet  and 
consider  about  the  private  trade  brought  home  in  the  Eagle ^  Grey- 
hound^ and  Farewell.  The  premium  for  assurance  made  on  several 
ships  both  outward  and  homeward-bound  is  ordered  to  be  paid. 
The  widow  of  Henry  Olton  to  be  given  50/.  upon  her  late  husband's 
account.  The  Court  agrees  that  the  Eagle  shall  be  freighted  by 
the  United  Joint  Stock  upon  certain  conditions,  and  at  the  same 
time  resolves  to  sell  her  before  she  sails.     {%\  pp,) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
September  20,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  10). 

The  conclusions  arrived  at  by  the  Committees  appointed  to  con- 
sider concerning  private  trade  and  the  conditions  to  be  imposed  on 
the  owners  of  freighted  ships  are  read  and  approved.  Some  Com- 
mittees for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  offer  the  Eagle  to  the  United 
Joint  Stock  to  be  freighted  on  stated  terms,  she  to  receive  18/.  per 
ton  for  pepper  and  saltpetre,  and  'XiL  per  ton  for  all  other  goods  ; 
this  offer  is  accepted,  and  it  is  decided  to  send  her  to  Surat.  It 
being  thought  advisable  to  dispatch  two  vessels  to  the  Coast,  one  of 
which  is  to  start  on  the  ist  of  December,  touch  at  the  Gold  Coast, 
and  there  take  in  the  gold  to  be  delivered  as  by  agreement  made 
with  the  Guinea  Company,  while  the  other  is  to  go  with  the  rest  of 
the  ships  in  February,  remain  in  India,  and  voyage  to  Persia  and 
the  like,  the  Court  thinks  it  would  be  well  to  buy  the  Blessing 
for  the  latter  purpose,  and  therefore  directs  that  an  inventory  and 
valuation  of  all  her  stores  be   drawn  up  ;  also  an  inventory  and 

^  This  occurred  in  March,  1649  ^O.C.  2 121).  Blackwell  soon  tired  of  being  a 
Muhammadan,  returned  to  his  faith  and  his  fellow-countrymen,  and  was  sent  home  in 
the  Love. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  63 

valuation  of  the  Eaglets  stores.  Motion  is  made  for  the  large  stock 
intended  for  Surat  to  be  sent  in  two  ships,  as  a  small  vessel  might 
be  of  service  in  India ;  but  on  information  that  the  Falcon,  Hind, 
and  Lanneret  are  at  Surat,  the  Seaflower  and  Dove  at  Bantam, 
and  the  Bonito  and  Supply  at  the  Coast,  the  Court  resolves  to  send 
the  Eagle  only.  A  small  ship  or  frigate  being  wanted  to  send  to 
the  Coast  in  December,  the  Brazil  frigate,  burden  270  tons, 
Anthony  Tutchin  master,  and  the  Castle  frigate,  burden  240  tons, 
Mr.  Wall  master,  are  tendered.  One  of  the  owners  of  the  former, 
Mr.  Bushell,  and  the  master  of  the  latter  are  called  in  and  hear  the 
Company's  conditions  for  freighted  ships  read.  Bushell  agrees  to 
his  frigate  serving  on  these  conditions,  but  desires  some  better 
allowance  for  freight ;  it  is  therefore  decided  that,  if  his  vessel  is 
found  suitable,  she  shall  be  freighted  at  20/.  per  ton  for  pepper  and 
24/.  per  ton  for  all  other  goods,  that  she  shall  leave  Gravesend  on 
the  1st  December,  go  direct  to  Guinea  and  take  in  what  gold  shall  be 
ready  for  her,  stay  there  a  month  or  six  weeks,  and  then  proceed  to 
the  Coast  and  be  there  employed  as  the  factors  shall  direct,  but 
be  dispeeded  thence  by  the  last  day  of  January,  1652.  The  said 
frigate  is  to  be  double- sheathed,  and  to  carry  20  men  to  every  100 
tons,  and  certain  Committees  are  requested  to  examine  and  report 
on  her.  The  Anne,  Experience,  Dover  Merchant,  Peregrine^  and 
Fairfax  are  offered  on  freight  for  Bantam,  but  choice  is  deferred. 
Mr.  Baines,  late  minister  at  Surat,  is  desired  to  prepare  a  sermon  of 
thanksgiving  for  the  arrival  of  the  ships,  and  to  preach  the  same  on 
Thursday  week  at  '  this  parish  church '  ^,  when  the  Court  will  attend 
to  hear  him.     (2//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  September  25,  1650  {Court 
Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  22). 

Sarah,  wife  of  Robert  Foster,  who  went  out  in  the  William,  to 
be  given  3/.  upon  account  of  her  husband's  wages.  Robert  Wheeler, 
who  came  home  in  the  William,  is  given  22/.  ^s,  lod.  said  to  be 
due  to  him,  he  tendering  good  security.  Certain  Committees  are 
desired  to  attend  the  Committee  of  Parliament  about  Alderman 
Fowke's  business.     Cotton  yarn  sold  to  Thomas  Andrews.     The 

^  St.  Andrew  Undershaft. 


64  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

Deputy  reporting  that  a  great  quantity  of  calicoes  has  been  brought 
home  as  private  trade  in  the  last  ships,  and  that  the  owners  refer 
themselves  to  the  Court  concerning  freight,  it  is  resolved  that  none 
of  the  said  goods  shall  be  delivered  for  a  month,  or  till  further 
order,  so  that  the  sale  of  those  belonging  to  the  Company  may  not 
be  hindered,     (i  A) 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  September  27, 
1650  {Public  Record  Office:  S,  P,  Dom.:  Interregnum,  I.  123, 
p.   47^)- 

Order  on  the  petition  of  the  Governor  and  Company  of  Merchants 
trading  to  the  East  Indies  ^  that  they  present  to  Council  the  parti- 
culars of  the  matter  of  fact,  as  also  the  particular  account  therein 
mentioned.  .  .  . 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  October  %,  1650  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  24). 

It  is  resolved  to  put  up  for  sale  by  the  candle  next  Friday  morn- 
ing, with  their  respective  stores,  the  Eagle  for  2,800/.,  the  Blessing 
for  1,000/.,  the  Greyhound  iox  900/.,  and  the  Farewell  for  900/,  at 
six  months'  time  from  the  ist  of  November.  A  division  of  12/.  \os. 
in  money  is  ordered  to  be  made  to  the  adventurers  in  the  Second 
General  Voyage.  Chintz  sold  to  James  Martin.  The  Victuallers  of 
the  Navy  are  allowed  the  use  of  the  Company's  slaughter-house  at 
Blackwall  to  kill  100  oxen  for  the  State.  Thomas  Milward  to  be 
paid  all  money  due  to  him  now  in  the  Company's  hands.  Matthew 
Kempe  admitted  to  the  Almshouse  at  Blackwall.  All  debtors  to 
the  Company  and  their  securities  to  be  summoned  to  appear  at  the 
next  court,     (i^//.) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  October  2, 1650  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  25). 

Sale  of  benzoin,  cinnamon,  cloves,  myrrh,  cardamoms,  olibanum, 
rice,  Messina  silk,  saltpetre,  sannoes,  '  chillees  ^ ',  baftas,  sallampores, 

1  This  petition  cannot  be  traced,  but  it  probably  related  to  the  Company's  claims 
against  the  Dutch. 
•  A  kind  of  piece-goods  made  in  Southern  India :  cf.  *  chellies  Madraspatam,  which 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  65 

morees,  longcloth,  brown  dutties,  pintado  quilts,  niccanees,  Guinea 
stuffs,  tapseels,  '  Sinda  kersywale^',  and  pepper,  with  prices  and 
names  of  purchasers  {l^pp.) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  October  4,  1650  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  38). 

Sale  of  sannoes,  morees,  percallaes,  ginghams,  sallampores,  Persia 
taffatyes,  and  longcloth.  The  Farewell,  with  all  her  provisions, 
stores,  etc.,  is  sold  for  910/.  to  Daniel  Andrews,     (^ipp-) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and 
Second  General  Voyage,  October  9, 1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi, 

p.  30)- 

Saltpetre  sold  to  William  Pennoyer.  Four  anchors  to  be  lent  to 
Mr.  Hall,  anchorsmith  to  the  State,  on  condition  that  he  returns 
them  within  a  month,  or  four  others  of  the  same  weight.  Daniel 
Andrews  permitted  to  have  the  Farewell  repaired  in  the  Company's 
dock  and  to  use  such  timber  as  shall  be  necessary,  on  paying  an 
*  indifferent '  rate  for  the  same.  Emanuel  Noonies,  a  Portuguese 
who  came  back  in  the  Farewell,  to  be  allowed  something  weekly  for 
his  maintenance  and  sent  as  cook  in  the  next  ship  bound  for  the 
Coast.  Freight  at  the  rate  of  4J.  per  piece  to  be  paid  for  all  chintz 
brought  home  as  private  trade.  Consideration  of  Sambrooke's  request 
for  a  gratuity  is  deferred  until  he  presents  a  balance  of  the  estate  in 
England.  Certain  Committees  to  consider  about  tares  to  be  allowed 
for  sugar,  etc.  Mr.  Smith  applies  on  behalf  of  the  Commissioners 
of  Bankruptcy  for  money  belonging  to  Mr.  Courteen  ;  he  is  told  that 
there  are  three  bills  issued  in  Chancery  and  one  in  the  Exchequer 
against  the  Company  for  the  said  money,  and  that  he  shall  receive 
an  answer  concerning  the  matter  this  day  week,  when  Mr.  Acton 
will  have  consulted  with  Counsel  as  to  the  best  course  for  the 
Company  to  pursue.  Actions  to  be  entered  against  Messrs.  Shute, 
Brett,  Mathews,  Williams,  and  Wilson  for  recovery  of  the  money 
owing  by  them.     Mr.  Martin,  who  declares  that  he  paid  Mr.  Blount 

are  a  chequered  sorte  of  cloth ',  thought  to  be  suitable  for  Guinea  (O.C  2139).  See  also 
Hobson-yobsoHy  s.v.  '  shalee  '. 

1  Probably  a  cotton  cloth  from  Sind,  ribbed  in  kersey  fashion. 


66  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

some  of  the  money  due  from  him  for  sugar,  promises  to  make  good 
the  same  to  the  Company  and  to  pay  the  remainder.    (i|/A) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
October  ii,  1650  [Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  la). 

The  Treasurer  intimating  that  he  does  not  think  the  Company's 
house  sufficiently  guarded  in  the  daytime,  at  his  suggestion  Bar- 
tholomew Holloway,  who  was  employed  formerly  in  the  counting- 
house,  is  engaged  at  a  salary  of  loj.  per  week  to  go  there  every 
morning  before  the  watchmen  leave  and  remain  until  they  return  at 
night.  As  the  Court  cannot  make  any  agreement  with  the  Guinea 
Company,  it  is  resolved  to  send  only  one  ship  to  the  Coast  and  to 
freight  her  this  day.  The  Welcome  frigate,  burden  240  tons,  is 
presented  for  this  purpose  by  Messrs.  Peters  and  Wilson  and 
accepted.  She  is  to  leave  Gravesend  by  the  15th  of  next  December, 
to  carry  twenty  passengers  at  10/.  a  head  for  the  Company  to 
Assada,  to  stay  there  twenty  days,  and  to  sail  from  thence  to  the 
Coast  of  Coromandel  and  be  employed  there  and  wherever  else  the 
chief  factors  may  think  fitting,  but  be  laden  in  time  to  be  dispatched 
for  England  by  January,  165a.  On  her  return  she  is  to  stay  at 
St.  Helena  until  May  15  and  then  sail  with  the  rest  of  the  fleet.  She 
is  to  be  paid  18/.  per  ton  for  pepper  and  saltpetre,  and  22/.  per  ton 
for  sugar  and  all  other  goods ;  and  400/.  is  to  be  imprested  to  her 
owners,  200/.  of  which  is  to  be  paid  at  once  if  desired.  All  other 
cor^ditions  to  be  the  same  as  for  other  ships  freighted  by  the 
Company.  As  Mr.  Merry,  President  at  Surat,  is  to  return  home 
next  year  in  the  Eagle ^  it  is  proposed  that  Mr.  Pearse  shall  take 
his  place. ^  An  appraisement  to  be  made  of  the  hull  and  stores  of 
the  Eagle  and  Greyhound,  Captain  Blackman  is  desired  to  go 
to  Surat.  Committees  to  provide  100  men,  etc.,  for  Assada.  Mr. 
Davison's  ship,  the  Recovery,  not  to  go  to  India.  Mr.  Methwold 
transfers  1,000/.  The  Blessing,  Eagle,  Greyhound,  and  Farewell  to 
be  sold  by  the  candle.  Captain  Ryder,  Captain  Blackman  and 
others  having  examined  the  Brazil  frigate  and  reporting  that  she  is 
a  'rebuilt  shippe',  it  is  decided  not  to  employ  her  or  'any  other 
rebuilt  shippe  or  Dutch  bottome  whatsoever'.     The  Anne^  Dover 

*  A  page  is  missing  here ;  but  the  gap  has  been  filled  up  to  some  extent  from  the 
index. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  6^ 

Merchant^  Experience^  and  Fairfax  are  offered  for  freighting  to 
Bantam ;  all  being  equally  good  ships  and  the  masters  severally- 
agreeing  to  abide  by  the  Company's  conditions,  it  is  resolved  to 
decide  by  lot  which  to  employ,  and  the  Anne  being  drawn  first  she 
is  accepted  for  this  service.     (3J  pp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and 
Second  General  Voyage,  October  16,  1650  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  ^2,). 

Richard  Shute  promises  to  pay  what  he  owes  to  the  Company 
forthwith  ;  and  he  and  the  Deputy  engaging  themselves  to  pay  what 
they  and  Mr.  Brett  owe  before  Christmas,  the  Court  resolves  to 
forbear  taking  action  against  them  until  then.  A  court  of  sales,  at 
which  the  Eagle  is  to  be  sold,  is  appointed  to  be  held  this  day 
fortnight.  Mr.  Lenthall  presents,  on  behalf  of  Mrs.  Lumly,  wife  of 
the  chirurgeon  at  the  Coast,  a  note  of  debts  owing  by  several  men 
to  the  said  Lumly,  which  being  registered  in  the  purser's  books  he 
desires  may  be  paid ;  the  matter  is  referred  for  Sambrooke  to 
examine  the  said  notes.  The  widow  and  executrix  of  Henry  Olton 
is  paid  300/.  on  her  late  husband's  account.  James  Wyche  applies 
for  his  division  in  the  Second  General  Voyage,  and  is  told  that  it 
has  been  detained  because  he  has  not  made  good  his  subscription 
to  the  United  Joint  Stock  ;  nevertheless  the  Court,  at  his  desire, 
orders  the  same  to  be  paid.  Mrs.  West,  mother  and  administratrix 
of  the  late  Robert  Fotherby,  a  factor  deceased  at  Jambi,  is  paid 
450/.  in  full  of  her  son's  estate,  a  certain  amount  being  deducted  on 
account  of  his  private  trade,     (i^  pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
and  Second  General  Voyage,  October  23,  1650  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  34). 

According  to  a  former  resolution  it  is  decided  that  the  Eagle 
shall  be  put  up  for  sale  for  2,800/.  'and  10/.  rising',  the  Blessing 
for  1,000/.,  and  the  Greyhound  for  900/.  each  '5/.  rising',  at  six 
and  six  months*  time  from  the  20th  of  November.  An  inventory 
of  the  stores  of  each  ship  to  be  given  to  Sambrooke,  that  any  who 
desire  may  see  the  same.  On  information  that  Sir  Peter  Richaut 
has  not  delivered  up  the  Company's  bill  for  1,600/.  but  desires 

F  2 


68  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

that  Counsel  may  be  consulted  by  both  sides  as  to  how  a  discharge 
may  be  given  to  the  Company  and  he  keep  the  said  bill,  the 
Secretary  is  directed  to  demand  the  bill  and  to  tell  Sir  Peter  that 
the  Company  will  not  send  again  for  it  but  will  take  some  other 
course.  Thomas  Culling,  Richard  Ashurst,  and  Thomas  Apsly 
accepted  as  securities  for  sugar.  Shellac  sold  to  James  Martin. 
The  FarewelCs  stores  sold  to  Daniel  Andrews  for  20/.  Certain 
Committees  are  desired  to  attend  the  Committee  of  Parliament 
about  Alderman  Fowke's  business.  A  motion  is  made  for  pepper 
to  be  sent  to  Leghorn  '  in  regard  they  sold  none,  nor  divided  none, 
and  so  their  debt  runne[s]  on  at  interest  and  no  mony  brought 
in  to  lessen  it ' ;  resolution  herein  is  deferred.  Charles,  son  of  the 
late  John  Blount,  to  be  paid  15/.  on  his  father's  account.  Bowen 
is  given  permission  to  make  some  small  allowance  for  damaged 
calicoes.     Mr.  Cressy  to  be  summoned  for  non-payment  for  calicoes. 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
October  35,  1650  {Court  Booky  vol.  xxiii,  p.  16). 

At  the  request  of  Richard  Chambers,  his  son  John,  who  has  been 
at  Surat  three  years  educating  himself  for  the  Company  and  is 
now  capable  of  doing  good  service,  is  granted  a  salary  of  %ol.  |>er 
annum  with  a  rise  of  5/.  yearly  for  four  years,  to  begin  from  the 
arrival  of  the  Eagle  at  Surat ;  the  money  for  his  last  year's  diet 
(for  which  his  father  has  been  paying  165,  M.  per  month)  is  also 
to  be  remitted,  as  during  that  time  he  has  been  employed  for  this 
Stock.  Richard  Bateman  acquainting  the  Court  that  the  Greenland 
Company  has  a  parcel  of  morse  teeth  which  it  is  thought  will  sell 
well  in  India,  the  Governor  and  Mr.  Andrews  are  desired  to  buy 
half  or  all  of  the  said  teeth  as  they  shall  think  fit.  Sannoes 
belonging  to  the  Second  General  Voyage  sold  to  James  Martin. 
The  Committees  appointed  to  give  directions  concerning  the 
Assada  Plantation  are  requested  to  peruse  the  charter-parties  of 
such  ships  as  they  shall  send  out,  and  act  as  they  shall  see  occasion. 
The  importation  of  musk  by  private  men  is  to  be  prohibited  in  all 
charter-parties.     (1^  pp) 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  69 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  October  30, 1650  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  2fi). 

The  masters  and  some  of  the  officers  of  the  Greyhound  and 
Farewell  are  questioned  as  to  the  great  quantity  of  private  trade 
conveyed  out  of  their  ships  and,  no  satisfactory  answers  being 
given,  the  masters  are  advised  to  call  together  their  officers  and 
present  a  note  at  the  next  court  of  all  such  goods.  Certain  Com- 
mittees to  attend  the  Committee  of  Parliament  about  Alderman 
P'owke's  business.  After  some  dispute  the  valuation  set  upon  the 
Eagle  is  confirmed.  The  accounts  of  George  Tash  and  John  Yard, 
factors  lately  returned  from  India,  to  be  made  up  ;  also  the  account 
of  John  Pollein,  who  died  in  India,  and  his  widow  to  be  advised 
to  consult  with  her  friends  about  the  same.  The  officers  of  the 
Eagle  to  be  cleared  ;  also  the  officers  of  the  Greyhound  and  Fare- 
well, except  the  masters  and  pursers.  William  Vincent  to  be 
permitted  to  have  half  the  cinnamon  he  bought  ungarbled,  and 
some  allowance  to  be  made  to  him  instead  of  garbling  it.  Calicoes 
sold  to  James  Martin.     (li//.) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  October  30,  1650  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  38). 

Sale  of  cloves,  pepper,  shellac,  cowries,  Persia  raw  silk,  morees 
and  sallampores,  with  prices  and  names  of  purchasers.     (2  pp) 

Depositions  in  the  Admiralty  Court  (Factory  Records^ 
Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  163). 

These  relate  to  the  seizure  by  the  Dutch  of  the  Endymions 
cargo  of  pepper.  The  deponents  are  Edmund  Seaman,  master  of 
the  ship,  and  Richard  Hastings,  Lucas  Blacklock,  Robert  Collier, 
John  Cox,  and  Thomas  Hamberton,  mariners.  The  dates  range 
from  August  24  to  November  i,  1650.     {Copies.     Latin.     %o\pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
November  i,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  17). 

The  Court  resolves  that  no  factors  or  young  men  shall  be  sent  to 
India  this  year.     On  a  motion  that  some  fitting  man  be  sent  to 


70  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

Surat  to  manage  the  affairs  of  this  Stock,  Captain  Blackman  is 
nominated  and  approved  for  the  post  of  President  there  this  year  ; 
he  promises  to  advance  the  trade  to  the  utmost  of  his  power  for  the 
Company's  advantage,  and  to  present  at  the  next  meeting  the  terms 
upon  which  he  would  be  willing  to  go.  Packing  skins  sold  to 
Nicholas  Rea  at  3 J.  4^.  each,     (i  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  November  6, 1650  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  40). 

Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  attend  the  Committee  of 
Parliament  about  Alderman  Fowke's  business.  James  Anfosse  and 
Silvanus  Hide  accepted  as  securities  for  calicoes,  and  the  Governor 
and  Deputy  for  silk.  The  widow  of  Henry  Olton  to  be  paid  what 
is  due  to  her  late  husband's  account.  Mrs.  Larkin  to  be  paid  1,000/. 
and  50/.  interest  in  full  of  the  account  of  her  former  husband,  John 
Pollein,  a  certain  sum  being  deducted  because  of  his  private  trade. 
Mr.  Birkdell,  formerly  master  of  the  Bonito,  is  granted  remission  of 
freight  on  his  share  of  the  cowries  brought  home  in  that  ship,  the 
remainder  belonging  to  Messrs.  Bridgman  and  Leaver.  George 
Tash  to  be  paid  what  is  due  to  his  account.  The  father  of  Robert 
Heynes,  a  factor  deceased  in  India,  to  be  paid  what  is  due  to  his 
son.  Mr.  Lenthall  applies  again  on  behalf  of  Mrs.  Lumly  for 
money  owing  to  her  husband ;  he  is  told  that  the  debtors  are  still 
in  India  and  nothing  can  be  paid  until  their  return,  with  the 
exception  of  26/.  which  has  been  already  received.  Lenthall  then 
requests  that  the  freight  of  certain  sallampores  sent  by  Lumly  to 
his  wife  may  be  remitted ;  this  is  referred  for  future  consideration. 
The  Eagle,  with  all  her  stores,  is  sold  for  2,700/.  to  Captain  Jeremy 
Blackman  at  two  six  months  from  the  ist  January  next.  The 
Court  resolves  to  send  1,000  bags  of  pepper  to  Leghorn  for  the 
account  of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock ;  if,  however,  any  one  shall  offer 
I2d.  per  lb.  for  the  said  pepper  within  the  week  at  twenty-four 
months,  the  Committees  are  willing  to  tie  themselves  not  to  send 
any  thither  for  a  period  to  be  fixed.  Mary,  widow  of  Richard 
Martin,  is  allowed  6s.  per  piece  for  calicoes  taken  up  at  Surat  by 
her  late  husband  from  the  Banian  brokers,  Martin  having  agreed  to 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  71 

pay  for  them  on  his  return  from  Bantam  in  the  Supply,  but  he  dying 
and  the  said  vessel  going  to  England,  the  goods  were  brought  home 
and  sold,     {^^pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
November  8,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  18). 

Captain  Blackman  desires,  in  the  event  of  his  going  as  President 
to  Surat,  to  be  allowed  to  take  his  wife  and  two  sons,  with  two  men 
and  two  women  servants,  to  remain  with  him  in  India  at  the  Com- 
pany's charge,  which  he  promises  shall  not  exceed  the  former 
expenses  of  the  factory.  His  salary  he  leaves  to  the  decision  of 
the  Court,  but  stipulates  that  it  shall  begin  at  his  departure  and 
cease  at  his  arrival  back  in  England,  not  before.  He  is  asked  to 
withdraw,  and  after  serious  consideration  the  Court  resolves  to 
accede  to  his  requests  and  that  he  with  his  family  and  servants  shall 
take  passage  in  the  Eagle,  for  which  the  Company  shall  pay  one- 
half  and  the  owners  of  the  vessel  the  other  half.  Before  departing 
his  sons  and  men  servants  are  to  come  before  the  Court  and  agree 
upon  what  conditions  they  will  go.  Taking  into  consideration  the 
Captain's  worth  and  ability,  his  salary  is  fixed  at  500/.  per  annum 
for  four  years,  the  same  to  begin  and  end  when  he  departs  from 
and  arrives  back  in  England  (notwithstanding  a  former  general 
order  made  to  the  contrary),  on  condition  that  he  agrees  to  the 
Company,  if  they  see  cause,  deducting  or  abating  200/.  at  his  return. 
To  all  this  the  Captain  willingly  submits.  It  is  proposed  (as  it  is 
intended  to  send  a  very  considerable  stock  to  Surat)  that  the 
Blessing  shall  be  dispeeded  thither  with  the  Eagle,  for  once  in  India 
the  charge  of  setting  her  out  will  be  defrayed  very  soon  by  freights 
to  Persia  and  elsewhere  ;  besides,  if  there  should  be  a  difference  with 
the  Portuguese,  shipping  will  be  wanted  in  India ;  therefore  it  is 
resolved  to  buy  the  said  ship  from  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  at  the 
best  possible  rate.  At  the  desire  of  Mr.  Moyer,  George  Ivatt 
(formerly  employed  by  the  Turkey  Company)  is  to  be  entertained 
as  purser  in  the  Blessing,  if  she  is  bought,     (i^//.) 


72  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  November  13, 1650  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  43). 

Thomas  Andrews  and  some  other  merchants  agree  to  buy  the 
1,000  bags  of  pepper,  which  it  was  formerly  resolved  to  send  to 
Leghorn,  for  \%d.  per  lb.  at  twenty-four  months  from  the  ist 
December,  from  which  time  for  four  months  the  Company  is  not  to 
ship  out  any  for  its  own  account.  The  price  to  be  put  upon 
pepper  for  the  town  is  to  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  Court. 
William  Vincent,  George  Smith,  Nicholas  Penning,  and  Nathaniel 
Barnardiston  are  accepted  as  securities  for  silk  bought  by  Vincent. 
The  silk  sent  by  President  Merry  to  the  Deputy  is  ordered  to  be 
delivered,  the  latter  paying  the  custom,  the  freight  to  be  put  to  the 
President's  account.  The  Blessing  is  sold  for  900/.  to  Captain 
Jeremy  Blackman  for  the  United  Joint  Stock,  at  two  six  months 
from  the  ist  January  next.  John  Yard,  who  went  out  as  a  factor 
for  the  Second  General  Voyage,  requests  payment  of  his  salary,  and 
the  arrears  due  to  him  from  the  old  Stock,  and  remission  of  freight 
on  certain  goods.  Some  dispute  arises  as  to  whether  the  Voyage 
or  the  Stock  shall  pay  for  the  time  he  stayed  in  India;  so  the 
question  is  referred  to  four  Committees,  two  of  whom  are  chosen 
for  the  Voyage  and  two  for  the  Stock,  who  are  to  consider  and 
report  their  opinions.  The  payment  of  arrears  and  the  remission 
of  freight  are  deferred  to  the  next  court.  Certain  Committees  to 
attend  the  Committee  of  Parliament  about  Alderman  Fowke's 
business.  An  application  for  remission  of  passage  money  is  made 
by  John  Case,  a  merchant  who  with  his  servant  went  for  India  in 
the  Loyalty  ^,  but  was  put  ashore  at  Mokha  by  Durson,  the  master 
of  the  ship,  from  whence  on  the  8th  November  they  were  brought 
by  one  of  the  Company's  ships  to  Surat,  where  they  remained  until 
they  returned  home  in  the  Eagle ;  the  application  is  refused  and 
Case  is  ordered  to  pay  'xol.  for  himself  and  his  servant,  but  he  is 
granted  remission  of  freight  on  some  sugar  he  brought  back.  The 
request  of  Thomas  Tomblings  for  his  salary  to  be  made  equal  to 
that  of  his  predecessor  Ms  referred  for  future  consideration. 
Marmaduke    Bludworth,  purser    of    the    Farewell,   petitions  for 

*  A  ship  sent  out  by  Courteen.    Case  was  cape  merchant  of  her  (C.C  2147). 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  73 

payment  of  his  wages  and  remission  of  freight ;  the  Court  does 
not  think  fit  to  allow  more  remission  than  the  Committees  appointed 
for  that  purpose  have  done ;  they  also  resolve,  before  paying  his 
wages,  to  see  a  list  of  the  private  trade  he  brought  home.  Thomas 
Andrews  to  be  allowed  for  defective  cotton  yarn.     (3  //.) 

Petition  of  the  East  India  Company  to  Parliament, 
November,  1650  {Public  Record  Office:  O.  C.  "j"],  vol.  vii,  no.  13). 

The  petitioners  plead  that  they  managed  a  great  and  flourishing 
trade  in  the  East  Indies  to  the  honour  and  profit  of  the  English 
nation  until  the  Netherlands  Company,  also  trading  in  those  parts, 
envying  the  prosperity  of  the  English,  endeavoured,  contrary  to  the 
Treaty  of  1619,  to  compass  their  utter  extirpation,  and  in  a  short 
time  forcibly  expelled  the  English  factors  and  agents  from  the 
island  of  Pulo  Run, '  their  ancient  and  rightfull  inheritance ',  and  also 
from  Lantore^  Molucca,  Banda  and  Amboyna,  committing  many 
barbarous  massacres,  cutting  down  most  of  the  spice  trees  on  Pulo 
Run,  taking  away  the  treasure  at  Jakatra  [Batavia],  setting  fire  to 
the  dwelling  and  store  houses,  blockading  Bantam  for  six  years 
together,  protecting  the  shipping  and  subjects  of  the  Mogul  (who  had 
taken  money  and  goods  from  the  English  to  the  value  of  102,952 
rials),  and  committing  several  outrages  and  piracies  upon  the  subjects 
of  the  Great  Turk  in  the  Red  Sea  under  the  English  colours,  and  in 
the  year  1648  \sic^  taking  a  great  quantity  of  pepper  out  of  the 
Endymion.  These  and  many  other  unjust  proceedings  of  the  Dutch 
caused  loss  to  the  English  Company  to  the  value  of  'twenty 
hundred  thousand  pounds'.  The  petitioners  from  time  to  time 
applied  to  the  late  King  and  his  Council  for  redress,  but  could  never 
receive  any  reparation  and  so  have  endured  until  now,  when,  finding 
'  your  Honors  by  God  the  happy  repayrers  of  the  great  breaches 
lately  made  in  these  three  nations ',  they  are  not  left  without  hope, 
and  pray  that  the  premisses  may  be  taken  into  consideration  and  that 
satisfaction  may  be  demanded  from  the  State  of  Holland  for  their 
losses  and  damages  sustained  these  last  twenty  years  (according  to 
the  account  annexed),  with  interest  for  the  same  and  restitution  of 
the  island  of  Pulo  Run.     Read  November  14,  1650.     (|/.) 


74  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

Abstract  of  losses  sustained  by  the  English  Company 
from  the  proceedings  of  the  dutch  since  the  treaty  of 
1622  (Public  Record  Office:  CO,  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  15  ^). 

Losses  recounted  in  sixteen  Articles  formerly  delivered,  74,638/. 
15J.  Estimated  value  of  the  crops  on  Pulo  Run  (retained  in  defiance 
of  the  agreement),  50,000/.  Goods,  victuals,  etc.,  taken  by  or 
supplied  to  the  Dutch,  20,158/.  Customs  on  Dutch  goods  laden 
and  landed  in  Persia  from  1624,  20,000/.  Compensation  for  the 
burning  of  the  English  factory  at  Jakatra,  50,000/.  Satisfaction  for 
pepper  taken  forcibly  out  of  the  Endymion  in  1649,  6,000/.  Loss 
of  trade  owing  to  the  Dutch  blockading  Bantam  for  six  years, 
600,000/.  The  English  share  of  the  Moluccas  trade,  from  which 
they  were  expelled  by  the  massacre  of  their  factors,  which  from 
1622  to  this  present  year,  1650,  at  25,000/  per  annum  amounts  to 
700,000/.  Satisfaction  for  a  sum  of  102,959  ^'^^^  of  eight,  taken  from 
the  English  at  Surat  by  the  Mogul's  officials ;  the  Dutch  prevented  the 
former  from  retaliating  upon  the  native  junks,  and  thereby  caused 
the  loss  of  the  money,  which,  at  three  for  one,  would  have  yielded  in 
Europe  7  7,200/.  Satisfaction  for  half  the  customs  of  Persia  granted  to 
the  English  in  1624  and  accounted  from  then  to  1629  ^^  amount 
to  8,000  [80,000?]  rials  of  eight,  according  to  which  proportion 
4,000/.  per  annum  is  to  be  allowed  from  1629,  'which  is  21  yeares' 
and  amounts  to  84,000/.  This  makes  a  total  of  1,681,996/.  15J. 
Interest  will  amount  unto  far  more  than  the  principal.     (2  pp) 

Order  of  Parliament,  November  14,  1650  {Public  Record 
Office :  C,  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  13!).^ 

That  the  petition  of  the  East  India  Company  now  read  be 
referred  to  the  consideration  of  the  Council  of  State.  Henry 
Scobell,  Clerk.     (J/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
November  15,  1650  {Court  Book ^  vol.  xxiii,  p.  20). 

Captain  Blackman  reports  that  the  Blessing  has  been  bought  from 
the  Fourth  Joint  Stock.     Before  entertaining  a  master  and  purser 

1  The  next  document  in  the  volume  (15  I)  is  a  duplicate  of  this.  The  list  of  losses 
should  be  compared  with  the  accounts  given  in  the  1635-39  volume,  p.  303,  and  that 
for  1640-43,  p.  53. 

'  See  also  State  Papers^  Domestic :  Interregnum,  I.  88,  p.  50,  and  Commons^  Journals^ 
vol.  vi,  p.  496. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  7S 

for  her,  the  Committees,  in  consideration  of  the  great  prejudice  the 
Company  has  sustained  by  the  negligence  of  masters  and  pursers  in 
allowing  such  great  quantities  of  private  trade  to  be  exported  and 
imported  in  their  vessels,  order  that  all  such  officers  employed  by 
the  Company  shall  be  bound  by  good  securities  to  give  a  detailed 
account  of  all  goods  received  into  or  delivered  from  their  ships  for 
the  Company  or  for  any  other  person  in  England  or  in  India 
between  port  and  port  upon  every  voyage.  Adam  Lee,  Robert 
Tindall,  and  Gilbert  Grimes  offering  to  go  as  master  in  the  Blessing;; 
Grimes  is  chosen,  at  a  salary  of  61.  per  month,  on  the  Company's 
conditions.  George  Ivatt,  who  is  entertained  as  purser,  comes  into 
court  and  promises  to  obey  the  Company's  orders,  Mr.  Moyer 
standing  security  for  him.  Mr.  Davison  and  Captain  Strong,  master 
of  the  Recovery,  bound  for  Assada,  promise  to  entertain  the  planters 
the  Company  intends  to  send  aboard  the  said  vessel.  The  Blessing 
to  be  repaired,  and  Thomblings  to  pay  for  and  keep  account  of  all 
money  disbursed  for  this  purpose.  The  request  of  Captain  Blackman 
that  a  minister  may  be  sent  in  the  Eagle  is  referred  for  considera- 
tion. At  the  desire  of  Nathaniel  Andrews,  liberty  is  given  to  the 
Victuallers  of  the  Navy  for  the  State  to  use  the  Company's 
slaughter-house  at  Blackwall,  when  they  have  no  occasion  for  it 
themselves.     (i|//-) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and 
Second  General  Voyage,  November  30,  1650  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  46). 

The  Deputy  is  given  permission  to  sell  at  the  next  court  of  sales 
the  fifteen  bales  of  silk  sent  to  him  by  President  Merry.  Certain 
Committees  are  desired  to  attend  the  Committee  of  Parliament 
about  Alderman  Fowke's  business.  The  Governor  and  George  Price 
accepted  as  securities  for  pepper  bought  by  the  former.  Thomas 
Andrews  to  be  allowed  for  increased  tare  for  cotton  yarn.  Certain 
Committees  are  requested  to  examine  and  price  the  Company's 
calicoes.  The  Governor  reports  that  Sir  Peter  Richaut  desires 
interest  for  42/.,  also  that  the  word  damages  may  be  inserted  in  the 
assignment  which  the  Company  makes  to  him  and  his  son  for 
recovery  of  the  1,600/.  paid  to  the  Parliament  ;  the  Court  hereupon 
desires  Mr.  Acton  to  consult  Mr.  Newdigate  about  the  latter  request, 


76  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

but  refuses  to  allow  any  interest,  and  orders  that  42/.  12s.  4^.  be 
paid  to  the  Knight  and  his  son  Peter  Richaut  in  full  of  a  bill  sealed 
by  the  Company  dated  February  9,  1643,  for  payment  of  1,656/.  to 
Sir  Peter  on  the  loth  August,  1643.    (i^//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
November  22,  1650  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  22). 

Officers  and  mariners  to  be  entertained  for  the  Blessing.  John 
Lenthwaite  to  be  paid  200/.  for  beef  he  is  to  supply  for  that  ship. 
Captain  Blackman  to  procure  an  able,  orthodox' divine  to  go  in  the 
Eagle,   (J/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and 
Second  General  Voyage,  November  27,  1650  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  48). 

The  Governor  intimates  that  about  400  bags  of  pepper  are 
wanting  to  make  up  the  Voyage's  division  of  25  per  cent,  and  in  his 
opinion  it  would  be  well  to  buy  this  quantity  from  the  Joint  Stock. 
The  Committees  present  for  the  Voyage  being  of  the  same  mind, 
this  amount,  or  as  much  as  shall  be  wanted,  is  bought  from  the 
Committees  present  for  the  Stock  at  \id.  per  lb.  from  the 
1st  December.  The  masters  and  pursers  of  the  Eagle,  Greyhound, 
and  Farewell  to  be  paid  their  wages,  etc.,  but  their  goods  now  in  the 
Customhouse  to  be  detained  until  further  order.  An  injunction  is 
presented  on  behalf  of  Cuttler  from  the  High  Court  of  Chancery 
touching  the  suit  depending  between  Jones,  the  City  Garbler,  and 
Cuttler,  the  *  pretended '  Garbler,  requiring  certain  particulars  ;  the 
Committees,  while  thinking  that  this  business  does  not  concern  them, 
resolve  to  be  guided  by  Counsel  in  the  matter.  Richard  Sweeting 
is  admitted  to  the  freedom  on  payment  of  5/.,  of  which  sum  the  Court 
is  pleased  to  remit  40J.  Andrew  Baines,  late  minister  at  Surat,  who 
returned  in  the  Eagle,  to  be  paid  218/.  due  to  his  account.  Daniel 
Andrews  buys  four  of  the  Greyhounds  guns,  and  leaves  two 
belonging  to  the  Farewell  in  the  Yard  at  Blackwall.  Captain  Ryder 
buys  ten  of  the  Greyhounds  guns,  and  Captain  Blackman  four  of  the 
large  guns  lying  in  the  Yard.  Tomblings  is  directed  to  sell  seven 
more  of  the  FarewelPs  guns  at  the  best  possible  price.  Captain 
Blackman  informs  the  Court  that  the  Committees  for  the  United 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  77 

Joint  Stock  intend  to  appoint  Tindall,  late  master  of  the  Farewell, 
to  be  prime  mate  in  the  Blessing  if  there  is  nothing  against  him  ; 
reply  is  made  that  Tindall,  like  others,  was  guilty  of  private  trade, 
but  of  nothing  else.  Sir  Job  Harby  this  morning  told  the  Governor 
and  others  that  he  was  '  outlawed '  at  the  Company's  suit,  and 
earnestly  desired  that  this  may  be  revoked,  and  then  he  would 
acknowledge  a  judgement  to  the  Company  concerning  the  debt  he 
stands  engaged  for  [i.  e.  the  pepper  debt]  ;  hereupon  Acton  is 
directed  to  consult  with  Counsel,  and  if  the  outlawry  may  be 
dissolved  without  prejudice  to  the  Company,  then  it  is  to  be  done, 
but  not  otherwise.  Calico  shirts  sent  by  Thomas  Chambers,  a  factor 
at  Masulipatam,  to  be  delivered  to  his  father,  Felix  Chambers,  on 
payment  of  half  freight.     {%\  pp.) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  November  27,  1650  {Court 
Book^  vol.  xxi,  p.  51). 

Sale  of  silk,  cloves,  sugar,  stick-lac,  pepper,  cinnamon,  gum-lac, 
indigo,  morees,  sallampores,  ginghams,  longcloth,  hummums, 
cossaes,  a  dagger  set  with  diamonds  and  rubies,^  one  ruby  ring,^ 
pearls,  coral  beads,  a  bracelet  set  with  pearls,  two  bundles  of  silk 
with  small  seed  pearls,  a  box  containing  gold  and  pearl  studs  for 
a  hatband,  a  parcel  of  gold,  rubies,  and  emeralds,  earrings,  studs, 
cross,  and  gold  chains,  various  jewelled  and  seal  rings,  counterfeit 
pearls,  '  one  christall  with  a  bodkin ',  broken  watches,  *  one  small 
case  picture ',  silver  rings,  and  *  assayes  for  gold  and  silver ',  with 
prices  and  names  of  purchasers.     (3//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
November  29,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  23). 

The  Treasurer  reporting  a  difference  with  the  Guinea  Company 
about  the  assay  of  gold  bought  from  them,  he  is  desired  to  make 
the  best  agreement  possible.  It  is  resolved  to  send  to  the  Coast 
20,000/.  in  money,  100  pigs  of  lead,  20  cloths,  10  tons  of  alum, 
3  or  4  chests  of  the  best  coral,  1,000/.  worth  of  quicksilver  and 

^  This  was  put  up  at  loo/.  and  fetched  130/.  It  was  the  one  presented  to  the  Surat 
President  by  Shah  Jahan  in  1644  {^f^gUsh  Factories,  1642-45,  p.  230),  and  was  sent 
home  by  the  Eagle  in  January,  1650  (C.C.  2147). 

2  Also  received  by  the  Eagle.  It  was  a  present  from  the  King  of  Pegu  {0,C.  2147). 
The  price  now  realized  was  28/. 


78  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

vermilion,  and  a  tons  of  brimstone.  Tomblings  to  be  paid  loo/. 
disbursed  by  him  for  repairs  to  the  Blessing-,  a  like  sum  for 
imprest  to  be  paid  to  the  owners  of  the  Welcome,  and  to  Lenth- 
waite,  the  butcher,  for  beef,     (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  December  4, 1650  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  54). 

Thomas  Bewly,  whose  subscription  of  500/.  to  the  policy  of 
assurance  on  the  Eagle  was  annulled  because  of  his  failure,  is 
allowed  12/.  lo^.,  *  being  halfe  provision,'  the  said  ship  having 
arrived  safely  at  the  Canaries  before  he  failed.  The  sale  of  several 
ships'  guns,  etc.,  at  Blackwall  is  approved,  and  directions  are  given 
for  any  unnecessary  stores  there  to  be  sold.  Certain  Committees 
are  desired  to  attend  the  Commissioners  of  Customs  concerning 
a  letter  lately  sent  to  the  Company  about  strangers  shipping  their 
goods.  Mr.  Apsley  is  allowed  tare  for  ginger  bought  in  jars. 
Mr.  Hanson  promising  to  clear  his  debt  'sudainely',  he  is  to  be 
allowed  the  same  tare  for  benzoin  he  bought  as  was  granted  to 
Mr.  Tryon.  The  Court  resolves  upon  the  freight  to  be  charged 
for  calicoes  brought  home  as  private  trade  and  delivered  into  the 
Company's  warehouse,  but  decides  that  calicoes  which  have  been 
seized  shall  not  be  delivered  until  further  order.  Rilston  is  directed 
to  distribute  80/.  between  several  persons  who  have  done  the  Com- 
pany good  service  in  discovering  parcels  of  private  trade,     (a  pp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
December  6,  1650  [Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  24). 

The  owners  of  the  Welcome  frigate  to  be  paid  100/.  in  full  of 
imprest.  Permission  having  been  given,  in  accordance  with  the 
Assada  Articles,  to  Mr.  Davison  to  send  the  Recovery  to  'the 
Eastwards ',  the  Committees  think  that  before  she  departs  he  should 
give  security  not  to  trade  contrary  to  the  said  articles ;  therefore 
he  and  Captain  Strong,  master  of  the  vessel,  are  required  to 
give  a  bond  of  2,000/.  to  this  effect.  John  Prowd  is  entertained 
as  master  of  the  Eagle.     (J  p) 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  79 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  December  ii,  1650  {Court Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  ^6). 

Resolved  that  the  owners  of  the  calicoes  seized  at  Dover, 
Rochester,  Gravesend,  Leigh,  and  elsewhere  shall  pay  half  as  much 
more  freight  as  those  who  delivered  their  calicoes  into  the  Com- 
pany's warehouse.  John  Prowd  and  George  Tash  to  be  paid  for 
what  they  supplied  to  Colonel  Deane  in  the  Downs.  The  request 
of  George  Tash  for  remission  of  freight  on  certain  goods,  in  regard 
of  his  long  service,  is  refused,  but  the  Court  resolves  to  show  him 
some  favour  later  on.  John  Prowd,  who  came  home  master  of 
the  Eagle,  is  allowed  to  have  his  nutmegs,  cardamoms,  and  benzoin 
delivered  free  of  freight,  but  is  directed  to  pay  for  his  calicoes.  He 
is  also  given  a  gratuity  of  100  marks  for  making  the  Downs  his  first 
port,  and  his  wages  are  ordered  to  be  paid.  Silk  sold  to  Mr.  Vincent 
to  be  examined  and  reported  on.  George  Clarke,  applying  about 
a  bill  of  exchange  drawn  upon  him  by  the  Vanderworts  at  Venice, 
is  told  that,  as  he  has  accepted  the  said  bill,  the  Company  expects 
the  money  from  him,  and  if  he  does  not  pay  he  will  be  sued. 
Mr.  Acton  and  some  Committees  are  desired  to  treat  with  the 
steward  of  the  Manor  about  getting  two  more  lives  inserted  in  the 
lease  for  Blackwall  Yard,  which  it  is  thought  will  advance  its  sale. 
Committees  to  attend  the  Committee  of  Parliament  about  Alderman 
Fowke's  business.  Cuttler  to  be  allowed  to  buy  damaged  pepper 
at  <^\d.  per  lb.  at  six  months,  or  at  9<^.  per  lb.  for  ready  money. 
The  Greyhound  is  sold  without  her  stores  to  William  Wood  and 
Henry  Roach  for  500/.,  half  to  be  paid  in  fourteen  days,  the  rest  at 
three  months.  George  Pryor  is  given  lol.  for  drawing  up  five 
policies.  All  goods  belonging  to  the  Voyage  being  sold,  with  the 
exception  of  about  50,000  pieces  of  calicoes,  motion  is  made,  in 
order  to  bring  the  said  Voyage  to  an  end,  for  the  Joint  Stock  to 
buy  these ;  but  the  said  Stock  owing  a  great  sum  at  interest,  the 
purchase  by  it  of  such  a  quantity  of  goods  is  not  thought  right ; 
therefore  another  motion  is  made  for  the  United  Joint  Stock  to  buy 
out  both  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and  the  Voyage,  but  here  again  it 
is  thought  fit  that  the  new  Stock  should  first  show  some  returns. 
Finally  the  Governor  puts  it  to  the  question  whether  the  Committees 


8o  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  are  willing  to  buy,  and  those  for  the 
Voyage  willing  to  sell  the  said  calicoes,  on  conditions  to  be  agreed 
upon  hereafter,  and  answer  is  made  in  the  affirmative.  Hereupon 
certain  Committees  are  chosen  on  behalf  of  both  parties  to  treat 
and  report  concerning  this  business.     (3^  pp^ 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
December  13,  1650  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  25). 

Longcloth  belonging  to  the  Second  General  Voyage  is  sold  to 
Peter  Barre.  Two  *  halfe  scarletts '  to  be  sent  to  Assada  for 
*  traffique  and  trucke '.  Messrs.  Bence  and  Pye  desire  the  Company 
to  let  them  600  acres  of  land  on  Assada,  and  John  Thomson  and 
John  Collins  desire  400  acres  with  permission  to  send  eight  planters 
there  now  and  the  rest  within  a  year,  after  notice  of  the  proceedings 
on  the  said  island  has  been  received.  They  also  expect  that  after 
the  men  have  served  their  time  they  should  have  another  thirty 
acres  per  man.  The  Court  consents  to  let  the  land  desired,  but 
refers  all  conditions  as  to  the  time  of  sending  out  the  men,  etc.,  to 
the  Committees  appointed  for  the  Assada  plantation.     (|  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  December  18, 1650  {Court  Book, 

vol.  XXI,  p.  60). 

Richard  Clutterbucke  offers  to  buy  all  the  Company's  Jambi 
pepper  (about  2,500  bags)  for  \%d.  per  lb.  at  twenty-eight  months, 
and  Richard  Waring  renews  his  offer  to  buy  500  bags  for  i  id.  per 
bag  at  twenty-four  months ;  the  latter  offer  is  accepted,  and 
Clutterbucke  is  told  that  he  may  have  500  bags  on  the  same  terms, 
but  this  he  refuses.  After  some  debate  it  is  resolved  that  any  of 
the  Company  shall  be  allowed  to  subscribe  for  the  2,000  bags  of  the 
said  pepper,  sifted  for  transportation,  on  the  above  terms  from  the 
1st  instant,  no  man  to  underwrite  for  less  than  too  or  more  than 
aoo  bags,  and  unless  the  3,oco  bags  are  underwritten  for  by  the 
end  of  the  month  then  all  subscriptions  shall  be  considered  void. 
Richard  Waring  and  Michael  Herring  accepted  as  securities  for 
pepper  bought  by  the  former.  Mr.  Vincent  allowed  for  damaged 
silk.  Tomblings  to  be  given  100/.  to  pay  for  repairs  to  the  Blessing, 
Certain  Committees  are  requested  to  examine  and  report  on  the 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  8i 

account,  now  presented,  of  Thomas  Owen,  a  factor  deceased  at 
Bantam,  by  which  there  appears  due  500/.  more  than  the  950/. 
formerly  ordered  to  be  paid.  Some  objections,  signed  by  Ralph 
Cartwright,  against  the  said  Owen  are  also  read.  The  account  of 
Benjamin  Robinson,  who  died  in  India,  is  presented,  showing  that 
415/.  is  due  for  services  rendered  by  him  to  the  Second  General 
Voyage;  the  Court  remembering  that  Robinson  was  fined  1,000/. 
for  buying  indigo  without  commission,  and  that  500/.  of  this  has  not 
yet  been  paid,  and  his  widow  submitting  herself  wholly  to  their 
decision,  resolves  to  detain  only  100/.  and  to  order  payment  of  the 
remainder  to  her.  The  Court  orders  10/.  to  be  distributed  between 
the  widows  of  poor  East  India  men,  and  3/.  6s,  8d,  to  '  the  poore  of 
the  hamlett  of  Blackwall '.     {2,  pp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
December  ao,  1650  {Court  Book^  vol.  xxiii,  p.  36). 

Mr.  Andrews  reports  that  the  gentlemen  to  whom  the  Company 
let  1,000  acres  of  land  on  Assada  have  agreed  to  send  half  the 
number  of  their  men  now  and  in  the  spring,  the  remainder  in  twelve 
months'  time;  that  they  are  to  have  land  only  according  to  the 
number  of  men  sent  out,  and  if  all  do  not  go  then  the  land  is  to 
revert  to  the  Company.  Captain  Strong  to  be  paid  300/.  for  the 
passage  in  his  ship,  the  Recovery^  of  thirty  planters  to  Assada. 
The  Court  thinking  to  send  a  young  man  conversant  with  the 
Portuguese  language  with  Captain  Blackman  to  Surat,  two  now 
apply  for  that  post,  but  decision  is  deferred.     i\p) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  December  34,  1650  {Court 
Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  62). 

Several  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock  being  present, 
one  moves  for  the  lessening  of  the  stock  designed  for  the  Coast, '  in 
regard  25,00c/.  was  a  great  adventure  to  runne  upon  one  shippe  \ 
and  that  it  would  be  well  to  detain  part  and  send  it  to  Surat. 
After  some  debate  the  Committees  present  for  the  said  Stock 
resolve  that  6,ooc/,  viz.  six  chests  of  silver,  formerly  designed  for 
the  Coast,  shall  be  kept  back,  and  the  Treasurer  is  desired  to 
provide  by  March  foreign  coin  and  bullion  to  the  value  of  48,000/. 


8a  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF   THE 

besides  the  six  chests  already  mentioned.  Mr.  Boone  to  be  paid 
150/.  for  chirurgery  stores  provided  this  year  for  India.  By  the 
report  of  the  Committees  appointed  to  examine  Thomas  Owen's 
account  it  appears  from  their  perusal  of  the  Bantam  books  that  the 
extra  500/.  claimed  is  due,  and  that  Owen  was  cleared  from 
Cartwright's  accusations  by  a  letter  from  the  President  and  Council 
of  Bantam  dated  in  April,  1647  ;  the  clause  concerning  the  same  is 
read  and  the  Court  orders  1,450/.  to  be  paid  to  Sambrooke,  as 
administrator,  in  full  of  Owen's  account.  On  information  that 
the  a.ooo  bags  of  pepper  have  been  underwritten  for,  and  that 
Mr.  Burnell  and  Mr.  Kerridge  have  each  subscribed  for  100  bags 
over  and  above  the  said  a,ooo,  the  Court  allows  their  subscriptions 
to  stand  in  case  there  shall  be  a  surplus,     (i^//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  January  3,  1651  {Court  Book^ 
vol.  xxi,  p.  6'^, 

Nathaniel  Wych  to  be  allowed  to  have  100  bags  of  pepper  upon 
the  same  terms  as  the  rest  has  been  underwritten  for,  if  there  is  an 
overplus  above  a, 200  bags  remaining.  Mr.  Baker,  the  broker, 
offers  \%d.  the  lb.  at  eighteen  months  for  the  remaining  parcel  of 
pepper  and  is  told  that  he  shall  have  it  for  that  price  at  twelve 
months  ;  whereupon  he  desires  time  to  consider.  Lead  belonging  to 
Lord  Lisle  and  offered  for  sale  to  the  Company  by  his  steward, 
Mr.  Turbridge,  to  be  examined  and  reported  on.  Calicoes  sold  to 
Messrs.  Knight  and  Griffith.  The  division  of  pepper  belonging  to 
Thomas  Kerridge  is,  by  his  desire,  to  be  kept  and  not  sold  with  the 
rest,     (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
and  Second  General  Voyage,  January  8,  1651  {Court  Booh, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  d^, 

Mr.  Plummer*s  division  in  pepper  to  be  kept  back  and  not  sold 
with  the  rest.  Jambi  pepper  sold  to  Mr.  Baker,  on  behalf  of 
Mr.  Clutterbucke,  for  transportation,  at  \id.  per  lb.  at  fifteen 
months,  and  Malabar  pepper  at  14^.  per  lb.  at  the  same  time  from 
the  I  St  February.  Mr.  Baker  is  given  a  gratuity  of  %qI.  The  six 
Committees  appointed   for  the  Stock  and  Voyage  are  unable   to 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  S^ 

agree  concerning  the  purchase  of  caHcoes  belonging  to  the  Voyage. 
Mr.  Vivian  being  absent,  Mr.  Waring  is  appointed  a  Committee  in  his 
place,  and  a  motion  is  made  to  add  another  as  umpire  to  the 
number;  ultimately  it  is  decided  to  add  two  or  three,  and  so  the 
Governor,  the  Treasurer,  and  Sir  Jacob  Garrad  are  desired  to  assist 
the  six  Committees,  and  if  they  are  unable  to  come  to  some  agree- 
ment, then  to  report  to  the  Court.  The  said  Committees  are 
requested  to  meet  next  Friday  at  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning. 
On  information  of  the  arrival  of  the  ambassador  from  the  King  of 
Portugal^,  the  Deputy  and  Captain  Blackman  are  desired  to  treat 
vi^ith  him  touching  the  peace  formerly  made  between  the  English 
and  Portuguese  in  India.  An  order  is  received  from  the  Commis- 
sioners for  the  Advance  of  Money  sitting  at  Haberdashers'  Hall, 
requiring  the  Company  to  certify  what  property  they  have  belong- 
ing to  Abraham  Reynardson  ^ ;  hereupon  the  Secretary  is  directed 
to  inform  them  that  a  warrant  was  received  by  the  accountant  last 
November  from  Mr.  Reynardson,  intimating  that  he  had  made  over 
by  deed  of  gift  all  his  right  and  interest  in  the  East  India  Com- 
pany to  his  son;  that  the  said  Reynardson  has  an  adventure  of 
1,200/.  in  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  on  which  there  can  be  no  division 
yet,  as  that  Stock  is  in  debt.  The  Court,  being  informed  of  the  death 
of  Bowen,  appoints  Samuel  Sambrooke  to  his  post  at  a  salary  of 
120/.  per  annum.  An  inventory  of  all  goods  at  Leadenhall  to  be 
made.  The  Company  intending  to  sell  Blackwall  Yard,  the  charge 
of  the  warehouse  for  indigo  and  drugs,  etc.,  formerly  under  the  care 
of  Blount,  is  offered  to  and  accepted  by  Tomblings,  who  is  to  keep 
on  his  present  work  as  clerk  at  Blackwall  and  officiate  in  this  new 
capacity  until  Midsummer  at  his  present  salary.     (2|//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and 
Second  General  Voyage,  January  15,  1651  {Cour^  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  68). 

A  certificate  drawn  up  by  the  Secretary  touching  the  adventure 
of  Abraham  Reynardson  is  approved,  and  ordered  to  be  presented 
to  the  Committee  sitting  at  Haberdashers'  Hall.    The  request  of 

^  Don  Joao  de  Guimaraes,  who  had  been  dispatched  to  England  to  negotiate  a  peace 
with  the  Commonwealth.     His  mission  proved  a  failure,  and  he  left  for  Portugal  in  May. 
^  See  Calendar  of  the  Committee  for  Advance  of  Money,  part  iii,  p.  1188. 

G  2 


84  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

Adam,  son  of  the  late  Adam  Bowen,  to  be  employed  as  assistant  to 
the  officer  appointed  to  his  father's  post,  is  refused,  he  not  being 
thought  capable  ;  but  he  is  told  that  he  may  attend  at  the  counting- 
house  and  the  calico  warehouse,  in  order  to  qualify  himself  for  future 
service.  Two  gentlemen  applying  for  what  is  due  to  the  account  of 
the  late  Crispian  Blagden,  one  of  the  Company's  factors  long  since 
dead,  they  are  told  that  his  account  shows  that  it  is  he  who  is 
indebted  to  the  Company ;  therefore  it  is  hoped  that  his  security 
will  make  satisfaction  for  the  same.  Trevehan,  who  came  home 
master's  mate  in  the  Ruth^  petitions  to  have  delivered  to  him  certain 
calicoes  brought  home  as  private  trade  ;  it  is  thought  best  to  consult 
Mr.  Thomson,  part-owner  of  the  said  ship,  about  this.  John 
Bradbent,  who  went  out  as  a  youth  at  lo^.  per  month,  becoming 
a  writer  at  Surat,  his  salary  has  been  increased  to  %ol.  per  annum  ; 
he  being  well  recommended,  the  Court  confirms  this  increase,  and 
orders  his  account,  now  presented,  to  be  paid.  A  gentleman 
appearing  on  behalf  of  Lady  Wylde  ^  about  Blackwall  Yard, '  for 
putting  in  of  two  lives',  300/.  is  offered  on  behalf  of  the  Company, 
but  the  said  representative  standing  out  for  350/.,  this  matter  is  left 
to  the  discretion  of  Thomas  Andrews.  After  much  discussion,  and 
through  the  mediation  of  the  Governor,  the  Treasurer,  and  Sir  Jacob 
Garrad,  the  calicoes  belonging  to  the  Voyage  are  bought  by  the 
Stock,     iyipp) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
January  17,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  a;). 

The  Secretary  is  requested  to  take  the  Speaker  [i.e.  William 
Lenthall]  a  warrant  for  50/.,  due  in  pepper  upon  his  adventure  in  the 
Second  General  Voyage,  which  he  desires  may  be  paid  in  money. 
Andrew  Baines,  who  was  for  many  years  minister  at  Surat,  is,  at  his 
desire,  entertained  again  in  the  same  capacity  for  that  place,  at 
a  salary  of  50/.  per  annum,  and  is  to  go  in  the  Eagle,  The  Eagle^ 
the  Anne,  and  the  Blessing  ordered  to  be  ready  to  set  sail  from 
Gravesend  on  the  20th  February.  The  Committees,  not  wishing 
to  augment  the  Company's  expenses,  decide  not  to  send  a  young 
man  with  Captain  Blackman  to  Surat,  but  think  it  would  be  a  good 

^  Lady  Frances  Weld.  She  was  the  widow  of  Sir  John  Weld  or  Wild.  The  site  of 
their  town  house  is  now  occupied  by  Wild  Court  and  part  of  Wild  Street. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  85 

thing  if  one  of  those  who  went  out  last  year  were  sent  to  reside 
among  the  Portuguese  and  learn  their  language.  Provision  to  be 
made  of  wood  for  gun  stocks,  pieces  of  ash  wood,  guns,  powder, 
*  bows  of  ewe ',  a  striking  watch,  paper  books  with  leather  covers, 
gold  lace,  and  some  velvets  and  satins,  all  desired  by  the  King  of 
Jambi,  for  which  he  will  pay  either  in  money  or  pepper,     (i  J  pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and 
Second  General  Voyage,  January  22,  1651  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  70). 

Mr.  Vincent  is  permitted  to  return  a  bale  of  defective  silk. 
Thomas  Andrews  reports  that  it  has  been  agreed  to  give  350/.  to 
Lady  Wylde  '  for  renewing  of  two  lives  '  for  the  lease  of  Blackwall 
Yard,  if  on  the  advice  of  counsel  the  title  is  found  to  be  good ;  at 
present  the  Court  does  not  think  fit  to  nominate  any  one.  An 
inventory  is  presented  of  the  goods  in  the  warehouse  at  Leadenhall, 
and  Samuel  Sambrooke  is  authorized  to  receive  and  deliver  goods 
from  the  same.  Resolved  that  of  the  sum  of  200/.  owing  to  John 
Yard,  half  shall  be  paid  by  the  Stock  and  half  by  the  Voyage.  At 
the  request  of  Mrs.  Bowen,  everything  in  her  husband's  office 
belonging  to  him  is  ordered  to  be  made  over  to  her.  No  goods  to 
be  delivered  from  any  of  the  Company's  warehouses  before  they 
are  paid  for,  or  before  security  has  been  accepted  for  them  in  court 
and  the  buyer  and  his  security  have  subscribed  to  the  bargain  in 
the  book  of  sales.  Calicoes  sold  to  Richard  Land.  Calicoes 
sent  as  a  present  to  Mr.  Greene  and  some  of  his  family  to  be 
delivered  free  of  freight.  Daniel  Andrews  is  refused  abatement 
in  the  price  of  the  stores  he  bought  or  of  the  sum  he  is  to  pay  for  the 
Farewell^  but  is  allowed  5/.  for  the  difference  in  her  guns;  and 
Steevens  is  ordered  to  satisfy  the  Court  concerning  the  price 
of  the  timber.  A  bill  having  been  exhibited  in  Chancery  about 
two  years  ago  against  Thomas  Steevens  and  others,  he  now 
desires  that  his  affairs  may  be  examined  by  two  or  three  Com- 
mittees and  his  account  be  cleared ;  hereupon  it  is  resolved  that 
a  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  shall  be  held  to 
consider  this  business.     (2J//.) 


86  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
January  24,  1651  [Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  28). 

Messrs.  Methwold,  Shute,  and  Oyles  accepted  as  security  for 
benzoin  lately  sold  to  Mr.  Methwold.  Ten  tons  of  saltpetre  to  be 
delivered  to  Mr.  Pennoyer.  Several  Committees  for  the  Second 
General  Voyage  being  present,  it  is  decided,  after  serious  debate, 
that,  as  it  is  impossible  to  make  '  a  finall  end  '  (there  being  several 
debts  owing  to  this  Voyage  and  not  yet  due),  a  division  of  25  per 
cent,  in  money  payable  the  2nd  February  shall  be  made  to  the 
adventurers  in  the  said  Voyage.  Stephen  Flower,  *  who  had  bin 
bred  at  Lisbone  *,  is  entertained  as  purser's  mate  for  the  Blessing, 
(1/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  January  29, 1651  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  73). 

An  inventory  to  be  taken  of  all  money,  books,  etc.,  belonging  to 
the  late  Mr.  Bowen.  Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  inform 
the  Commissioners  of  the  Navy  of  the  Company's  intention  to  put 
Blackwall  Yard  up  for  sale,  but  first  to  offer  it  to  them,  and  if  they 
have  power  to  treat,  the  Company  will  then  put  a  price  upon  it  and 
leave  it  to  the  Committees  to  do  as  they  think  fit.  Mr.  Acton 
acquaints  the  Court  that  in  the  opinion  of  counsel  the  Company 
may  safely  deal  with  Lady  Wylde  about  Blackwall,  and  the  sooner 
the  better  ;  so  at  the  request  of  the  Court,  Anthony  Bateman  and 
George  Smith  consent  to  their  names  being  inserted  in  the  lease. 
Henry  Roach,  John  Wright,  William  Wood,  and  Edward  Atleberte 
accepted  as  security  for  250/.  remaining  due  for  the  Greyhound, 

Another  Court  of  the  same  Committees,  January  29^ 
1 651  {Court  Book^  vol.  xxi,  p.  74). 

The  heads  of  a  bill  exhibited  in  Chancery  against  Thomas 
Steevens  and  others  are  read,  and  the  Governor  intimates  that 
Steevens  has  been  a  great  private  trader,  and  when  last  he  returned 
in  the  Eagle  he  left  behind  calicoes  belonging  to  the  Company,  yet 
brought  for  himself  and  others  over  700  bales  of  private  trade ;  that 


EAST  INDIA  COMPANY  87 

he  has  also  cost  the  Company  a  great  deal  by  refusing  to  answer 
their  bill.  Steevens  is  called  in ;  and,  he  submitting  himself  to  the 
court,  it  is  unanimously  agreed  to  stop  the  suit  against  him  and  to 
fine  him  100/.  for  private  trading  and  other  misdemeanours,  on 
satisfaction  of  which  his  wages  and  all  that  is  due  to  him  shall  be 
settled.     (I  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
January  31,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  30). 

Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  assist  Sambrooke  in  framing 
the  Company's  letters  to  India  for  the  Stock  and  the  Voyage. 
Henry  Revington  (a  young  man  educated  by  Mr.  Fox,  '  a  writing 
maister '),  who  is  to  go  as  servant  to  Captain  Blackman,  is  enter- 
tained at  20/.  per  annum  for  three  years  and  given  10/.  for  fresh 
provisions.  Captain  Blackman's  son  John,  who  is  to  accompany  his 
father  to  Surat,  is  to  be  allowed  10/.  per  annum  and  promised  an 
increase  according  to  his  ability  when  capable  of  doing  the  Company 
service.  Adam  Lee,  formerly  master  of  the  Greyhound,  desiring 
re-entertainment,  is  told  that,  if  the  Company  sends  out  a  small 
ship  of  their  own,  he,  being  an  able  man  and  an  ancient  servant, 
may  stand  a  good  chance  of  entertainment.  The  Court  having 
resolved  to  send  forty  planters  this  spring  to  Assada,  and  men  being 
scarce,  it  is  decided  that  some  land  men  shall  be  engaged  at  small 
wages  who  can  serve  in  India  on  all  occasions,  in  case  there  is  no 
use  for  them  at  Assada.     {}\pp') 

Order  of  Parliament,  February  5,  1651  {Public  Record 
Office:  C.  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  14^). 

That  the  East  India  Company  be  and  are  hereby  licensed  and 
authorized  to  transport  the  sum  of  fifty  thousand  pounds  in  foreign 
coin  and  bullion.     Henry  Scobell,  Clerk.     (!/•) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
and  Second  General  Voyage,  February  5,  1651  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  75). 

Pepper  now  in  the  Exchange  cellar  to  be  offered  to  Mr.  Clutter- 
bucke  at  the  price  he  paid  before.     Sugar  belonging  to  the  Voyage 

1  See  also  Commons'  Journals,  yoI.  vi,  p.  531. 


88  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

to  be  examined,  priced,  and  put  up  for  sale.  Acton  reports  that  he 
finds  from  the  Court  Roll  that  the  lease  of  Blackwall  is  made  out 
to  William  Garvvay,  his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever ;  that  he  con- 
sulted with  Serjeant  Glyn,  who  is  of  opinion  the  Company  would  do 
very  well  to  put  in  two  or  three  lives,  which  might  be  done  for 
a  smaller  fine  than  formerly ;  that  he  also  spoke  with  Mr.  Winstanly, 
who  promises  that  Lady  Wylde  shall  be  approached  concerning 
this  business  and  the  Company  have  a  speedy  answer  from  her. 
The  dock  at  Blackwall  to  be  repaired.  On  receipt  of  a  warrant 
from  the  Excise  Ofiice  requiring  payment  of  excise  for  *  grocery 
and  saltery ',  the  Secretary  is  desired  to  apply  to  the  Commissioners 
for  a  particular  charge.  The  Committee  of  the  Navy  to  be  attended 
about  certain  money  due  to  the  Company  for  *  Argeir '  duty.  Sir 
John  Gore  and  the  lawyer,  Mr.  Fountaine,  acquaint  the  court  that 
Sir  John  Wolstenholme  has  been  declared  a  bankrupt  and  his 
adventure  assigned  by  the  Commissioners  to  his  creditors,  who 
desire  that  the  Company  would  *  make  a  present  appearance  to 
their  accion  ' ;  after  some  debate  answer  is  returned  that  the  Com- 
pany does  not  think  fit  to  be  the  first  to  appear  against  Sir  John, 
who  is  an  adventurer  with  them,  for  not  only  would  it  be  a  great 
inconvenience,  but  also  a  discouragement  to  other  adventurers  if 
they  see  that  the  Company  does  not  try  to  defend  them,     (ij//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
February  7, 1651  {Court  Booky  vol.  xxiii,  p.  31). 

Edward  Cason,  formerly  apprenticed  to  Thomas  Andrews,  is 
admitted  to  the  freedom  by  service,  paying  loj.  to  the  poor-box. 
The  charter-parties  of  the  Eagle  and  Anne  to  be  perused,  and 
suitable  provision  to  be  supplied  for  Assada.  James  Martin  and 
John  Bathust  accepted  as  securities  for  calicoes.  Beef,  pork,  and 
wine  to  be  provided  for  store  at  Bantam  and  Surat,  and  Swanne, 
master  of  the  A7ine^  is  desired  to  ship  four  butts  of  beer  to  be 
delivered  to  the  President  and  Council  at  Bantam.  Ten  men  to 
be  sent  in  the  Anne  to  Bantam  for  supply  of  the  shipping  there. 
Violet  and  yellow  satin  and  five  faggots  of  steel  to  be  procured  for 
the  King  of  Macassar.  Weights  to  be  provided  for  Surat.  Captain 
Blackman  desires  to  know  whether,  if  the  factors  at  Bantam  shall 
send  to  Surat  for  goods,  etc.,  the  President  and  Council  shall  take 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  89 

up  money  at  interest  to  supply  the  same,  in  case  there  is  nothing  in 
hand.  The  Court  decides  in  the  negative,  as  it  is  proposed  to  send 
5,000/.  to  Surat  to  be  invested  and  dispatched  yearly  to  Bantam, 
from  whence  the  ship  is  to  be  reladen  with  pepper  and  other  goods 
fitting  for  a  Persia  voyage  to  the  value  of  the  investment  desired  to 
be  returned  the  next  year,  and  so  annually.  To  prevent  the  taking 
up  of  money  at  interest  at  Surat,  it  is  also  thought  that  the  factors 
there  should  be  supplied  with  a  larger  stock  than  usual,  the  Eagle 
be  laden  home  with  saltpetre,  sugar,  etc.,  and  the  greater  stock  left 
for  trade  in  India.  Hereupon  Captain  Blackman  promises  to  use 
his  best  endeavours  to  keep  the  Company  free  from  payment  of 
interest;  but  at  the  same  time  submits,  in  regard  the  trade  to  Persia 
is  very  profitable,  whether,  if  occasion  arise,  it  would  not  be  well  to 
take  up  money  at  interest  to  supply  those  parts.  Accordingly  this 
is  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  President  and  Council,  the  sum  to  be 
taken  up  not  to  exceed  20,000/.     (ij//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  February  la,  1651  {Court 
Book  J  vol.  xxi,  p.  77). 

Mr.  Clutterbuck  buys  the  greater  part  of  the  pepper  brought 
home  in  the  Bonito.  A  gratuity  of  5/.  is  given  to  Lazarus  Weeden 
for  past  service  and  encouragement  for  the  future.  Phineas  Andrews 
presents  an  assignment  of  Sir  John  Wolstenholme's  adventure  in 
the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  to  his  son,  dated  July  19,  1649,  and  desires 
the  same  may  be  passed  over  in  the  Company's  books;  he  is 
informed  that,  as  a  statute  of  bankruptcy  is  out  against  Sir  John,  and 
Sir  Peter  Rychaut  claims  the  said  adventure,  the  Court  has  resolved 
to  leave  the  matter  to  the  law  to  settle.  Mr.  Vincent  is  allowed 
I M.  per  great  pound  for  two  bales  of  silk,  which  proved  on  exami- 
nation to  be  mostly  Mazandran.     (li//.) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  February  12,  1651  {Court 
Booky  vol.  xxi,  p.  78). 

Sale  of  Persia  silk,  cloves,  sugar,  pepper,  dust  of  pepper,  and 
brown  merculees,  with  prices  and  names  of  purchasers,     (i  p.) 


90  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
February  14,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  33). 

Permission  is  given  to  Edward  Payte,  *  a  young  gentleman  who 
was  desirous  to  travell',  to  take  passage  in  the  Eagle  or  Blessing 
for  Surat  and  thence  to  Persia,  he  to  pay  for  the  same  and  for  his 
diet,  etc.,  both  on  board  and  ashore,  and  to  give  bond  not  to  engage 
in  trade.  Captain  Blackman  desires  to  know  whether,  on  the 
appointment  of  a  new  President  at  Surat,  it  is  requisite  to  give  a 
present  to  the  Governor  there ;  this  is  left  to  the  discretion  of  the 
President  and  Council.  He  also  wishes  to  learn  the  Court's  pleasure 
as  to  whether,  after  the  dispatch  of  the  ships  to  Europe,  he  is  to  go 
to  Assada  to  further  the  Company's  business  there.  After  some 
consideration  it  is  decided  to  leave  this  also  to  his  own  and  his 
council's  discretion.  Rilston  is  ordered  to  give  in  an  account  of  the 
stores,  etc.,  provided  for  the  Supply  and  Bonito.  Four  pieces  of 
ordnance  to  be  bought  and  sent  to  Assada.  All  officers  receiving 
money  to  disburse  for  the  United  Joint  Stock  are  to  give  account 
of  the  same  every  month,  and  their  accounts  to  be  audited  every 
three  months.  Samuel  Browne,  late  purser  in  the  Greyhound^ 
requesting  to  be  re-entertained,  he  is  told  that  if  occasion  arises  he 
shall  be  employed  '  so  soone  as  another '.     (i  J  pp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  February  19, 1651  {Cotirt  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  79). 

Certain  Committees  are  requested  to  attend  the  Council  of  Trade 
about  the  Company's  petition  for  enlargement  of  the  time  for 
exportation  of  their  goods  imported,  or  the  mitigation  of  custom 
inwards.  George  Willan  to  be  paid  ic/.  for  money  disbursed  by 
him  at  Zante  about  fifty  chests  of  quicksilver  returned  in  the  Scipio. 
Six  ironbound  butts,  presumably  containing  wine  and  thought  to 
belong  to  William  Bonner,  master's  mate  in  the  Blessing,  and 
Robert  Kirby,  mate  in  the  Eagle,  having  been  brought  into  the 
yard  of  Houghton  the  brewer  and  there  seized,  taken  to  the  Excise 
Office  and  opened,  were  found  to  be  filled  with  broadcloth,  kerseys, 
and  lead ;  this  is  much  resented,  as  the  Company  reserves  so  few 
commodities  for  itself  and  allows  so  great  a  latitude  in  a  moderate 
way  of  trading  to  its  servants.     William  Bonner  is  questioned  but 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  91 

denies  all  knowledge  of  this  business  or  that  the  goods  belong  to 
him,  but  still  he  is  thought  to  be  '  faulty '  and  is  temporarily  dis- 
missed from  the  service,  and  Grimes,  master  of  the  Blessings  is 
cautioned  not  to  let  him  aboard  and  to  take  care  that  nothing  is 
taken  out  of  his  ship.  Kirby  is  also  suspended  and  forbidden  to  go 
aboard  the  Eagle,  and  both  men  (also  Mr.  Houghton,  his  cooper, 
and  Mr.  Tindall)  are  ordered  to  attend  next  Friday,  when  the 
pursers  of  both  vessels  are  to  have  ready  an  exact  account  of  all 
goods,  stores,  and  provisions,  with  their  quantity,  quality,  and 
marks,  received  into  the  said  ships.  Richard  and  Thomas  Allen 
and  Nicholas  Alvey  accepted  as  securities  for  defective  pepper. 
Edward  Backwell  ^  is  admitted  to  the  freedom  on  payment  of  5/., 
and  Edward  Barnardiston,  late  servant  of  Thomas  Barnardiston,  is 
admitted  by  service,  each  taking  the  oath  and  paying  the  usual 
loj.  to  the  poor-box.  Allowance  to  Mr.  Barnardiston  for  certain 
Mazandran  silk  found  in  a  bale  of  silk  sold  to  Mr.  Vincent.  Calicoes 
sent  by  Greenehill,  a  factor  at  the  Coast,  to  be  delivered,  the  freight 
to  be  charged  to  his  account.  Calicoes  brought  home  in  the  Ruth 
for  account  of  her  owners  to  be  delivered.  Captain  Blackman  gives 
it  as  his  opinion  that  the  factors  at  Surat  have  wronged  the  Voyage 
in  charging  six  per  cent.  '  provision '  upon  charges  of  custom,  interest 
and  exchange,  as  by  agreement  the  Voyage  is  to  give  to  the  Stock 
six  per  cent,  upon  the  prime  cost  of  goods  to  be  laden  for  Europe. 
The  said  agreement  is  read,  and  after  some  debate  it  is  generally 
resolved  that  the  factors  at  Surat  should  take  off  the  account  of 
the  Voyage  whatever  is  charged  for  '  provision '  on  money  by 
exchange,  at  interest,  charges  of  custom,  and  for  'provision'  on 
goods  sent  from  Surat  to  Bantam ;  but  some  question  arising 
concerning  a  bill  of  exchange  for  43,000/.  and  other  matters,  further 
debate  is  deferred.     {%\  pp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
February  ai,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  ^^). 

Rilston  to  make  up  his  account  for  stores,  etc.,  provided  for  the 
Supply  and  Benito.  The  accountant's  books  to  be  examined.  The 
owners  of  the  Welcome  to  be  paid  100/.  for  the  passage  in  her  of 

1  Probably  the  well-known  banker,  with  whom  the  Company  afterwards  had  an 
account. 


9a  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

ten  persons  to  Assada.  Mr.  Davison,  one  of  the  owners  of  the 
Recovery^  is  also  to  be  paid  40/.  for  four  passengers  sent  in  that 
ship  to  Assada.  Tindall,  Bonner,  and  Kirby  are  questioned  con- 
cerning certain  cloth  and  lead ;  Tindall  absolutely  denying  any 
knowledge  of  it,  he  is  believed  and  is  merely  cautioned  not  to 
meddle  in  any  business  of  the  kind ;  Bonner  also  asserts  that  he 
knows  nothing,  but  Major  Taylor  (to  whom  the  cloth  belonged) 
having  declared  that  Bonner  had  a  share  in  it,  the  latter  is  dismissed 
the  Company's  service.  Kirby  confesses  that  he  had  bespoke  40/. 
or  50/.  worth  of  cloth  from  Major  Taylor,  and  that  part  of  a  butt 
marked  R.  K.  belonged  to  him ;  but  he  desiring  pardon  and 
promising  not  to  transgress  again,  he  is  only  suspended  until  the 
business  is  further  considered.  Francis  Meynell  is  admitted  to 
the  freedom,  paying  a  fine  of  5/.  and  loj.  to  the  poor-box.  The 
Deputy  is  allowed  to  send  some  scarlet  cloth  as  presents  to  Surat, 
and  some  wine  and  beer  to  the  President  there.     (i^/A) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  February  26, 1651  {CotirtBook, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  82). 

After  renewed  debate  concerning  the  allowance  to  be  made  by 
the  Stock  to  the  Voyage,  three  Committees  for  the  former  and 
three  for  the  latter  are  desired  to  retire  to  the  little  parlour  to 
settle  this  matter,  the  Governor  to  accompany  them  as  mediator. 
On  their  return  the  Governor  reports  they  have  resolved  that  the 
factors  at  Surat  shall  deduct  from  the  Voyage's  account  whatever 
is  charged  for  *  provision '  on  money  taken  up  at  interest,  for 
*  provision  '  upon  charges  of  customs,  and  for  '  provision  '  on  goods 
sent  from  Surat  to  Bantam,  and  that  the  Voyage  shall  be  allowed 
one-third  of  the  *  provision '  charged  on  money  sent  home  by  bill 
of  exchange ;  to  all  this  the  Court  unanimously  agrees.  Peter 
Lupart  and  Nicholas  Corsellis  accepted  as  security  for  dust  of 
pepper  bought  by  William  Hooker.  The  Court  orders  that  all 
goods  sold  and  left  in  the  Company's  warehouse  shall  be  weighed 
by  the  purchaser,  or  that  information  shall  be  given  of  the  amount 
bought,  that  the  same  may  remain  at  the  owner's  risk.  At  the 
request  of  Messrs.  Abdy  and  Williams,  the  bonds  given  by  them 
for  their  two  brothers  are  ordered  to  be  given  up.     The  charge 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  93 

against  Knipe,  formerly  a  factor  at  Surat,  to  be  drawn  up  to 
enable  him  to  answer  it.  Robert  Kirby  confessing  his  share  in 
the  private  trade  in  the  six  butts  seized  in  the  brewery  yard,  he  is 
re-admitted  to  the  Company's  service,     (if//-) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
February  28,  1551  [Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  ofi). 

John  Lenthwaite  to  be  paid  an  additional  100/.  for  beef.  Two 
chests  of  coral  now  in  town  to  be  bought.  The  Company  lets 
thirty  acres  of  land  on  Assada  to  John  Smith,  who  intends  to  go 
there  with  six  servants  in  the  Blessing  and  to  pay  70/.  passage 
money.  Christopher  Cletherowe  asks  for  an  increase  of  salary  for 
his  brother  Anthony,  who  has  been  a  factor  at  Surat  for  about 
eight  years,  his  covenanted  time  having  expired  three  years  ago, 
when  his  salary  was  60/.  per  annum  ;  this  request  is  referred  to 
Captain  Blackman  and  his  Council.  At  the  desire  of  Robert  Abdy, 
the  Court  resolves  to  settle  a  salary  of  lol.  per  annum,  for  three  or 
four  years  from  the  arrival  of  the  Eagle  at  Surat,  upon  Anthony 
Daniell,  a  youth  who  went  out  last  year  and  has  been  well  recom- 
mended in  the  letters  home.  On  information  that  searchers  from 
the  Customhouse  have  opened  several  packs  of  the  Company's 
cloth  on  board  the  Blessing  and  found  and  seized  eighteen  pieces 
which  were  not  theirs,  the  Court  sends  for  the  packer,  Mr.  Boylston, 
but  he  denies  all  knowledge  of  this  ;  therefore  certain  Committees 
are  desired  to  go  aboard  the  Blessing  and  the  Eagle  and  make 
what  discoveries  concerning  this  matter  they  can,  and  Spiller  is 
ordered  to  attend  them.  Steps  to  be  taken  about  renewal  of  the 
lease  of  Leadenhall  warehouse,  which  has  expired.  Captain  Black- 
man  presents  an  indenture  made  February  8,  1650,  between  Nathan 
Wright,  Maurice  Thomson,  Thomas  Andrews,  Robert  Burdett, 
Nathaniel  Andrews,  Jeremy  Blackman,  Robert  Spaven  and  James 
Bridgeman  on  the  one  part,  and  William  Thomson  and  Thomas 
James  (all  London  merchants)  on  the  other,  to  the  effect  that  the 
said  persons  *  did  intend,  according  to  an  agreement  made  with 
the  Company  the  21th  of  November  last,  to  settle  a  plantation 
of  600  acres  of  land  at  the  island  of  Assada  in  Africa,  for  the 
mannaging  of  which  plantacion  all  the  said  parties  have  made  and 
layd  one  equall  joynt  stocke  of  1,000/.,  one  tenth  part  whereof 


94  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

belongeth  to  every  one  of  the  parties  abovesaid  respectively,  with 
severall  other  covenants  betweene  them ' ;  these  by  the  Captain's 
desire  are  ordered  to  be  entered  in  the  Company's  Court  Book 
and  the  deed  above  specified  delivered  to  the  Treasurer  for  the 
use  of  the  persons  therein  named,  but  not  to  be  given  up  to  any 
one  alone  without  the  consent  of  the  rest.     (i|//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and 
Second  General  Voyage,  March  5,  1651  [Court  Book,  vol.  xxi, 
p.  84). 

Sir  Peter  Richaut,  accompanied  by  Phineas  Andrews,  presents  an 
assignment  of  Sir  John  Wolstenholme's  adventure  in  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock  to  his  son  John,  dated  July  19, 1649,  also  another,  dated 
February  14,  1651,  from  Sir  John  and  his  son,  assigning  the  said 
adventure  to  Sir  Peter  Richaut  towards  satisfaction  of  a  debt  of 
1,000/.  Sir  Peter  desires  that  the  said  adventure  may  be  transferred 
in  the  Company's  books  to  him ;  he  is  told  that  there  are  several 
claims  to  this  adventure  and  that  there  is  a  statute  of  bankruptcy 
out  against  Sir  John ;  so  the  matter  must  be  left  to  the  usual  course 
of  law,  though  it  is  the  Company's  intention  to  help  Sir  John  as 
much  as  possible.  Seventeen  pieces  of  cloth  having  been  taken  out 
of  the  Company's  bales  aboard  the  Blessing  and  Eagle  and  brought 
to  the  Customhouse,  Boylston,  the  Company's  packer,  admits  that 
these  were  inserted  by  his  partner  Jennings,  who  has  confessed  the 
same  to  Mr.  Andrews  and  Captain  Ryder ;  Mr.  Andrews  hereupon 
reports  that  Jennings  told  him  that  some  of  the  cloth  was  delivered 
to  him  by  Cranmer,  formerly  a  factor  at  Surat,  the  rest  by  Jeremy 
Sambrooke.  This  business  is  much  resented  by  the  Court,  but  it  is 
left  to  the  Committees  in  the  United  Joint  Stock,  whom  it  most 
concerns,  to  deal  with.  A  list  of  the  Company's  debtors  is  read  and 
Spiller  is  ordered  to  sue  from  time  to  time  those  debtors  who  have 
delayed  payment  beyond  three  months ;  this  he  is  to  do  without 
further  order.  As  Mr.  Hanson  owes  a  considerable  sum  and  the 
parties  offered  as  securities  refuse  to  seal  bills  for  goods  bought  by 
him,  he  is  told  that  speedy  payment  must  be  made,  but  at  his 
request  the  matter  is  allowed  to  rest  until  the  next  court ;  in  the 
meantime  Mr.  Frith,  who  signed  for  a  bargain  of  sugar  bought  by 
Hanson,  is  to  be  desired  to  seal  bills  for  the  same.     Mr.  Acton 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  95 

reporting  that  in  the  lease  for  Blackwall  Yard  the  Company,  instead 
of  adding  two  lives  for  350/.  as  was  formerly  demanded,  may  add 
four  lives  for  300/.,  it  is  left  to  him  to  procure  the  same  as  cheaply 
as  possible.     (2  //.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
March  7,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  38). 

Certain  Committees  are  entreated  to  see  the  money  intended  for 
India  packed  up.  The  owners  of  the  Anne  to  be  paid  25/.  for  the 
diet  and  passage  of  five  seamen  to  be  sent  in  the  said  ship  to 
Bantam.  William  Tyrrwhitt,  who  is  to  go  as  servant  to  Captain 
Blackman,  is  entertained  at  10/.  a  year  until  such  time  as  notice  shall 
be  given  of  his  demeanour  and  ability.  Thomas  Hare  is  given 
permission  to  accompany  the  Captain  in  the  place  of  one  of  his  sons. 
The  request  of  Captain  Blackman  to  be  allowed  to  take  with  him 
1,000/.  is  refused,  but  the  Court  agrees  to  permit  him  to  pay  that 
sum  into  the  Treasury  here,  for  which  he  shall  be  given  a  bill  of 
exchange  on  the  Surat  factors  for  payment  to  the  value  of  1,000/. 
upon  the  arrival  of  the  Eagle  at  Surat,  the  Captain  to  bear  the 
adventure ;  to  this  he  agrees.  He  is  also  given  permission  to  take 
with  him  one  piece  of  *  scarlett'.     (|//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
March  ii,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  39). 

Captain  Ryder,  Captain  Blackman,  and  Mr.  Wyche  are  desired 
to  see  the  money  safely  aboard  the  ships.  A  parcel  of  quicksilver 
for  sale  is  ordered  to  be  bought.  Mr.  Bayle  is  permitted  to  send 
some  wine  to  Mr.  Davidge,  one  of  the  Company's  factors  at  Agra. 
Samuel  Moyer  is  accepted  as  security  for  George  Ivatt,  Ralph 
Flower  for  his  son  Stephen,  and  Humphrey  Rayment,  a  ropemaker 
at  Ratcliff,  for  Gilbert  Grimes.     (|/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and 
Second  General  Voyage,  March  12, 165 i  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi, 
p.  86). 

The  request  of  William  Langhorne  that  his  bond  given  as  security 
for  John  CoUyer  and  Edward  Rolt,  two  of  the  Company's  factors  at 
Leghorn  now  dead,  may  be  delivered  to  him,  is  refused,  as  the  said 


96  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

bond  is  found  to  be  security  for  Mr.  Collyer  and  Company  and  an 
account  of  what  has  been  consigned  to  the  said  factors  has  not  yet 
come  to  hand  ;  but  he  is  promised  that  no  more  goods  shall  be  sent 
out  upon  his  security.  The  sum  of  ii/.  loj.  is  allowed  to  Daniel 
Andrews  on  account  of  stores  and  timber  for  the  Farezvell^  he  to  pay 
900/.  for  the  said  ship  and  100/.  for  stores.  John  Prowd,  master  of 
the  Eagle^  is  allowed  remission  of  freight  on  some  calicoes,  and 
Andrew  Baines,  minister,  who  came  from  Surat,  is  granted  a  like 
favour  for  his  goods.  Mr.  Acton  is  directed  to  insert  in  the  lease 
for  Blackwall  Yard  the  names  of  Anthony  Bateman,  Daniel  Andrews, 
George  Smith,  Junior,  and  Thomas  Cokayne.  Walter  Pell,  an 
adventurer  in  the  Second  General  Voyage,  having  lost  his  warrant 
of  112/.  loj.  for  his  division,  another  is  ordered  to  be  supplied  in 
which  the  said  loss  is  to  be  mentioned.  Edward  Pearse,  who  has 
served  a  long  time  as  a  factor  at  Surat,  desiring  in  a  letter  that  200/. 
of  his  wages  may  be  paid  to  the  Deputy  for  the  benefit  of  his  mother 
and  sister,  this  is  ordered  to  be  done.  The  Court  directs  that  the 
order,  dated  February  i8th,  received  from  the  Commissioners  for 
Compounding,  requiring  the  Company  to  pay  no  more  rent  for  their 
house  to  Lord  Craven,  be  punctually  obeyed.     (i-|  pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
March  14,  1651  {Court  Book ^  vol.  xxiii,  p.  40). 

The  Eagle  is  appointed  admiral,  the  Anne  vice-admiral,  and  the 
Blessing  rear-admiral,  and  Sambrooke  is  directed  to  notify  this. 
Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  proceed  to  the  Downs,  attended 
by  Samuel  Calcott.  The  Court  lets  300  acres  of  land  on  Assada 
to  William  Moore  on  the  same  conditions  as  formerly,  and  on 
hearing  that  he  is  a  son-in-law  of  Colonel  Thomson,  '  to  whome  the 
Company  was  so  much  engaged ',  orders  that,  in  case  he  does  not 
like  living  at  Assada,  Captain  Blackman  shall  have  liberty  to  take 
him  into  the  Company's  service  at  Surat  at  a  suitable  salary.  At 
the  desire  of  Thomas  Andrews,  the  Court  orders  it  to  be  registered 
that  he  relinquishes  his  right  to  the  share  in  the  private  plantation 
at  Assada  concerning  which  a  deed  was  presented  to  the  Court  the 
28th  of  February  last,  the  said  share  to  fall  and  accrue  to  the  other 
persons  named  in  the  said  deed.  Captain  Blackman  is  given  60/. 
for  fresh  provisions,     (i  /.) 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  97 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  March  19,  1551  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  88). 

The  Governor  intimates  that  Job  Throgmorton  and  others  are 
very  willing  to  stand  security  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Langhorne  for  the 
Leghorn  factors.     The  ships  for  the  year  being  all  dispeeded,  the 
accounts  of  Thomas   Rilston,  John  Young,  and  Samuel  Calcott 
are  to  be  examined.     On  information  that  the  Council  of  State 
is  displeased  concerning  the  cloth  found  packed  among  the  Com- 
pany's bales,  thinking  it  their  act,  the  Court  again  utterly  denies  the 
same  and  desires  that  the  Council  of  State  would  question  them 
about  it.     Being  acquainted  that  divers  goods  have  been  shipped  in 
the  Eagle  and  Blessing  in  the  names  of  the  Deputy  and  Samuel 
Moyer,  but  that  the  latter  denies  this,  while  the  Deputy  asserts  that 
he  only  shipped  some  scarlets  and  satins,  which  he  had  leave  from 
the  Court  to  send,  and  some  '  snufife  tobacco '  in  the  Eagle  for  which 
he  has  agreed  to  pay  freight  to  the  owners,  the  Court  directs  the 
Husband  to  obtain  a  note  from  the  Customhouse  of  all  goods  laden 
in  the  said  vessels.     Tincal  [borax]  sold  to  Peter  Vandermarsh  at 
7/.  10s.  per  cwt.  at  twelve  months  and  two  months  in,  from  the 
25th  March  next.     Allowance  to  be  made  on  cinnamon  bought  by 
Daniel  Andrews  and  William  Vincent,     The  poor-box  being  full> 
lol.  from  it  is  ordered  to  be  paid  into  the  Treasury.     {t-^PP) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock^ 
March  25,  1651  {Court  Book^  vol.  xxi,  p.  90). 

The  sum  of  1,300/.,  due  last  September,  is  demanded  from  John 
Frith;  and  he  is  also  desired  to  seal  a  bill  for  payment  of  an 
additional  800/.  for  which  he  stands  security  for  goods  bought  by 
Thomas  Hanson  and  others.  Certain  Committees  are  desired  to 
see  about  the  delivery  of  the  effects  of  the  late  Adam  Bowen  to  his 
widow,  and  to  examine  his  accounts.  Anne,  widow  of  Giles  Shep- 
heard  ^,  is  given  30^.  from  the  poor-box.  Tomblings  is  ordered  to 
have  the  wharf  at  Blackwall  repaired,  to  sell  the  remaining  stores 
and  provisions,  and  to  pay  the  almsmen  from  the  money  so  obtained 
and  from  what  he  has  already  in  hand.     Payment  of  Mr.  Wood  s 

*  Porter  at  Blackwall  Yard.     He  died  in  1646. 

S.C.M.    IV  H 


98  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

bill  for  cordage  to  be  deferred  until  the  return  of  Captain  Ryder 
from  Dover.  Allowances  made  to  the  Governor  and  Deputy  for 
defective  silk.  On  perusal  of  a  letter  from  the  President  and 
Council  at  Bantam  dated  December  23,  1647,  the  Court  orders 
payment  to  be  made  to  John  Yard  of  money  disbursed  by  him  at 
Balasore,  with  interest  at  the  rate  of  six  per  cent.  Richard 
Chambers's  son,  who  was  entertained  five  years  ago  for  Surat, 
his  father  to  pay  for  his  diet,  etc.,  having  been  given  a  salary  last 
year  by  the  United  Joint  Stock,  the  Court  now  resolves  that 
Mr.  Chambers,  who  when  a  Commissioner  at  the  Customhouse 
was  always  ready  and  willing  to  do  any  office  of  courtesy  for  the 
Company,  need  only  pay  for  his  son's  maintenance  for  the  space  of 
three  years.  Resolution  concerning  the  disposal  of  the  Company's 
servants  in  London  and  at  Blackwall  is  deferred.     (i\ pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
April  3,  1651  {Court  Book.wol.  xxi,  p.  9:^). 

A  lease  of  *  this  house '  to  be  desired  from  the  Commissioners 
sitting  at  Goldsmiths*  Hall,  it  being  under  sequestration  and  in  their 
power  to  dispose  of.  An  account  of  everything  in  the  Company's 
warehouses  that  is  for  sale  is  ordered  to  be  made  out,  and  a  general 
court  of  sales  to  be  held  on  Wednesday  sennight.  Defective  calicoes 
to  be  examined  and  priced,  and  the  old  wrappers  measured  ready 
for  sale.  Sambrooke  is  directed  to  giw^  in  an  account  of  all  debts 
due  to  the  Company,  with  the  names  of  the  debtors  and  the  dates 
for  payment ;  also  an  account  of  all  goods  sold  but  not  delivered. 
(I  A) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
April  4, 1651  (Court  Booky  vol.  xxiii,  p.  41). 

Care  to  be  had  about  renewing  the  lease  for  Leadenhall  ware- 
house. A  list  is  presented  of  several  parcels  of  quicksilver,  vermilion, 
and  elephants'  teeth  shipped  in  the  Eagle  and  Blessing  for  the 
account  of  private  men  ;  hereupon  letters  are  ordered  to  be  written 
to  inform  Captain  Blackman  and  Messrs.  Prowd  and  Grimes  of 
this,  and  to  advise  them  at  their  arrival  at  Surat  to  ascertain  the 
names  of  the  owners  and  detain  the  goods  until  the  freight  and 
penalty  imposed  by  the  Company  have  been  paid  ;  the  dispatch  of 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  99 

these  letters  to  the  ships,  which  are  supposed  to  be  near  the  Isle  of 
Wight,  is  entrusted  to  Messrs.  Andrews  and  Ryder.     (^  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
April  5,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  93). 

Mr.  Acton  intimates  that  the  Committees  appointed  to  consider 
Alderman  Fowke's  business  have  resolved  to  report  their  opinion 
to  Parliament ;  therefore  he,  conceiving  that  the  Company  should 
also  have  a  petition  ready,  presents  one  now ;  this  is  read,  approved, 
and  the  Governor  and  other  Committees  are  desired  to  solicit 
members  of  Parliament  that  it  may  be  read.  Allowance  is  made 
to  Mr.  Martin  for  defective  shellac.     (^  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  April  9,  1651  [Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  94). 

Resolved  that,  as  Captain  Thomson  has  already  been  paid  freight 
for  the  several  parcels  of  calicoes  brought  home  as  private  trade  in 
the  Ruth^  the  owners  of  the  said  calicoes  shall  pay  the  freight 
ordered  the  4th  December  last,  deducting  from  it  what  they  have 
already  paid  to  the  Captain.  The  Secretary  is  allowed  remission 
of  freight  on  thirty  pieces  of  longcloth.  Thomas  Rich  moves  for 
some  insurance  to  be  made  upon  behalf  of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
in  regard  of  the  danger  of  sea  pirates ;  this  is  approved,  but  no 
resolution  is  come  to.  James  Martin's  offer  to  buy  all  the  Com- 
pany's shellac  at  40^.  and  50J.  the  cwt.  is  refused,  the  price  not 
being  approved.  Thomas  Thetcher  and  John  Frith  desire  forbear- 
ance for  their  great  debt  and  promise  to  confer  with  Sir  Thomas 
Soame  and  Mr.  Hanson,  and  then  to  attend  the  court,     (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
and  Second  General  Voyage,  April  16, 1651  {Court  Book,  vol. 
xxi,  p.  95). 

A  list  of  the  Company's  debts  and  debtors  is  read  ;  and  it  appear- 
ing that  many  debts  have  been  incurred  without  the  knowledge  of 
the  Treasurer,  Sambrooke  is  directed  in  future  to  enter  at  the  end 
of  every  sale  in  a  separate  book  an  account  of  all  goods  sold,  and 
to  deliver  the  said  book  to  the  Treasury  for  the  Treasurer's  use. 

H  1 


100  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

Acton  is  desired  to  enter  an  action  in  the  Sheriff's  court  against 
Cuttler,  formerly  the  City's  Garbler,  for  recovery  of  700/.  Certain 
Committees  to  examine  the  accounts  and  ascertain  how  much  is 
owing  by  Messrs.  Handson,  Thetcher,  Soame,  and  Frith,  and  find 
out  from  them  how  they  intend  to  give  satisfaction  to  the  Company 
for  the  same.  Anthony  Pantan,  a  poor  minister  who  has  been  in 
India  S  is  given  40s,  from  the  poor-box.  Calicoes  sold  to  James 
Martin.  Allowance  to  be  made  by  the  Second  General  Voyage  to 
the  Stock  for  1,120  pieces  of  Sinda  'gumbutts*,  valued  by  mistake 
in  the  inventory  at  los.  instead  of  at  Ss.  6d.  per.piece.     (t-^PP) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  April  18,  1651  {Court  Booky 
voL  xxi,  p.  96). 

Sale  of  cossaes,  gurras,  dustatois,  sallampores,  kersywale,  Persia 
silk,  pintado  quilts,  small  quilts,  coarse  pintadoes,  baftas,  wrappers, 
striped  stuffs,  calicoes,  cotton  wool,  bundles  of  rope,  gunnells,  wax 
cloth  wrappers,  sugar,  Lahore  and  Sarkhej  indigo,  indigo  skins  and 
shirts,  cloves,  and  seed-lac,  with  prices  and  names  of  purchasers. 
(HPP-) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
April  18,  1651  {Court  Book ^voX.  xxiii,  p.  42). 

The  present  danger  of  the  seas  by  French  pirates  and  rovers 
being  considered,  it  is  resolved  to  insure  the  ships  expected  home 
this  year  for  account  of  the  United  Joint  Stock  for  40,000/.,  viz. 
the  Love  for  15,000/.,  the  Aleppo  Merchant  for  10,000/.,  the  Bonito 
for  7,500/.,  and  the  Lioness  for  7,500/.,  accounting  the  rial  at  7j.  dd, ; 
the  premium  to  be  five  per  cent,  and  no  man  to  write  for  more  than 
one-third  of  his  adventure.  To  avoid  all  friction  Sambrooke,  in 
whose  custody  the  policies  are  to  remain,  is  ordered  *  to  even  *  each 
sum  underwritten  ;  and  that  every  adventurer  may  know  of  this,  it 
is  decided  to  call  a  general  court  of  all  adventurers  in  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock  and  in  the  United  Joint  Stock.  Certain  Committees 
for  the  United  Joint  Stock  are  desired  to  meet  some  to  be  appointed 
for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  to  consider  what  part  the  former  Stock 
is  to  bear  of  the  Company's  charges  for  salaries,  rent  of  houses  and 
warehouses,  etc.     Richard  Bye's  bill  for  travelling  to  Portsmouth 

1  See  the  1640-43  volume,  pp.  236,  336. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  loi 

and  the  Isle  of  Wight  with  letters  for  the  ships  is  ordered  to  be 
paid  and  he  to  be  given  an  additional  305-.  Mr.  Thomson  reports 
that  the  Council  of  State  sent  for  him  about  a  contract  it  desires  to 
make  with  the  Company  about  saltpetre,  as  mentioned  in  the 
Assada  Articles;  the  Court  replies  that,  in  accordance  with  the 
commands  of  the  Council,  a  good  quantity  of  saltpetre  has  been 
sent  for  from  India,  which  at  the  arrival  of  the  ships  it  is  hoped  to 
sell  at  such  reasonable  price  as  will  content  the  State,     (ij//-) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  April  a^,  1651  (Cot^rt  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  98). 

Two  suits  brought  against  the  Company,  one  by  the  creditors 
of  Sir  John  Wolstenholme,  the  other  by  the  creditors  of  William 
Courteene,  are  referred  to  Acton,  who  is  directed  not  to  make  any 
'  dilatory  defence '  to  the  former.  Four  Committees  appointed  on 
behalf  of  the  United  Joint  Stock  and  four  on  behalf  of  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock,  with  the  Deputy  as  '  moderator ',  are  desired  to  meet  and 
consider  what  part  the  United  Stock  is  to  pay  of  the  Company's 
charges  for  salaries,  rent  of  houses,  warehouses,  etc.  Two  bags 
containing  about  2,ool.  in  money,  belonging  to  the  late  Adam  Bowen 
and  found  in  his  office,  to  be  delivered  to  his  widow.  Charles  Blount 
to  be  paid  aol.  towards  the  maintenance  of  his  brother  at  Oxford 
from  money  belonging  to  him  in  the  Company's  hands.  Philip 
Mead  taking  exception  to  some  calicoes  bought  by  him,  he  is 
released  from  his  bargain.  An  order  allowing  the  Dolphm  (at  the 
request  of  her  owners)  to  be  sheathed  in  one  of  the  docks  at  Black- 
wall  on  payment  of  all  charges,  is  referred  for  consideration. 
Mr.  Knipe's  business  to  be  heard  this  day  sennight.  The  request 
of  Captain  Thomas  Steevens  for  mitigation  of  the  fine  of  100/. 
imposed  upon  him  is  refused,     (i^  //.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
April  35,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  44). 

The  Fourth  Joint  and  the  United  Joint  Stock  having  each 
resolved  to  insure  four  ships  expected  home  this  summer,  a  general 
court  of  all  adventurers  in  the  said  Stocks  is  appointed  to  be  held 
next  Wednesday,  that  notice  may  be  given  hereof.     Mr.  Thomson's 


loa  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

offer  to  buy  all  the  saltpetre  that  shall  be  returned  for  account  of 
the  United  Joint  Stock  this  summer  and  during  the  continuance 
of  the  said  Stock  is  referred  for  decision  to  the  generality  next 
Wednesday.  The  Committees  chosen  by  the  two  Stocks  to  consider 
concerning  the  charges  to  be  borne  by  the  United  Joint  Stock  present 
their  opinions  in  writing  to  the  following  effect : — That  the  United 
Joint  Stock  should  have  a  secretary  (who  should  also  take  charge 
of  the  Exchange  Cellar),  an  accountant,  and  a  cashier  subordinate  to 
the  Treasurer, '  a  writer  of  letters  upon  all  occasions '  (who  is  also  to 
take  care  of  the  calico  warehouse),  and  some  one  to  attend  to  the 
Customhouse  affairs  and  take  care  of  the  other  warehouse ;  and  a 
housekeeper  who  is  to  warn  Committees,  present  debtors,  pay  sailors 
on  their  return,  and  pay  imprest,  etc.     Debate  hereon  is  deferred. 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock  and  the  United  Joint  Stock,  April  30, 1651 
(Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  45  ^). 

The  Governor  intimates  that  the  cause  of  the  meeting  is  to 
acquaint  the  generality  that  the  Committees  for  the  two  Stocks 
have  resolved  to  insure  eight  ships  expected  home  this  summer, 
four  for  account  of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  for  50,000/.,  viz. 
15,000/.  upon  the  William^  15,000/.  upon  the  Golden  Fleece ,  10,000/. 
upon  the  East  India  Merchant,  and  10,000/.  upon  the  Advice ;  and 
four  for  account  of  the  United  Joint  Stock  for  40,000/.,  viz.  15,000/. 
upon  the  Love,  io,ooc/.  upon  the  Aleppo  Merchant^  7,5oo/.  upon  the 
Bonito,  and  'Jy^coL  upon  the  Z/^w^jj,  reckoning  the  mahmudiat  iM. 
and  the  rial  at  7^.  6d.  for  all  goods  laden  at  Surat  and  Bantam,  and 
i7,s,  per  pagoda^  for  goods  laden  in  the  Bay  of  Bengal  or  upon  the 
Coast  of  Coromandel.  Any  adventurer  who  pleases  may  under- 
write in  these  policies,  for  account  of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  for 
one-half  of  his  adventure  and  for  account  of  the  United  Joint  Stock 
for  one-third  of  his  adventure.  The  Governor  states  that  the  reason 
for  making  these  policies  is  that  with  them  there  will  be  sufficient  to 
pay  all  debts.     He  then  puts  the  proposal  to  the  question  and  it  is 

*  Entered  also  in  vol.  xxi.  (p.  loo). 

'  These  rates,  which  were  roughly  50  per  cent,  over  the  exchange  value  of  the  coins 
named,  were  evidently  meant  to  include  a  proportion  of  profit  on  the  cost  price  as  given 
in  the  invoices. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  103 

unanimously  agreed  to  by  a  general  erection  of  hands.  It  is  next 
resolved  that  the  premium  for  both  policies  shall  be  six  per  cent., 
that  they  shall  remain  open  until  May  15,  and  if  by  then  they  are 
not  completed  an  additional  seven  days  shall  be  allowed.  That 
every  adventurer  may  be  informed  hereof,  tickets  are  ordered  to  be 
left  at  the  houses  of  any  not  now  present.  Only '  good  men '  are  to 
be  permitted  to  underwrite ;  and,  to  avoid  friction,  Sambrooke  is 
directed  '  to  even '  each  man's  subscription.  The  adventurers  in  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stock  having  withdrawn,  those  in  the  United  Joint 
Stock  are  told  that  an  offer  has  been  made  by  some  gentlemen  to 
buy  all  the  saltpetre  that  shall  arrive  for  account  of  this  Stock  and 
to  make  a  contract  for  all  that  shall  come  during  its  continuance. 
The  Deputy  declares  that  the  price  offered  is  so  considerable  as  \ 
to  be  an  inducement.  Debate  ensues  and  it  is  resolved  to  accept  J 
the  offer ;  therefore  Alderman  Dethick,  Thomas  Hodges,  Richard 
Waring,  Francis  Ash,  Anthony  Bateman,  George  Smith,  Thomas 
Brightwell,  William  Vincent,  John  Wood,  and  James  Edwards  are 
entreated  to  join  with  the  standing  committee  appointed  for  the 
United  Joint  Stock  and  they,  or  any  eleven  of  them,  to  meet  the 
men  making  this  offer  and  settle  such  a  contract  as  they  shall  think 
fit.     (ipp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  May  7,  1651  (Cour^  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  103). 

Calicoes  sold  to  Rowland  Wilson.  James  Martin's  request  for 
allowance  on  ginghams  he  bought  is  referred  to  the  determination 
of  certain  Committees.  Notice  to  be  given  to  all  men  receiving 
salaries  from  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  that  nothing  more  will  be  paid 
by  the  said  Stock  after  Midsummer  next,  but  that  they  must  apply 
to  the  United  Joint  Stock.  Rebecca,  daughter  of  John  Blount, 
petitioning  for  what  is  due  to  her  from  her  father's  account, 
Sambrooke  is  directed  to  examine  and  report  on  it.     (ii//>.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
May  9,  1 651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  47). 

Thomas  Brightwell  and  Richard  Hussey,  Junior,  are  admitted  to 
the  freedom  by  redemption,  each  paying  the  customary  fine  of  5/. 


104  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

Maurice  Thomson  presents  a  written  proposal  on  behalf  of  himself, 
William  Pennoyer,  John  Berrisford,  and  Daniel  Judd  for  purchase  of 
all  the  Company's  saltpetre  that  shall  arrive  in  England  this  year 
and   the   next,  and   also  for  200  tons  of  refined  or  400  tons  of 
unrefined  saltpetre  for  the  next  three  years  following.     After  some 
debate  the  following  agreement  is  made  between  the  contracting 
parties  as   to   the   rate   of  the  several   specie  in  India,  viz.   the 
mahmudl  to  be  valued  at  u.,  the  rupee  at  2s.  3^.,  the  rial  at  5^.,  the 
old  pagoda  at  los.  and  the  new  pagoda  at  8s. ,  and  it  is  agreed  that 
Mr.  Thomson  and  his  partners  shall  be  allowed  to  purchase  all  the 
Company's  saltpetre  for  the  time  stated  and  pay  for  the  same  two 
for  one  according  to  the  aforesaid  valuation  as  it  shall  cost  in  India 
with  all  charges  put  aboard  the  ship  (factors'  *  provision '  excepted) 
according  to  the  invoice  of  each  ship  within  eight  months  after  arrival 
at  the  place  of  discharge  in  the  Thames,  eight  months'  discount  to 
be  allowed  for  ready  money  after  the  rate  of  8  per  cent,  per  annum  ; 
in    the  event   of   any    difference    arising,    four    Committees    are 
appointed  to  act  as  arbitrators,  and  if  they  fail  to  settle  the  same, 
then  William  Cokayne  is   to  be  appointed   '  moderator '   and   to 
conclude  finally  all  matters  in  dispute ;  and  in  case  any  of  those 
now  nominated  die,  others  shall  be  chosen  by  the  major  part  of  the 
committee  appointed  by  the  generality  of  adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock  on  the  7th  of  this  present  month  [sic],     (ij  pp.) 

Petition  of  the  East  India  Company  to  the  Council  of 
State,  May  9, 1651  (Public  Record  Office:  C.  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  16). 

Having  already  petitioned  Parliament  for  relief  for  the  great 
losses  and  injuries  sustained  from  the  Dutch  in  Banda,  Amboyna, 
and  other  parts  of  the  East  Indies,  and  their  petition  being  referred 
to  the  consideration  of  this  Council,  the  Company  prays  that,  as 
ambassadors  are  sent  from  England  to  the  States  General  of  the 
United  Provinces  to  negotiate  such  affairs  as  shall  be  communicated 
to  them  ^,  satisfaction  may  be  demanded  on  their  behalf  from  the 
Dutch  Company  for  the  said  losses,  and  such  a  reglement  settled 
for  the  future  as  shall  not  only  prevent  further  complaints,  but 
render  the  East  India  trade  advantageous  to  the  honour  and  profit 
of  the  Commonwealth.     Signed  by  William  Methwold.     (•!/.) 

*  The  reference  is  to  the  mission  of  St.  John  and  Strickland. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  105 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  May  15,  1651  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  104). 

Calicoes  sold  to  Signor  Anthonio  Fernandez  de  Calvaiar.  Liberty- 
is  given  to  every  adventurer  in  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  to  underwrite 
to  the  full  amount  of  his  subscription  proportionably  in  the  four 
policies  taken  out  for  the  said  Stock.  The  factors  at  Genoa  to  be 
instructed  to  advise  the  Company  constantly  what  goods  they  have 
sold,  at  what  price,  and  to  whom ;  they  are  also  to  be  told  not  to 
sell  any  pepper  under  13^.  and  to  send  their  account  current  every 
six  months  to  the  Company.  The  factors  at  Leghorn  are  also  to  be 
advised  to  send  in  their  account  every  six  months.  Allowance 
made  to  James  Martin  for  damaged  ginghams,     (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and 
Second  General  Voyage,  May  a8, 1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi, 
p.  105)- 

Sir  Thomas  Soame,  Messrs.  Hanson  and  Thetcher  promise  to 
inform  the  court  next  Wednesday  how  they  and  Mr.  Frith  intend  to 
make  satisfaction  to  the  Company  for  their  debt.  John  Case,  who 
went  out  in  the  Loyalty  and  returned  in  the  Eagle,  having  refused  to 
pay  the  20/.  he  promised  for  his  own  and  his  servant's  diet  and 
passage  from  the  Red  Sea  to  Surat,  their  diet  ashore  at  Surat,  and 
diet  and  passage  back  to  England,  Acton  is  directed  to  sue  him  for 
the  same.  An  account  is  presented  on  behalf  of  Edward  Barnard, 
late  consul  at  Aleppo,  for  199  dollars  disbursed  for  the  Company 
since  September,  1647  ;  hereupon  80/.  is  ordered  to  be  paid  to 
Mr.  Barnard  in  satisfaction,  and  for  *  his  care  and  love  in  expediting 
the  Company's  busines  in  Aleppo'.  James  Martin  is  allowed  for 
defective  ginghams  found  amongst  those  he  bought  from  the 
Company.  Captain  Ryder  shows  a  letter  he  has  received  from 
Brest,  in  which  it  is  intimated  that  there  are  six  great  ships  with 
thirty-six  guns  and  upwards  apiece  and  300  men  aboard  each  ship 
set  out  to  waylay  and  take  the  English  East  India  homeward-bound 
ships  ;  hereupon  the  Court,  after  serious  consideration,  and  under- 
standing also  that  Prince  Rupert  has  left  Toulon  with  five  vessels 


io6  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF   THE 

whose  destination  is  unknown  ^,  resolves  to  petition  and  ask  for 
assistance  from  the  Council  of  State,  and  entreats  certain  Committees 
to  be  present  this  afternoon  at  the  presentation  of  the  said  petition 
to  beg  Their  Lordships'  favour  herein.  An  inventory  to  be  made  of 
all  utensils  in  the  East  India  House  and  in  all  the  warehouses. 
Thomas,  brother  of  Richard  Fitch,  deceased  at  Surat,  to  be  paid 
aoo/.  from  the  latter's  estate  now  in  the  Company's  hands.  Susan 
Wooder,  sister  of  Robert  Wooder,  who  died  long  ago  in  Persia,  is 
given  20S.  from  the  poor-box.     (a  //.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
May  30,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  49). 

Messrs.  Soane,  Hanson,  Thetcher,  and  Frith  desire  forbearance 
until  Wednesday  next,  when  they  will  inform  the  Company  how 
they  intend  to  pay  their  debt.  The  offer  of  Adam  Lee  to  build 
a  ship  of  250  tons  to  be  ready  by  the  beginning  of  November,  if  the 
Court  will  engage  to  freight  her  to  the  Coast,  is  refused.  In  reply 
to  a  letter  from  Daniel  Skinner,  it  is  resolved  that  the  coral  taken 
out  of  the  Garland  of  Roses  in  the  Downs  shall  remain  at  Dover 
until  further  order.     (|  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and 
Second  General  Voyage,  June  4,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi, 
P-  107). 

The  Committees  appointed  to  examine  Rilston  and  Calcott's 
accounts  report  them  to  be  fair  and  just.  After  some  dispute  it  is 
resolved  that  of  the  80/.  promised  to  Mr.  Barnard,  one-half  shall  be 
paid  by  the  old  Joint  Stock,  the  other  by  the  United  Joint  Stock. 
Seed-lac  sold  to  James  Martin,  dust  of  pepper  to  Thomas  Rich,  and 
stick-lac  to  Peter  Terrence.  Several  Committees  for  the  United 
Joint  Stock  being  present,  they  request  that  Mr.  Pennoyer  and 
Company  may  be  desired  to  seal  the  contract  for  saltpetre  expected 
from  India  this  year ;  otherwise  the  Company  will  be  absolved  from 
the  bargain,     (i  /.) 

*  This  was  Rupert's  ill-fated  cruise  to  the  Azores  and  West  Indies,  during  which  he 
lost  his  ship  and  was  nearly  drowned  himself,  while  later  in  the  same  voyage  the  vessel 
commanded  by  his  brother,  Prince  Maurice,  was  wrecked  in  a  hurricane,  all  on  board 
perishing. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  107 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  June  4,  1651  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  108). 

Sale  of  pepper,  defective  twisted  silk,  sugar,  cloves,  sallampores, 
baftas,  cossaes,  sannoes,  kersywale,  book  cloth,  brown  cloth,  and 
white  wrappers,  with  prices  and  names  of  purchasers,     (i/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
June  6,  1651  [Court  Book^  vol.  xxiii,  p.  50). 

Beresford,  the  powdermaker,  desires  a  delay  of  fourteen  days 
before  the  contract  for  saltpetre  is  sealed  ;  to  this  the  Court  consents 
and  adds  that  there  is  no  obligation  on  either  side.  Damaged 
pepper  sold  to  William  Bateman.  An  inventory  is  presented  of 
goods  and  utensils  in  the  Company's  house  and  warehouses  to  be 
sold  to  the  United  Joint  Stock,  and  certain  Committees  are  requested 
to  price  these.  The  officers  to  be  employed  for  this  Stock  to  be 
chosen  this  day  sennight.  The  Committee  for  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock  having  ordered  80/.  to  be  paid  to  Mr.  Bernard  \sic\^  late 
consul  at  Aleppo,  for  postage  of  letters  to  and  from  India,  half 
whereof  to  be  paid  by  the  United  Joint  Stock,  it  is  now  resolved 
that  this  Stock  shall  pay  one-third  only,  which  is  thought  sufficient. 
Samuel  Sambrooke  having  been  ordered  to  draw  up  a  letter  to  Surat 
to  be  sent  overland,  certain  Committees  are  desired  to  read  and  sign 
the  same,     (i  ^.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  June  ii,  1651  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  no). 

Richard  Waring  and  Michael  Herring  accepted  as  securities  for 
pepper  bought  by  the  former.  George  Tash  is  granted  remission  of 
freight  on  private  trade.  The  United  Joint  Stock  not  being  willing 
to  pay  more  than  one-third  of  the  80/.  accorded  to  Mr.  Barnard, 
the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  agrees  to  pay  the  remaining  two-thirds. 
Calicoes  sold  to  Messrs.  Mead,  Trotter,  Knight,  Griffen,  Barron,  and 
Martin.  At  the  request  of  Mr.  Knipe,  the  Court  resolves  to  hear 
his  business  this  day  fortnight.  Captain  East,  a  grocer,  to  be 
returned  certain  money  paid  by  him  for  pepper  over  and  above  the 
cost,     (ij//.) 


io8  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
June  13,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  51). 

The  following  men  are  entertained  for  the  service  of  the  United 
Joint  Stock :  Richard  Swinglehurst  as  secretary,  to  keep  account 
of  all  pepper,  take  bills  for  all  goods  in  his  charge  when  sold,  and 
perform  any  other  service  required,  at  a  salary  of  lao/.  per  annum, 
and  as  this  next  year  there  will  be  business  for  him  to  do  for  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stock  he  shall  be  given  a  gratuity  for  the  same  from 
that  Stock.  Jeremy  Sambrooke  to  be  accountant  and  present 
a  yearly  balance  of  the  books  the  last  day  in  May,  to  be  allowed 
a  salary  of  160/.  per  annum  and,  as  he  will  be  employed  for  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stock  also,  to  be  given  a  gratuity  of  80/.  by  the 
latter  Stock  for  that  service.  Samuel  Sambrooke  to  write  all  foreign 
letters  and  keep  account  of  all  calicoes  and  other  goods  housed 
in  the  calico  warehouse,  and  do  whatever  else  shall  be  required 
at  a  salary  of  100/.  per  annum.  It  is  also  resolved  that  a  cashier, 
subordinate  to  the  Treasurer,  shall  be  chosen  by  the  latter.  Samuel 
Calcott  is  entertained  as  husband,  to  enter  and  ship  all  goods  and 
keep  the  Company's  warehouses  at  the  waterside,  to  be  careful  to 
discover  any  private  trade  and  do  all  else  required  of  him,  for 
a  salary  of  80/.  per  annum,  he  to  give  good  security  for  the 
performance  of  these  duties.  Thomas  Tomblings  to  be  entrusted 
with  the  care  of  all  other  warehouses  and  cellars,  and  do  what  else 
shall  be  required  of  him,  at  a  salary  of  80/.  per  annum ;  he  also  to 
give  good  security  for  performance  of  the  same.  Percival  Aungeir 
to  be  housekeeper,  give  warning  of  all  courts,  call  upon  debtors, 
pay  imprest  and  wages  to  mariners,  and  do  whatever  else  is  required 
of  him,  at  a  salary  of  40/.  per  annum,  and  to  give  good  security  for 
performance  of  his  duties.  James  Acton  is  chosen  as  attorney  and 
solicitor;  to  be  allowed  20/.  for  this  next  year  with  promise  of 
a  gratification  according  as  occasion  shall  require.  All  these  men 
are  to  be  entertained  from  midsummer ;  and  being  informed  hereof 
they  promise  to  serve  with  diligence  and  integrity.  Messrs. 
Markham,  Rilston,  Younge,  and  Spiller  are  called  in  and  told  that 
the  Company  has  no  further  need  of  their  services  and  therefore 
they  are  dismissed  ;  as  likewise  all  the  officers  employed  at  Black- 
wall  except  the  porter,  who  is  to  be  kept  on.     (2J/'/'.) 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  109 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  June  18,  1651  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  III). 

A  letter  is  read,  which  the  Court  had  intended  to  send  overland 
by  Mr.  Tavernier  ^,  who  *  purposed  to  travell  into  India '  and  had 
informed  the  Company  of  the  intention  of  the  King  of  Scotland  ^  to 
send  '  a  Messinger  to  obstruct  their  trade  in  Persia ' ;  after  some 
dispute  it  is  resolved  not  to  send  the  letter  by  Mr.  Tavernier,  but  to 
direct  Sambrooke  to  write  and  thank  him  for  his  civility  in  giving 
the  said  information.  Mr.  Hanson  Js  granted  a  further  respite 
before  making  his  propositions  concerning  his  debt.  The  Com- 
mittees appointed  to  examine  Younge's  accounts  report  satisfactorily 
and  state  that  43/.  is  due  to  him.     (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
June  20,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  ^'^). 

The  Governor  reports  that  some  adventurers  take  exception  to 
the  election  of  officers  made  at  the  last  court;  after  debate  this 
court  not  seeing  fit  to  alter  anything  then  resolved  on,  the  matter 
is  referred  for  consideration.  All  servants  employed  by  this  Stock 
to  give  security  to  be  approved  by  the  Court  for  the  discharge  of 
their  duties.  Thomas  Burnell  transfers  to  Gualter  Frost,  Senior, 
600/.  adventure  and  profits  in  the  United  Joint  Stock;  Peter 
Midleton  transfers  to  Gualter  Frost,  Junior,  300/.  adventure  and 
profits  in  the  same  Stock;  and  Adam  Bowen  transfers  to  his 
mother,  Elizabeth  Bowen,  administratrix  to  his  late  father,  100/. 
adventure  and  profits  in  the  said  Stock.  Intelligence  being  received 
that  there  is  a  design  to  send  some  one  from  the  King  of  Scotland 
or  from  the  late  Queen  of  England  to  Persia  to  obstruct  the  Com- 
pany's trade,  Sambrooke  is  directed  to  write  to  the  President  and 
Council  at  Surat  and  require  them,  if  any  Englishman  or  other  shall 

1  The  celebrated  traveller,  Jean-Baptiste  Tavernier,  who  had  just  left  Paris  on  his 
fourth  journey  to  the  East. 

'  This  was  of  course  the  young  King  Charles,  afterwards  Charles  II.  Though  the 
Parliamentarians  denied  hina  the  title  of  King  of  England,  they  could  not  but  recognize 
that  he  had  been  actually  crowned  King  of  Scotland  in  January,  1651.  The  mission 
referred  to  (the  main  purpose  of  which  was  to  borrow  money  from  the  Persian  monarch) 
was  that  of  Henry  Bard,  Viscount  Bellomont  (see  Irvine's  Manucci,  vol.  i,  p.  72). 


no  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

arrive  with  any  letter  or  commission  from  the  King  of  Scotland  or 
his  mother  purporting  to  interrupt  the  Company's  trade,  to  seize 
him  and  send  him  back  to  England  by  the  first  opportunity.  The 
factors  at  Leghorn  and  Genoa  to  remit  all  money  that  they  have 
occasion  to  send  to  Venice  to  the  care  of  Signor  Paul  de  Sera. 
Richard  Bateman  to  buy  *  Messy  canvas '  to  make  pepper  bags. 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  June  25,  1651  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  112). 

All  freemen  and  adventurers  in  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  to  be 
summoned  to  attend  a  general  court  of  election.  Sir  Thomas 
Soame  offering  a  considerable  sum  to  clear  himself  and  Mr.  Thetcher 
from  their  debt  for  sugar,  certain  Committees  and  Mr.  Acton  are 
requested  to  settle  with  him.  Samuel  Calcott  is  given  25/.  for  his 
services  from  June,  1648  to  June,  1649.  The  heads  of  a  bill 
exhibited  in  Chancery  against  Knipe  are  read,  with  entries  from  the 
black  book  concerning  him,  and  his  answers  to  all ;  Knipe  sub- 
mitting himself  to  the  Court,  certain  Committees  are  desired  to 
examine  and  report  on  his  said  answers,     (i  J  pp^ 

A  General  Court  of  Election,  July  2,  1651  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  117). 

William  Cokayne  vacates  the  chair  as  Governor ;  but  it  being 
necessary  'to  continue  the  government  as  yett  as  it  is,  untill  the 
State  bee  pleased  to  alter  it,  for  hereafter  there  wilbee  little  use  of 
any  Governour,  in  regard  they  are  to  sett  noe  shipps  out,  nor  much 
other  busines  but  to  pay  their  debts',  he  is  nominated  with 
William  Ashwell  and  Rowland  Wilson  and  by  general  erection  of 
hands  re-elected  Governor.  William  Methwold  and  Thomas 
Andrews  are  next  named  for  the  post  of  Deputy,  and  the  former 
unanimously  re-elected.  John  Massingberd  and  Thomas  Burnell 
are  nominated  for  the  post  of  Treasurer  and  the  former  re-elected. 
It  is  next  resolved  that  no  man  shall  be  a  Committee  who  has  not 
500/.  adventured  in  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock ;  and,  six  new  men 
having  to  be  elected,  the  choice  falls  upon  Messrs.  Gold,  Edwards, 
Wilde,  Bludworth,  Spurstow,  and  Thomas  Cokayne.     And  because 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  iii 

William  Ashwell,  James  Martin,  James  Mann,  and  George  Smith 
are  not  adventurers  to  the  required  amount,  and  Richard  Bateman 
and  Ozias  Churchman  had  *  fewest  hands ',  these  retire,  leaving  the 
following  to  act  as  Committees  for  the  ensuing  year:  Sir  Jacob 
Garrad,  Rowland  Wilson,  Thomas  Burnell,  Thomas  Jennings, 
Gilbert  Keate,  Thomas  Kerridge,  Thomas  Mann,  Robert  Abdy, 
John  Langly,  Thomas  and  Daniel  Andrews,  Thomas  Rich,  Andrew 
Riccard,  Thomas  Hodges,  Nicholas  Gould,  William  Meggs,  Richard 
Davies,  William  Williams,  Anthony  Bateman,  Richard  Wyld, 
Henry  Spurstowe,  Thomas  Bludworth,  Thomas  Cokayne,  and  James 
Edwards.     {2>  pp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
July  4,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  54). 

The  petition  of  Messrs.  Rilston  and  Spiller  to  be  employed  in 
their  former  positions  by  this  Stock  is  referred  for  consideration. 
Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  examine  and  value  the  husband's 
stores  and  consider  what  will  be  necessary  for  this  Stock  to  buy  of 
them.    A  court  of  election  to  be  held  for  this  Stock,     (ip.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and 
Second  General  Voyage,  July  9,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi, 
p.  119). 

The  Governor  presents  a  paper,  subscribed  by  several  merchants, 
in  which  a  Frenchman,  Monsieur  de  la  Bord,  undertakes  to  procure 
restitution  for  goods  and  ships  belonging  to  'this  Commonwealth'  and 
taken  by  the  French ;  the  Governor  alleges  that  he  has  sustained 
loss  in  this  way,  and  that  the  Company  has  also  lost  six  bales  of 
silk  in  the  Greyhound,  that  ship  having  been  taken  by  the  French  ; 
hereupon  he  is  desired  to  subscribe  the  said  paper  on  behalf  of  the 
Company.  The  Committees  appointed  to  consider  Mr.  Knipe's 
affairs  make  their  report ;  Knipe  is  asked  what  private  trade  he 
brought  home  and,  not  giving  a  satisfactory  answer,  he  is  told  to 
present  an  exact  account  of  the  same  at  the  next  court,  when  his 
business  shall  be  further  considered.  A  parcel  of  calicoes  bought 
by  the  Deputy  in  1649  being  in  excess  of  the  number  he  bargained 
for,  he  is  allowed  to  leave  the  surplus.  Mr.  Pennoyer  refusing  to 
pay  for  pepper  he  bought,  the  same  is  ordered  to  be  weighed  and 


iia  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

its  value  put  to  his  account.  Calicoes  sold  to  Thomas  Hill. 
Spiller  is  directed  to  sue  Mr.  Brett  and  others  for  their  debt  for 
indigo,  if  payment  for  the  same  be  not  made  within  the  week. 
Certain  warehouses  found  to  be  useless  are  given  up  and  the  stores 
sent  to  Blackwall.  A  poor  'Grecian'  is  given  los.  Consideration 
of  Markham's  request  for  a  gratuity  is  deferred.     (2  /»/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock^ 
July  ii,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  ^^), 

Confirmation  of  the  election  of  officers  to  b^  employed  for  this 
Stock  having  been  referred  to  this  court,  a  petition  from  Markham, 
the  Company's  auditor,  is  read,  and  after  some  debate  he  is 
appointed  auditor  for  the  United  Joint  Stock  at  a  salary  of  80/. 
per  annum  for  one  year  from  last  midsummer,  and  is  told  that  he 
must  assist  in  perfecting  the  books  of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and 
those  of  the  Second  General  Voyage,  to  which  he  willingly  agrees. 
The  choice  of  Swinglehurst  as  secretary  and  of  Jeremy  Sambrooke 
as  accountant  is  confirmed.  Samuel  Sambrooke  is  appointed  ware- 
housekeeper  at  Leadenhall,  and  Thomas  Tomblings  warehouse- 
keeper  at  Crosby  House.  The  appointment  of  Acton  as  attorney 
and  solicitor  is  also  confirmed,  and  that  of  Samuel  Calcott  as 
husband.  Spiller  is  entertained  as  housekeeper  at  30/.  per  annum, 
to  call  in  debts  when  due,  to  give  notice  of  all  courts  and  perform 
any  other  service  required  of  him ;  while  Percival  Aungeir  is 
entertained  as  the  Company's  servant  at  30/.  per  annum  to  pay 
wages  and  imprest  to  mariners  and  to  undertake  such  other  duties 
as  he  shall  be  directed  to  perform.  Swinglehurst,  Samuel  Sambrooke, 
Tomblings,  Calcott,  and  Aungeir  are  each  required  to  give  security 
in  1,000/.  for  the  performance  of  their  several  duties.     (i|//.) 

A  General  Court  of  Election  for  the  United  Joint 
Stock,  July  16,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  59). 

After  some  dispute  it  is  generally  agreed  that  fifteen  Committees 
shall  be  chosen  to  manage  the  affairs  of  this  Stock  this  year,  seven 
of  whom  shall  form  a  court,  no  man  to  be  elected  unless  he  has 
adventured  1,000/.  in  the  said  Stock.  Decision  as  to  whether  the 
Committees  who  acted  last  year  and  those  appointed  to  act 
this  shall  be  given  any  gratuity  is  deferred  until  the  return  of  some 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  113 

of  the  ships.  It  is  next  moved  whether  the  oath  shall  be  taken  by 
every  Committee  or  not,  and  debate  ensues  concerning  the  debt  of 
95,000/.  owing  by  this  Stock.  It  is  argued  that  as  the  seal  of  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stock  *  goes  for  all  debts ',  and  only  those  free  of  the 
Company  who  have  taken  the  oath  are  liable  to  be  sued  in  case  of 
any  call,  so  it  is  only  right  that  it  should  be  known  who  is  liable 
for  payment  of  this  debt,  for  it  is  thought  that  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock  should  not  be  liable  for  the  United  Joint  Stock  nor  the 
United  Joint  Stock  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  ;  therefore  it  is 
generally  agreed  that  no  division  shall  be  made  of  any  of  the  estate 
of  this  Stock  until  the  said  debt  of  95,000/.  and  whatever  else  shall 
be  taken  up  for  this  Stock's  account  shall  be  paid ;  also  that  all  the 
Committees  for  this  Stock  shall  be  exempted  from  taking  the  oath. 
The  following  men  are  chosen  as  Committees  to  manage  all  affairs 
appertaining  to  this  Stock  this  next  year:  William  Cokayne, 
William  Methwold,  John  Massingberd,  Maurice  Thomson,  Samuel 
Moyer,  William  Ashwell,  Thomas  Jennings,  Thomas  Andrews, 
Gualter  Frost,  Thomas  Hodges,  Nathaniel  Wyche,  William  Ryder, 
Andrew  Riccard,  George  Smith,  and  John  Robinson.  John  Mas- 
singberd is  chosen  treasurer  for  the  ensuing  year.     (2  J  //.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
July  16,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  lai). 

Elizabeth,  widow  of  John  Cartwright,  is  given  3/.  from  the  poor- 
box.  Knipe  presents  an  account  of  his  private  trade,  but  it  is  not 
thought  satisfactory  and  he  is  told  to  bring  '  a  more  perfect  noate '  to 
the  next  court.  George  Forbesse,  *  the  onely  surviving  wittnes  of  the 
sadd  and  fatall  tragedy  by  the  Dutch  committed  against  the  English 
at  Amboyna ',  is  admitted  to  the  Company's  almshouse,  where  he 
is  to  be  allowed  two  rooms  and  5^.  a  week  (double  the  usual  sum), 
and  to  read  prayers  morning  and  evening  to  the  other  almsmen  and 
see  that  good  order  is  kept.  Longcloth  sold  to  Thomas  Chamber- 
leyne.  Certain  Committees  are  entreated  to  settle  what  utensils 
and  stores  belonging  to  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  will  be  required  by 
the  United  Joint  Stock,  and  to  dispose  of  such  warehouses  as  will 
not  be  needed.  Resolution  concerning  Markham's  request  for  a 
gratuity  is  again  deferred,    (ij//.) 


114  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
July  i8,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  61). 

Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  decide  concerning  the  purchase 
of  utensils  and  stores  from  the  East  India  House  and  the  Com- 
pany's warehouses  for  this  Stock.  Friday  next  is  appointed  for 
tender  of  securities  by  all  employed  for  this  Stock.  An  officer  is 
sent  from  the  Committee  of  Sequestrations  sitting  at  Armourers' 
Hall  to  ascertain  the  Court's  answer  concerning  this  house ;  reply 
is  promised  by  Friday,  and  meanwhile  certc|,in  Committees  are 
requested  to  attend  the  Committee  at  Haberdashers*  Hall  about 
this  business,     (i/.) 

The  Council  of  State  to  the  Commissioners  for  Seques- 
trations AND  Compositions  at  Haberdashers'  Hall,  July 
24,  1 65 1  (Public  Record  Office:  S.  P,  Dom.:  Interregnum,  I.  96, 
P-  307). 

.  .  .  Having  met  with  some  packets  of  letters  from  the  East 
Indies  to  that  Company  here,  one  of  which  appears  to  be  written 
by  Fenne^,  a  malignant,  to  Sir  Andrew  Cogan,  a  delinquent,  to 
whom  he  consigned  some  goods,  we  send  you  that  letter,  but  have 
returned  the  packets  to  the  Company,  with  an  order  to  send  you 
such  letters,  advices,  invoices,  and  papers  as  may  concern  Cogan, 
Fenne,  or  any  other  delinquents,  that  you  may  use  them  on  behalf 
of  the  State. ... 

The  Council  of  State  to  the  Governor  and  Company 
Trading  to  East  India,  July  24,  1651  [Public  Record  Office: 
S.  P.  Dom, :  Interregnum,  I.  96,  p.  307). 

.  .  .  Your  letters  coming  from  the  Downs  being  visited  by 
Colonel  Gibbons,  we  found  one  directed  to  Sir  Andrew  Cogan, 
delinquent.  We  return  you  the  letters ;  but  let  all  concerning 
Fenne  or  Cogan  be  sent  to  the  Sequestration  Commissioners,  and 
advertise  them  of  any  goods  coming  over  from  the  Indies  or  else- 
where to  delinquents. 

*  Apparently  Thomas  Fenni  a  factor  in  the  Bantam  presidency. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  115 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
July  30,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  laa). 

Of  the  ships  returned,  the  Love,  the  Lioness,  and  the  East  Lndia 
Merchant  are  to  be  unladen  first.  Upon  intimation  that  certain 
goods  have  been  taken  out  of  the  Company's  ships  and  put  aboard 
the  Lion,  a  vessel  belonging  to  the  State,  the  Court  directs  that  the 
assistance  of  the  Commissioners  of  Customs  be  invoked  in  the 
search  for  and  seizure  of  these  goods.  Captain  Ryder's  request  that 
the  Love  may  enter  one  of  the  Company's  docks  and  a  warehouse 
to  deposit  her  stores  may  be  lent  to  him,  is  left  unanswered. 
A  friend  of  Mr.  Jennings,  who  wishes  either  to  buy  the  Company's 
interest  in  Blackwall  or  to  hire  the  place  by  the  year,  is  to  be 
desired  to  attend  the  next  court.  The  Exchange  cellar  and  other 
places  under  charge  of  the  Secretary  to  be  inspected.  Order  is 
given  that  all  goods  belonging  to  private  men  in  the  Company's 
warehouses  are  to  be  taken  away,  and  if  this  is  not  done  the  said 
goods  are  to  be  removed  to  some  other  warehouses  and  all  charges 
put  to  the  account  of  their  owners.  On  the  motion  of  the  Governor, 
it  is  resolved  to  summon  the  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock 
to  meet  next  Wednesday  to  decide  on  the  shipping  to  be  dispeeded 
next  year.  Richard  Clutterbucke  and  Thomas  Andrews  accepted 
as  security  for  pepper  bought  by  the  former.  Thomas  Winter,  who 
returned  in  the  William  after  having  served  twenty  years  as  a  factor 
in  India,  is  to  be  given  100/.  on  account  of  his  salary.  A  great 
cable  belonging  to  the  Mary  is  ordered  to  be  made  into  small  ropes. 
The  Company's  warehouse-keepers  are  directed  to  take  an  allowance 
of  3  lb.  for  freight  upon  every  draught.  The  bill  of  Mr.  Budd,  the 
proctor,  to  be  paid.     (iJ/A) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
August  i,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  62). 

The  Governor  reports  that  he  and  some  Committees  went  to 
Haberdashers'  Hall  about  the  rent  of  the  Company's  house,  and  the 
committee  then  sitting  promised  that  none  shall  be  demanded  until 
after  the  3rd  of  September  next.  Thomas  Thomblings  is  accepted 
as  security  for  Richard  Swinglehurst,  Jeremy  Sambrooke  for  Samuel 
Sambrooke,  and  Henry  Grimston  and  William  Madox  for  Samuel 

I  2 


ii6  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

Calcott,  *  they  being  his  wives  brothers '.  Thomas  Thomblings  is 
permitted  to  deposit  i,ooo/.  as  security  and  is  to  be  allowed  5  per 
cent,  for  the  same.  '  One  Mr.  Peapes,  dwelling  in  Wood  Streete ', 
is  tendered  as  security  for  Percival  Aungeir  \  *  his  wives  brother ', 
but,  none  of  the  Court  knowing  him,  inquiry  is  ordered  to  be  made. 
Captain  John  Millett  to  be  paid  200/.  on  account  of  freight  for  the 
Aleppo  Merchant.  Bills  of  exchange  payable  to  William  Swanley, 
Thomas  Hill,  and  Thomas  Tomblings,  all  charged  from  the 
President  and  Council  at  Bantam  upon  this  Stock,  are  ordered 
to  be  accepted  and  paid  as  they  become  due.  Deputy  Hobson,  on 
information  that  the  Company  intends  to  quit  some  of  the  ware- 
houses at  the  Customhouse,  desires  that  the  former  contract  may  be 
made  good  ;  whereupon  he  is  told  that,  if  he  can  show  any  contract, 
this  shall  be  done,  and  he  is  advised  to  inform  himself  upon  what 
conditions  the  said  warehouses  were  taken.  The  Secretary  to  be 
given  100/.  and  the  Husband  150/.  for  account  of  this  Stock,  they  to 
render  an  account  of  the  same.  The  letters  to  Bantam  to  be 
examined  for  particulars  concerning  a  bill  of  exchange  for  17,000/. 
now  sent  home.  The  petition  of  John  Harbert,  who  has  been 
employed  for  the  last  six  months  as  assistant  to  Samuel  Sambrooke, 
for  a  settled  salary  is  referred.  A  court  is  appointed  to  be  held  next 
Wednesday  afternoon  to  consider  what  shipping  this  Stock  shall 
send  out.    (i|/A) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  Second  General  Voyage,  August  6,  1651  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  124). 

A  division  of  fifteen  per  cent,  in  money  is  ordered  to  be  made  to 
every  adventurer  in  the  Second  General  Voyage.  A  box  containing 
jewels,  sent  home  in  the  Love  and  consigned  to  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock,  is  opened,  the  contents  examined,  and  the  inventory  read, 
after  which  it  is  sealed  with  the  Governor's  seal  and  delivered  to  the 
Treasurer.     {\p)' 

^  Aungeir  is  often  mentioned  in  Pepys's  Diary.  His  security  was  Thomas  Pepys  (see 
the  minutes  for  August  20,  1652),  who  was  probably  the  diarist's  cousin  of  that  name, 
a  tamer  by  trade.     Samuel  repeatedly  calls  Aungeir  hb  cousin. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  117 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
August  8,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  64). 

Gififord  Beale  is  to  have  delivered  to  him  sundry  quilts  and 
*some  pearle  ware'  sent  from  Agra  by  Mr.  Davidge,  but  the 
rhubarb  sent  with  them  is  to  be  detained.  After  inquiring  concerning 
Mr.  Peapes,  Mr.  Robinson  reports  that  '  hee  heares  very  well  of 
him,  being  a  man  of  good  sufficiency ' ;  hereupon  he  is  accepted  as 
security  for  Aungeir.  Private  trade  brought  home  in  the  Love  and 
Lioness  to  be  examined  by  certain  Committees,  who  are  to  decide 
concerning  its  delivery.  The  Treasurer  is  desired  to  buy  gold  and 
silver  to  the  value  of  20,000/.  A  bill  of  exchange  drawn  upon  the 
Governor,  for  100/.  paid  to  Lord  Willoughby  at  Leghorn  by  Colly er 
and  Company,  to  be  paid  at  the  rate  of  4^.  %d.  the  rial,     (i  p,) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
August  14,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  iii5). 

Damaged  calicoes  and  ginghams  brought  home  in  the  Lioness  to 
be  examined.  Philip  Wild,  a  factor  returned  from  India,  where  he 
has  been  for  fourteen  or  fifteen  years,  to  be  given  100/.  on  account 
of  his  wages.  Red  earth  brought  home  in  the  Love  to  be  delivered 
to  the  owners.  Dust  of  pepper  sold  to  Thomas  Rich.  The 
Committee  of  the  Ordnance  to  be  desired  to  appoint  some  one  to 
examine  the  Company's  saltpetre,  when  a  price  for  it  shall  be 
settled  which  it  is  hoped  will  content  the  State.     ( j  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  tpie  United  Joint  Stock, 
August  15,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  6^. 

Mr.  Vandepitt  to  be  treated  with  about  the  purchase  of  fifty 
bullions  of  quicksilver.  Cloths,  elephants'  teeth,  lead,  and  vermilion 
to  be  bought  for  dispatch  to  India  this  year ;  it  is  also  resolved  to 
send  out  stock  to  the  value  of  30,000/.  or  35,000/.  The  charterparty 
of  the  Lioness  to  be  examined,  that  it  may  be  decided  who  is 
responsible  for  the  damaged  cloth  brought  home  in  her.  Gregory 
Clement  desires  that  the  money  due  to  him  for  his  share  in  the 
freight  of  the  Golden  Fleece  may  be  paid  to  Mr.  Methwold. 
Mr.  Thomson  acquaints  the  court  that  for  an  experiment  the 
Guinea  Company  intends  to  buy  for  transportation  2,000  or  2,500 


ii8  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

of  the  14,000  pieces  of  longcloth  in  the  Company's  hands  ;  and 
Captain  Ryder  reports  that  a  certain  merchant  is  desirous  of  buying 
all  their  fine  cloth,  about  20,000  pieces.  Mr.  Mead,  or  any  other 
linendraper,  to  be  treated  with  about  the  damaged  cloth  returned  in 
the  Lioness.  Saltpetre  to  be  sold  to  the  State,  the  fine  sort  for 
4/.  10s.  the  cwt.,  and  the  coarse  for  3/.  10s.  the  cwt.,  payment  for 
the  same  to  be  deducted  from  the  custom  of  the  goods  now 
returned  ;  but  if  the  State  wishes  the  coarse  refined,  this  shall  be 
done  and  it  shall  then  be  sold  at  4/.  10s.  the  cwt.    (i^//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
August  20,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  126). 

It  is  resolved  to  defend  the  suit  brought  against  the  Company 
by  John  Guilford,  waterman,  for  the  wages  of  his  servant,  Robert 
Collins,  who  died  in  India.  Calicoes  returned  for  account  of  the 
United  Joint  Stock  to  be  examined  and  priced.  Captain  Blackwell 
is  allowed  remission  of  freight  on  some  of  the  calicoes  brought 
home  in  the  Love  by  his  son  Joshua.  Samuel  Sambrooke  to  be 
given  40/.  for  services  performed  in  the  '  blew  warehouse '  from  last 
Christmas  to  Midsummer.  Blount's  children  desiring  that  their 
father's  account  may  be  cleared,  the  Court  consents  to  the  same  on 
a  receipt  being  given  by  Charles  Blount,  the  administrator,  and 
orders  that,  of  the  123/.  10s.  ^d.  due,  120/.  be  given  to  the  daughter, 
the  remainder  to  the  administrator ;  to  this  all  three  children 
consent    (iJ/A) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock 
AND  THE  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  August  22,  1651  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  (i6). 

A  petition,  presented  on  behalf  of  Alice  Spavyn  and  the  other 
executors  of  Robert  Spavyn,  who  died  in  India,  for  delivery  of  his 
estate  now  in  the  Company's  hands,  is  referred  to  certain  Com- 
mittees to  examine  and  report  upon.  Mr.  Vandepitt  asking  3^.  6d. 
per  lb.  for  his  quicksilver,  this  is  thought  too  high  a  price  ;  therefore 
purchase  is  deferred.  Calicoes  bought  by  Messrs.  Chivall,  Hampson, 
Sartillyon,  and  Peremont.     (i  p.) 


EAST   INDIA    COMPANY  119 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  August  27,  1651  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  68). 

Sale  of 'sannoes  adatoy^',  ginghams,  sallampores,  morees,  tapseils, 
niccanees,  Guinea  stuffs,  quilts,  brown  dutties,  chintz,  longcloth.  one 
Persia  silk  carpet,  cardamoms,  gum-lac,  shellac,  seed-lac,  olibanum, 
cotton  yarn,  raw  silk,  defective  pepper,  and  Jambi  pepper,  with 
prices  and  names  of  purchasers.     {z\pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
August  27,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  127). 

Charles  Blount  doubting  the  correctness  of  his  late  father's 
account,  certain  Committees  are  desired  to  peruse  and  report  on  it. 
George  Carleton,  who  returned  in  the  William,  petitions  for  his 
wages,  which  are  claimed  by  William  Knightsbridge,  his  late 
master  ;  the  Court,  learning  that  Carleton  sued  out  his  indentures  in 
the  Lord  Mayor's  court,  orders  his  wages  to  be  paid  to  him.  The 
bill  of  exchange  for  17,000/.  sent  by  the  President  and  Council  of 
Bantam  not  having  been  accepted  by  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
Messrs.  Langly  and  Rich  are  entreated  to  attend  the  court  to  be 
held  by  that  Stock  next  Wednesday  and  desire  that  the  said  bill 
may  be  accepted  or  an  absolute  answer  given  concerning  it.     (i/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
August  29,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  71). 

All  paying  in  money  before  Michaelmas  for  goods  bought  of  the 
Company  are  to  be  allowed  discount  at  the  rate  of  8  per  cent. 
A  letter  to  be  written  to  the  President  and  Council  of  Bantam  and 
sent  by  the  ships  leaving  Holland.  Calicoes  sold  to  Roger  Kilvert. 
Edmund  Sleigh,  who  bought  twenty-six  bales  of  Bengal  silk  returned 
in  the  Lioness,  is  allowed  the  wrappers  used  for  the  same.  The 
Treasurer  is  desired  to  accept  a  bill  of  exchange  for  17,000/.  from 
Bantam,  and  to  pay  it  when  due.  Tincal  sold  to  John  Vandermarsh, 
and  calicoes  to  John  Bathurst.  Quilts  bought  by  some  of  the 
Committees  to  be  paid  for  at  the  rate  of  3/.  each.  The  sister  of  the 
late  Henry  Olton  to  be  given  25/.,  half  the  sum  left  to  her  by  her 
brother.     {1  p.) 

*  According  to  Sir  Richard  Temple  (^Diaries  of  Streynsham  Master,  vol.  i,  p.  401)  this 
word  is  adhotar,  meaning  a  loosely  woven  material  used  for  loin-cloths. 


lao  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
September  3,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  128). 

At  the  request  of  Captain  Mynors,  commander  of  the  William, 
now  returned  from  Bantam,  his  ship's  orlop  is  ordered  to  be 
examined  before  she  is  unladen,  and  the  Captain  to  be  paid  for 
fresh  provisions  bought  since  his  arrival  in  the  Downs.  The  Com- 
mittees appointed  to  treat  concerning  the  Company's  saltpetre 
report  that  they  set  the  price  at  4/.  \os.  the  cwt.,  but  were  desired 
by  Alderman  Allen  to  abate  it ;  hereupon  discussion  ensues  and  it  is 
decided  that  the  saltpetre  shall  be  offered  to  the  State  at  4/.  8j. 
the  cwt.  The  owners  of  the  Advice  and  of  the  East  India  Mer- 
chant to  be  paid  2,000/.  each  on  account  of  freight.  Gilbert  Keate 
buys  the  sugar  returned  in  the  Lioness  for  4/.  per  cwt.  at  three  six 
months,  to  be  allowed  discount  at  the  rate  of  8  per  cent,  for  all 
money  paid  in  before  Michaelmas  next.  Calicoes  bought  by  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stock  from  the  Second  General  Voyage  to  be  offered 
to  the  United  Joint  Stock  at  the  original  price  and  time.  Edward 
Steevens,  the  Company's  late  shipwright,  to  be  allowed  to  buy  all 
the  timber  in  Blackwall  Yard  and  to  enter  ships  of  300  tons  and 
upwards  in  the  docks  for  repair,  on  making  the  masters  or  owners 
agree  to  pay  the  Company  5/.  for  every  vessel,  and  all  other  charges. 
Calicoes  sent  home  in  the  East  India  Merchant  to  Barbara  Kelly 
by  Mrs.  Baker  and  Mrs.  Dacrees  to  be  delivered  on  payment  of 
freight.  Upon  reading  the  account  made  out  by  Markham  of 
freight  due  from  Knipe  for  his  private  trade,  amounting  to  525/., 
the  Court  orders  Knipe  to  pay  500/.  and  a  fine  of  20/.  for  breach 
of  his  bond  for  1,000/.  given  on  his  departure  for  the  Indies,  and 
then  he  to  receive  what  remains  due  to  him  and  his  bond  to  be 
delivered  up.     (i|//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
September  5,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  73). 

Calicoes  sold  to  Signor  Anthonio  Fernandez.  This  Stock  buys 
all  the  calicoes  bought  by  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  from  the  Second 
General  Voyage.  The  sum  of  182/.  17^-.  due,  according  to  the 
Bantam  books,  to  the  estate  of  Peter  Wightwick,  is  ordered  to  be 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  lai 

paid.  This  day  sennight  is  appointed  to  consider  what  shipping  to 
dispatch  this  year.  The  owners  of  the  East  India  Merchant  to  be 
paid  an  additional  i,ooo/.  on  account  of  freight,     (i  />.) 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  September  8, 1651 
(Public  Record  Office:  S.  P.  Dom. :  Interregnum,  I.  22,  pp.  34-36). 

.  .  .  Alderman  Allein,  Colonel  Thompson,  and  Colonel  Purefoy 
to  send  to  Colonel  Berkstead,  Maurice  Thomson,  and  Mr.  Pennoyer 
and  consider  how  the  Scottish  prisoners  ^  may  be  bestowed,  either  at 
the  Tiltyard  at  Greenwich,  or  at  the  East  India  house  and  yard  at 
Blackwall,  if  they  can  be  had  ;  and  to  speak  with  some  of  the  East 
India  Company  for  that  purpose.  .  .  . 

Pass  from  the  Council  of  State,  September  10,  1651 
(Public  Record  Office:  S,  P.  Dom,:  Interregnum,  I.  cxi,  no.  25). 

For  William  Methwold  and  one  servant  beyond  seas. 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
September  10, 165 i  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  130). 

The  sale  of  calicoes  to  the  United  Joint  Stock  is  approved. 
Signor  Anthonio  Fernandez  buys  calicoes.  Robert  Lewys,  who 
served  many  years  in  India  and  received  a  dangerous  wound  from 
a  tiger  coming  home  in  the  Mary'^ ,  is  admitted  to  the  Company's 
almshouse.  The  estate  of  Edward  Heningway,  deceased  in  India, 
to  be  paid  to  his  mother  as  executrix.  Forty  pieces  of  calicoes  to 
be  delivered  to  Philip  Wild  for  his  own  use.  Henry  Newton  and 
Richard  Hunt  accepted  as  securities  for  silk  bought  by  Joas 
Everson.  The  damage  done  to  the  William  not  being  attributed 
to  her  men,  they  are  to  be  paid  all  wages  and  debts  due  to  them. 
(li/A) 

^  Taken  at  the  battle  of  Worcester. 

2  This  occurred  in  1639.  Methwold  was  bringing  home  a  tiger  cub,  probably  as 
a  present  for  King  Charles.  During  the  voyage,  the  animal  bit  Methwold's  right  hand 
severely,  but  was  forced  off;  and  on  June  15  it  attacked  a  sailor  (no  doubt  the  present 
applicant),  fastening  on  his  leg  with  such  tenacity  that  he  could  only  be  released  by 
killing  the  tiger,  which  was  accordingly  done.  The  sailor,  who  was  sixty-three  years  old, 
was  so  injured  that  his  life  was  for  some  time  in  danger,  and  it  was  two  months  before  he 
recovered.     (Mandelslo's  Morgenldndische  Reyse  Beschreibung,  ed.  165S,  pp.  165,  166.) 


laa  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
September  12,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  74). 

Tare  to  be  apportioned  to  Edmund  Sleigh  for  the  silk  he  bought. 
The  following  ships  are  offered  for  the  Company's  service:  the 
Smyrna  Merchant,  burden  450  tons,  Captain  Hurlestone  master, 
the  Advice,  350  tons,  Robert  May  master,  the  East  India  Merchant, 
300  tons,  Captain  Newport  master,  the  Love,  450  tons,  John  Day 
master,  the  Dolphin,  300  tons.  Captain  Bodilow  master,  the  Mer- 
chant's Delight,  350  tons,  Captain  Harman  master,  the  Elizabeth  and 
Anne,  300  tons,  Richard  Langford  master,  the  M^ayjiower,  250  tons, 
Captain  Bell  master,  the  Roebuck,  250  tons,  William  Hargrave 
master,  the  Endymion,  300  tons,  Jarvis  Couchman  master,  the 
Golden  Fleece,  450  tons,  Thomas  Hill  master,  the  Fairfax,  300  tons. 
Captain  Marvell  master,  and  the  London,  380  tons.  Captain  John 
Steevens  master.  Choice  is  made  of  the  Smyrna  Merchant  to  go 
to  Surat,  her  owners  to  be  paid  17/.  per  ton  for  pepper  and  saltpetre, 
and  21/.  per  ton  for  finer  goods,  Captain  Nicholas  Hurlestone  to  go 
as  commander  in  her  :  the  East  India  Merchant  to  go  to  Bantam 
by  the  end  of  February  or  beginning  of  March  on  the  same  condi- 
tions as  she  went  formerly,  with  Captain  Newport  as  commander : 
the  Roebuck  Xo  go  to  Bantam,  take  Mr.  Baker  to  the  Coast,  and 
from  thence  go  on  a  freighting  voyage  to  Persia.  Hargrave,  her 
commander,  is  to  be  paid  61.  per  month  ;  the  Court  also  agrees  to 
give  at  the  rate  of  80/.  per  month  for  her  hull,  and  to  victual  and 
man  her ;  but  as  Hargrave  has  never  been  to  the  East  before,  he  is 
to  be  accompanied  by  a  pilot  and  three  mates,  the  pilot  to  be  paid 
5/.  per  month.  The  Love  is  chosen  to  go  to  the  Coast  and  return 
direct  to  England,  with  Captain  John  Brookehaven  as  commander, 
her  owners  to  be  paid  19/.  per  ton  for  pepper  and  saltpetre  and  23/. 
per  ton  for  all  other  goods.  Owners  and  masters  of  the  said  vessels 
to  seal  such  covenants  by  charterparty  as  shall  be  thought  just  and 
fitting.  Gifford  Beale  transfers  to  John  Hobby  500/.  adventure 
and  profits  in  the  United  Joint  Stock,     (a  pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
September  17,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  131). 

No  security  to  be  accepted  for  goods  bought  unless  the  buyer 
stands  security  also.    Mr.  Keate  to  be  allowed  tare  on  the  sugar  he 


EAST  INDIA   COMPANY  133 

bought.  Goods  to  be  delivered  to  Captain  Mynors  on  his  promise 
to  pay  the  required  freight.  Certain  Committees  are  requested  to 
wait  upon  the  Lord  General  [Cromwell]  with  the  Company's  petition, 
and  others  to  examine  and  report  on  Mr.  Trumball's  business. 
Lady  Wild  to  be  paid  300/.  for  the  addition  of  four  lives  to  the 
Company's  interest  on  their  lands  and  houses  at  Blackwall,  her  man 
to  be  given  30/.,  and  Mr.  Acton  10/.,  for  which  he  is  to  account. 
Calicoes  sold  to  Signor  Anthonio  Fernandez  and  Philip  Mead.  (1/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  the  United  Joint  Stock,  September  19,  1651  {Court 
Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  76). 

Some  demur  being  made  by  the  owners  of  the  Smyrna  Merchant 
to  the  rate  of  pay  to  be  made  to  them  as  compared  with  that  to  be 
made  to  the  owners  of  the  Love^  the  Governor  intimates  that,  if 
they  will  undertake  the  voyage  to  the  Coast,  payment  shall  be  made 
to  them  at  a  similar  rate.  The  wife  of  John  Leigh,  a  factor  at  the 
Coast,  to  be  paid  30/.  yearly  of  her  husband's  wages,  if  Mr.  Burnell 
will  stand  security.  The  William  to  be  docked  at  Blackwall.  Tare 
for  silk  allowed  to  Edmund  Sleigh.  Richard  Hill  proposing  to  buy 
300  bags  of  pepper  for  transportation,  it  is  offered  to  him  at  \\\d, 
per  lb.  at  three  six  months.  The  Council  of  State  to  be  desired  to  \ 
give  its  decision  as  to  the  purchase  of  the  Company's  saltpetre  now  \ 
returned  from  the  Indies.  Certain  Committees  are  requested  to 
give  instructions  for  the  drawing  up  of  a  letter  to  be  sent  overland 
to  Persia  and  Surat.  Adam  Lee,  late  master  in  the  Greyhound,  is 
entertained  as  pilot  for  the  Roebuck  at  61.  per  month.  Some  of  the 
Committees  to  see  to  the  victualling  of  the  Roebuck ;  others  to  the 
manning  of  the  four  ships  intended  for  the  East  this  year.  Timothy 
Sutton,  who  went  to  India  some  years  ago,  to  be  sent  home.  Cali- 
coes sold  to  Signor  Anthonio  Fernandez  and  John  Bathurst.   (2J//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
September  %\,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  13^^). 

Sir  Thomas  Dacres  to  have  delivered  to  him  free  of  freight  a  jar 
of  nutmegs  sent  from  India  by  his  son.  Certain  Committees  to 
meet  the  officers  of  the  Customhouse  and  determine  the  tare  to  be 
imposed  on  the  goods  now  returned  from    India.     Warrants  for 


i«4  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

payment  of  all  insurances  to  be  made  out.  All  the  remaining 
calicoes  to  be  priced.  The  Committees  appointed  to  wait  upon  the 
Lord  General  report  that  upon  conference  with  him,  His  Lordship 
said  that '  hee  had  soe  much  busines  for  the  publick  as  hee  neither 
could  nor  would  meddle  with  any  private  busines '.  Determination 
concerning  the  sale  of  the  Company's  pepper  is  deferred.  Thomas 
Andrews  allowed  tare  for  cotton  yarn.  A  bill  of  exchange  is 
presented  for  payment  of  600/.  to  the  estate  of  the  late  Richard 
Wallis,  but  the  Court  resolves  to  confer  with  Captain  Mynors  before 
meeting  the  same.  All  goods  in  the  custody  of  Tomblings  to  be 
valued  in  readiness  for  the  court  of  sales.     ( i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock 
AND  THE  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  September  a6,  1651  (Court 
Booky  vol.  xxiii,  p.  78). 

Captain  Hurleston  and  Captain  Read,  part-owners  of  the  Smyrna 
Merchant^  signify  that  all  the  owners  of  the  said  vessel  are  willing 
to  accept  the  Company's  terms  for  freighting  her  to  Surat.  Calicoes 
sold  to  Henry  Hampson,  Anthonio  Fernandez,  and  Philip  Mead. 
A  bill  of  exchange  for  611/.  [sic]  to  be  paid  to  the  estate  of  the  late 
Richard  Wallis  (a  like  amount  having  been  paid  into  the  Company's 
cash  at  Bantam)  is  ordered  to  be  met.     (i  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
October  i,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  133). 

Hearing  that  some  desire  to  treat  for  the  Company's  sugar,  the 
Court,  after  some  dispute,  orders  that,  as  a  court  of  sales  is  to  be 
held  the  first  Wednesday  afternoon  in  every  month,  no  goods  what- 
ever are  to  be  sold  by  treaty,  except  for  transportation,  until  next 
Midsummer,  and  then  not  less  than  one  thousand  pieces  of  calicoes. 
The  owners  of  the  Golden  Fleece  to  be  paid  2,400/.  on  account  of 
freight  in  addition  to  what  they  have  already  received,  and  the 
owners  of  the  East  India  Merchant  1,000/.  Edward  Steevens 
agrees  to  buy  all  the  timber,  plank,  etc.,  at  Blackwall.  Mr.  Bateman 
and  the  other  three  men,  whose  names  have  been  added  to  the  lease 
for  Blackwall,  opining  that  they  could  save  the  Company  500/.  by 
letting  the  lands  there  for  thirty-one  years,  this  is  left  to  them  to 
arrange.     Jeremy  Sambrooke  is  given  a  gratuity  of  100/.     (i  p^ 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  125 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  October  i,  165 i  {Court  Booky 
vol.  xxi,  p.  134). 

Sale  of  sugar,  benzoin,  dust  of  cloves,  long  pepper,  defective 
pepper,  dust  of  wet  pepper,  Jambi  and  Malabar  pepper,  '  Keele  ^ ' 
pepper,  morees,  'sarsnetts',  longcloth,  sallampores,  and  pintadoe 
hangings,  with  prices  and  names  of  purchasers.     (2//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
October  3,  1651  {Court  Book^  vol.  xxiii,  p.  79). 

It  being  found  inconvenient  at  present  to  sell  goods  by  treaty, 
the  Court  orders  that  none  be  sold,  except  for  transportation, 
between  this  and  Midsummer ;  but  for  the  convenience  of  those  who 
wish  to  buy,  a  general  court  of  sales  is  to  be  held  the  first  Wednes^ 
day  afternoon  in  every  month.  Samuel  Browne  is  entertained  as 
purser  in  the  Roebuck  and  charged  to  note  the  number,  mark, 
quantity  and  quality  of  all  goods  shipped  in  her  both  in  England 
and  in  India,  with  the  names  of  those  who  ship  them  and  of  those 
to  whom  they  are  delivered,  as  well  for  account  of  the  Company  as 
for  private  men,  and  to  render  up  an  account  of  the  same  on  his 
return  ;  the  boatswain  to  attend  the  next  court  to  receive  similar 
instructions.  Certain  goods  from  the  Customhouse  to  be  delivered 
to  Mr.  Trumball.  Those  mariners  and  others  (officers  excepted) 
who  brought  home  calicoes  as  private  trade  this  year  are  to  be 
allowed  the  same,  if  they  do  not  exceed  forty  pieces  in  a  parcel,  on 
payment  of  the  freight  agreed  upon  at  a  court  held  the  4th 
December  last.  Private  trade  brought  home  by  Thomas  Winter  in 
the  William  to  be  delivered,  with  the  exception  of  any  calicoes 
exceeding  the  number  allowed,  which  are  to  be  sent  to  Leadenhall. 
A  Dutchman,  who  presented  to  the  Court  a  written  relation 
concerning  some  part  of  the  East  India  trade,  is  given  40J.  The 
owners  of  the  Love  to  be  paid  2,,oool.  on  account  of  freight.  On 
information  that  there  are  some  refractory  men  in  India  who  refuse 
to  yield  obedience  to  the  President  and  Council,  the  Court  orders 
the  commission  under  the  great  seal  of  England  formerly  sent  to 
Surat  ^  to  be  looked  up,  and  resolves  to  present  a  short  petition  to 

^  Possibly  Kayal,  near  Tuticorin. 

2  See  a  note  on  this  subject  at  p.  65  of  T^e  English  Factories  in  India ^  1624-29. 


125  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF   THE 

the  Council  of  State  to  desire  the  grant  of  such  a  commission  under 
the  great  seal  to  empower  the  President  and  Council  to  command 
obedience  from  all  English  people  in  India  and  to  make  them 
conform  to  the  laws  of  the  Commonwealth  and  to  the  orders  of  the 
President  and  Council.     (i|//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
October  8,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol,  xxi,  p.  136). 

The  Governor  desires  some  decision  as  to  the  disposal  of  the 
large  parcel  of  pepper ;  judging  from  the  accQunt  made  out  by 
Sambrooke,  which  shows  that  when  all  debts  are  paid  there  will  be 
here  and  in  Italy  a  surplus  of  64,000/.,  he  thinks  that  a  division 
of  twenty  or  twenty-five  per  cent,  in  pepper  at  1  Q,d.  per  lb.  might  be 
made  to  all  the  adventurers  at  three  six  months.  Various  objections 
are  raised,  but  finally  it  is  decided  that  a  division  shall  be  made  to 
all  adventurers  in  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  in  pepper,  four-fifths  of 
which  is  to  be  paid  for  at  lid.  per  lb.  at  three  six  months  with  two 
months  in  from  the  25th  of  December  next,  every  man  to  bring  in 
his  money  between  this  and  Midsummer,  no  security  to  be  accepted, 
nor  any  pepper  delivered  till  the  money  is  paid,  a  book  for  sub- 
scriptions to  remain  open  until  '  Allhollandtide  ^ '.  The  generality 
are  to  be  informed  that  the  Court  is  willing  to  treat  with  any  one 
who  is  ready  to  take  all  the  said  pepper  on  the  same  terms.  The 
owners  of  the  Advice  to  be  paid  1,500/.  on  account  of  freight,  and 
the  owners  of  the  East  India  Merchant  600/.  Samuel  Sambrooke 
reporting  that  some  morees  are  missing  from  a  bale  which  does  not 
appear  to  have  been  opened  since  it  was  first  packed,  the  Court 
orders  that  all  deficiencies  in  calicoes,  where  there  is  no  sign  of  any 
having  been  taken  out,  shall  be  charged  to  the  account  of  the  factor 
who  embaled  them  at  the  price  they  are  sold.  James  Anfosse  is 
allowed  to  buy  fifty  bags  of  sifted  pepper  for  transportation  at 
11^^.  perlb.     {\\pp.) 

A  General  Court  of  Adventurers  in  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock,  October  8, 1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  138). 

The  Governor  informs  the  generality  that  their  pepper  now 
returned  is  equal  in  value  to  their  whole  capital  in  the  Fourth  Joint 

*  A  corruption  of  *  Allhallowtide ',  i.e.  November  i. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  127 

Stock,  which  if  they  please,  they  can  take  out  in  that  commodity 
at  lid.  per  lb.  at  three  six  months  from  the  25th  December  with 
two  months  in,  to  bring  in  money  towards  payment  of  the  Com- 
pany's debts  for  four-fifth  parts  and  receive  the  other  one-fifth  upon 
division,  and  for  this  purpose  a  book  is  to  remain  open  a  month  for 
subscriptions ;  he  assures  them  that  this  division  may  safely  be 
made  as  '  there  is  in  the  land  and  in  Italy  64,000/.  to  spare,  if  the 
debts  bee  all  good  ;  besides  they  have  good  estate  in  the  South  Seas 
to  the  valine  of  32,000/.,  and  in  the  United  Joint  Stock  26,000/. 
adventure '.  An  objection  is  raised  that  this  Stock  has  a  very  large 
debt  at  interest  and  that  until  all  debts  are  paid  it  is  not  safe  to  divide. 
The  Governor  replies  that  there  are  but  two  ways  in  which  to  dispose 
of  the  pepper,  either  by  division  or  by  sjale.  Hereupon  Richard 
Clutterbucke  offers  to  buy  it  all  at  \%d,  per  lb.  at  three  six  months 
from  the  ist  December,  and  promises  to  pay  10,000/.  within  three 
months,  not  to  take  any  away  without  payment,  and  to  leave  all  that 
he  does  not  take  away  at  his  own  risk.  This  is  considered  a  fair 
offer,  but  it  is  thought  that  the  adventurers  should  reap  the  benefit 
rather  than  a  private  man,  and  therefore  it  is  unanimously  resolved 
that  each  adventurer  shall,  if  he  pleases,  take  out  the  full  proportion 
of  his  adventure  in  pepper  at  12^.  per  lb.  at  three  six  months  with 
two  months  in  from  the  ist  December,  and  that  a  book  shall  remain 
open  for  subscriptions  until  the  25th  of  this  month,  and  all  the 
pepper  belonging  to  this  Stock  not  underwritten  for  by  then  may  be 
bought  by  Mr.  Clutterbucke  on  his  proposed  conditions ;  to  this  the 
latter  agrees,  and  in  confirmation  of  his  contract  places  40J.  in  the 
poor-box.  It  is  next  resolved  that  every  adventurer  so  underwriting 
must  pay  for  his  full  share  of  pepper  before  Michaelmas  next,  no 
security  to  be  accepted,  and  no  pepper  to  be  delivered  without 
payment.  Consideration  of  the  disposal  of  the  indigo  is  deferred  to 
another  general  court.     (li^.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
October  10,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  81). 

Resolved  that  three  or  four  chests  of  rials  be  sent  in  the  Roebuck, 
The  father  of  Peter  Whitewick,  deceased  at  Bantam,  desiring  to  be 
allowed  at  the  rate  of  ^s,  6d.  the  rial  for  property  left  by  his  son, 
amounting  to  743  rials,  he  is  told  that  even  the  Committees,  when 


ia8  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

sending  out  anything  with  consent  of  the  Court,  are  only  allowed 
5j.  the  rial.  Sambrooke  is  directed  to  present  a  list  of  the 
factors  now  employed  in  the  East.  The  Husband  is  ordered  to 
attend  the  next  court  to  answer  concerning  the  loss  of  a  parcel  of 
pepper  sent  by  Mr.  Skynner  at  Bantam  to  his  father  at  Dover, 
and  concerning  complaints  made  by  the  'guardians'  of  non-pay- 
ment for  attendance  aboard  the  ships,  with  refusal  of  diet.  The 
Committees  appointed  to  decide  concerning  Andrew  Trumball's 
affairs  are  desired  to  meet  next  Thursday  morning  to  hear  certain 
papers  read,     (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
October  15,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  140). 

Permission  is  given  to  the  Governor  and  the  other  owners  of  the 
Ulysses,  she  having  been  lately  cast  away  upon  the  Isle  of  Wight, 
to  stow  certain  guns,  etc.,  belonging  to  her  in  Blackwall  Yard.  The 
request  of  the '  guardians '  who  attended  aboard  the  several  ships 
returned  this  year  from  India,  for  allowance  for  diet,  is  refused,  but 
they  are  promised  that  it  shall  be  given  to  them  next  year  as  usual. 
After  examination  and  consideration  of  the  claim  for  17c/.  with 
interest  for  the  same  made  by  Humphrey  Weston,  who  returned 
from  India  five  or  six  years  ago,  and  now  freely  submits  himself  to 
the  decision  of  the  Court,  acknowledging  that  he  can  give  no  account 
of  what  is  become  of  the  '  screete '  given  by  the  Mataran  for  the 
money  lent  to  him  by  Ralph  Cartwright  \  the  Committees  decide  to 
give  him  lao/.  in  full  of  all  his  claims.  John  Culmer,  a  pilot  at  Deal, 
petitions  for  satisfaction  for  a  boat  borrowed  from  his  father  at  the 
return  of  Captain  Steevens  in  the  Eagle ;  he  is  promised  5/.  down, 
and  a  similar  sum  if  he  will  find  the  two  great  anchors  and  an  old 
longboat  which  have  been  for  many  years  buried  in  the  beach  before 
his  door,  the  Company  to  pay  all  charges  of  their  recovery,  and  the 
said  boat,  if  not  worth  more  than  40J.,  to  be  given  to  Culmer.  The 
owners  of  the  Advice  and  of  the  East  India  Merchant  are  informed 
that,  because  of  the  damage  done  to  the  pepper  returned  in  their 
ships,  an  abatement  of  one  ton  of  their  freight  is  expected  ;  and,  as 
twice  as  much  pepper  was  found  to  be  damaged  in  the  Golden  Fleece, 
her  owners  will  be  expected  to  abate  two  tons  of  their  freight,   (a  pp.) 

*  See  the  1644-49  volume,  p.  1 74,  etc. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  129 

A  General  Court  of  Adventurers  in  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock,  October  15, 1651  {Court  Booky  vol.  xxi,  p.  142). 

This  meeting  is  summoned  for  consideration  as  to  the  disposal 
of  the  indigo,  there  being  seventy-seven  barrels  of  Sarkhej  and 
Sinda,  and  sixty  barrels  of  Lahore.  A  motion  is  made  to  sell  it  all 
by  the  candle,  the  present  being  a  dead  time  for  sale  of  any  goods, 
though  it  is  hoped  that  before  long  trade  will  quicken,  as  *it  is 
likely  wee  may  have  peace  with  the  Portugalls '.  After  some  debate, 
it  is  agreed  that  all  the  indigo  shall  be  sold  by  the  candle,  ten 
barrels  of  each  sort  in  a  parcel,  the  Sarkhej  at  ^s.  M.  the  lb.  and 
the  Lahore  at  4i-.  6d.  the  lb.  at  three  six  months  from  the  ist 
December,  and  to  divide  all  that  is  not  sold  to  the  adventurers  in 
this  Stock.     (I/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
October  17,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  82). 

Resolved  that  only  one  chest  of  rials  shall  be  sent  in  the 
Roebuck.  The  boatswain  in  the  said  ship  is  charged  to  give  an 
account  on  his  return  of  all  goods  entered  in  and  delivered  from  her 
both  in  England  and  the  East.  On  consideration  of  the  great 
abuse  suffered  by  the  Company  through  private  trade,  one  of  the 
Committees  promises  to  endeavour  to  find  a  trusty  man  to  go  in  the 
Roebuck^  and  give  account  of  all  goods  shipped  in  and  delivered 
from  her.  A  Galilean  perspective  glass  ^  to  be  provided  for  the 
King  of  Macassar,  and  saddles  for  the  King  of  Bantam.  Mr. 
Wightwick  again  requesting  to  be  allowed  at  the  rate  of  ^s.  6d.  the 
rial  for  his  son's  estate,  he  is  told  that  he  must  be  content  with  the 
usual  allowance,  and  his  son's  bond  is  given  up  to  him.  Certain 
Committees  to  examine  the  charges  of  the  William  and  the  account 
presented  by  Mr.  Young  concerning  the  Blessing.  The  increase  of 
salary  from  40/.  to  100/.  given  to  Mr.  Dacres,  principal  at  Jambi, 
by  the  President  and  Council  at  Bantam  is  confirmed  ;  also  the 
salary  of  30/.  per  annum  accorded  to  Isaac  Holditch.  The 
accounts  of  the  Lioness ^  presented  by  Captain  Gosling,  to  be 
examined.  Mr.  Keeble,  a  merchant,  applying  for  passage  to  India 
for  some  Armenians,  he  is  told  that  much  prejudice  has  been 
1  The  form  of  telescope  invented  by  Galileo. 

S.C.M.  IV  K 


130  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF   THE 

received  by  such  men  ;  therefore  he  is  advised  to  persuade  them  to 
return  by  the  way  they  came.  Resolved  that  no  factors  be  enter- 
tained this  year  for  India,     (i^^.) 

Petition  of  the  East  India  Company  to  the  Council  of 
State,  October  22,  1651  (Public  Record  Office:  C.  O.  77,  vol.  vii, 
no.  18). 

Stating  that  they  employ  many  English  in  the  East  Indies,  some 
of  whom  are  so  refractory  as  to  refuse  obedience  to  the  orders  of 
the  Company's  representatives,  the  President  and  Council,  who  as 
yet  have  no  power  from  the  State  to  enforce  the  same ;  the  peti- 
tioners therefore  pray  that  power  and  authority  under  the  Great 
Seal  of  England  may  be  granted  to  their  said  President  and  Council 
in  India  to  enable  them  to  enforce  obedience  from  Englishmen  and 
all  others  under  their  jurisdiction  and  oblige  them  to  conform  to  the 
government  of  the  Commonwealth  and  obey  the  orders  of  the 
President  and  Council,  and  that  the  latter  may  also  have  power  to 
punish  offenders  according  to  the  laws  of  England.  Signed  by 
William  Cokayne.     i^P-) 

Statement  by  Richard  Swinglehurst  concerning  the 
detention  of  three  dutch  ships  at  portsmouth,  october 
23,  1 65 1  (Public  Record  Office:  C-O.  "jj,  vol.  vii,  no.  19). 

In  September  [1627]  the  ships  London  and  Reformation^  belonging 
to  the  English  East  India  Company,  were  forced  by  contrary  winds 
into  Portsmouth.  They  reported  that  three  ships  belonging  to 
the  Dutch  East  India  Company,  the  Lion,  the  Orange,  and  the 
Walcheren^  had  accompanied  them  part  of  the  way,  and  it  being 
supposed  that,  on  account  of  contrary  winds,  the  said  three  ships 
might  put  into  some  English  harbour,  the  English  Company  applied 
to  the  Lords  of  the  Council  for  a  warrant  to  detain  them.  This  was 
granted,  and  Edward  Sherburne,  then  secretary  to  the  Company, 
was  sent  with  it  to  Dover  or  Deal,  another  of  the  Company's 
servants  went  to  Harwich,  and  Swinglehurst  to  Portsmouth,  to  look 
out  for  the  three  vessels.  Swinglehurst  found  the  three  Dutch  ships 
at  Portsmouth  and  obtaining  a  warrant  from  the  Lords  of  the 
Council  he  went,  accompanied  by  Captain  Towerson,  Vice- Admiral, 
and  delivered  it  to  Sir  John  Jephson,  Governor  of  Portsmouth,  who 


EAST  INDIA  COMPANY  131 

thereupon  gave  order  to  the  son  of  Sir  Henry  Mervyn  in  the  Happy 
Entrance  (a  ship  belonging  to  the  late  King),  to  stay  the  said  three 
ships.  Captain  Mervyn  with  the  assistance  of  three  men-of-war, 
under  command  of  Captain  Burly,  effected  this  and  the  three  Dutch 
ships  remained  under  restraint  at  Portsmouth  about  ten  months. 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
October  23,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  84). 

The  owners  of  the  Lioness  to  be  paid  600/.,  over  and  above  the 
1,200/.  already  paid,  in  full  for  freight.  Upon  the  petition  of  Lucy, 
wife  of  James  Bearblock,  master  in  the  Supply,  for  one  month's  pay 
extraordinary  of  her  husband's  wages,  the  Court  orders  that,  as  the 
said  vessel  has  not  been  heard  of  since  her  departure,  nothing  shall 
be  paid  to  any  of  the  women  whose  husbands  went  out  in  her. 
Young  to  give  an  account  at  the  next  court  of  what  stores  and 
provisions  there  are  at  Sandwich  and  Dover.  The  account  of 
Mr.  Lumley,  a  surgeon  who  died  at  Masulipatam,  to  be  examined. 
Hester  Rowse,  whose  husband  died  in  the  William^  to  be  given  40^. 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
October  23, 1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  143). 

Calicoes  sold  to  Signor  Ferdinandez  de  Calvaiar.  Philip  Wilde 
to  be  paid  all  wages  due  to  him.  The  account  of  the  customs  on 
goods  returned  this  year  to  be  examined.  George  Clarke,  who 
accepted  a  bill  of  exchange  drawn  by  the  Vandervorts  at  Venice 
and  then  refused  to  pay  it,  now  begs  that  the  suit  in  Chancery 
against  him  may  be  stayed,  and  submits  himself  to  the  decision  of 
the  court ;  hereupon  he  is  ordered  to  pay  108/.  and  so  settle  the 
matter.  Elizabeth,  widow  of  Nathaniel  Lumley,  to  be  paid  all 
wages  due  to  her  late  husband.  Anne,  widow  of  Giles  Shepheard, 
to  be  allowed  is.  6d.  a  week  on  account  of  her  poverty  and  age. 
What  is  due  to  the  late  Richard  Wallis  to  be  paid  to  his  widow, 
except  his  salary  for  the  three  years  he  served  the  Governor  of 
Masulipatam,  who  paid  him  for  his  services.  William  Hooker 
offering  to  buy  the  defective  pepper,  he  is  told  of  the  order  for- 
bidding  any  goods    to  be    sold   except  for  transportation,  and 


I3«  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

reminded  that  he  owes  for  some  calicoes,  for  which  he  is  desired  to 
pay  and  to  remove  them  from  the  Company's  warehouse ;  he 
asserts  that  he  bought  these  calicoes  at  the  desire  of  another  man, 
and  requests  that  they  may  be  sold  by  the  candle,  promising  to 
bear  any  loss  that  may  ensue,    (i  J  pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
October  30,  1651  [Court  Book^  vol.  xxi,  p.  145). 

Mr.  Holloway,  having  subscribed  to  take  out  his  proportion  of 
pepper  according  to  the  conditions  agreed  upon.at  the  last  general 
court,  wishes  to  know  if  his  subscription  may  stand,  'in  regard  of 
his  present  condition ' ;  some  of  the  Committees  think  that  counsel 
should  be  consulted,  while  others  opine  that  '  lawyers  doe  not  well 
understand  merchants  affaires';  finally  it  is  put  to  the  vote  and 
decided  that  the  said  subjscription  shall  be  made  void.  William 
Honnywood,  an  adventurer  in  this  Stock,  who,  being  out  of  town, 
had  not  heard  the  resolution  for  disposal  of  the  pepper,  now  desires 
to  be  allowed  to  underwrite  for  his  proportion ;  he  is  told  that  this 
court  has  no  power  in  the  matter,  as  according  to  the  order  of  the 
general  court  all  pepper  not  underwritten  for  before  the  25th  instant 
was  sold  to  another  man.  After  some  dispute  as  to  what  prosecu- 
tion has  been  made  for  recovery  of  the  great  debt  for  pepper  for 
which  the  late  Farmers  of  the  Customs  stand  engaged,  certain 
Committees  are  entreated  to  see  what  Mr.  Acton  has  done  in  the 
matter  and  to  make  such  further  prosecution  as  they  shall  see 
cause.  An  additional  5,000/.  to  be  paid  to  the  Commissioners  of 
Customs  for  goods  returned  this  year.     (iJ/A) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
October  31,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  85). 

It  appearing  from  the  account  of  Nathaniel  Lumley  that  1,57a 
pagodas  at  8j.  the  pagoda  have  been  paid  into  the  United  Joint 
Stock's  cash  at  Madraspatan,  the  Court,  knowing  well  that  this  sum 
could  only  have  been  obtained  from  private  trade,  for  which  no  freight 
or  custom  is  paid  in  India,  orders  10  per  cent,  to  be  deducted  and 
the  remainder  to  be  paid  to  the  widow.  Mr.  Frost  acquainting  the 
Court  that  My  Lord  Commissioner  Whitlock  has  seen  the  commission 
under  the  former  Great  Seal  of  England  authorizing  the  President 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  13^ 

and  Council  of  India  to  cause  obedience  and  conformity  in  all  men 
to  their  lawful  commands,  and  to  punish  offenders  according  to  the 
law  of  this  land,  and  has  directed  an  exemplification  of  that  patent  to 
be  drawn  up,  to  which  he  will  put  the  Great  Seal  of  England  ;  here- 
upon Acton  is  requested  to  draw  up  the  required  exemplification. 
Mr.  Frost  moves  that  the  Company's  sailors  may  have  liberty  to  bring 
home  nutmegs  and  mace  as  private  trade,  as  none  can  be  obtained  as 
yet  by  the  English  Company,  and  there  is  an  Act  of  Parliament 
prohibiting  the  same  being  brought  over  in  any  but  English  ships  ^ ; 
on  consideration  of  this  request,  the  Court  agrees  that  the  freight 
formerly  charged  for  these  commodities  shall  be  lessened.  Certain 
Committees  are  desired  to  examine  the  account  of  the  freight  of 
the  ships  returned  this  year;  others  to  confer  with  a  gentleman 
who  is  willing  to  buy  or  lease  the  Company's  interest  in  Blackwall 
Yard,  docks,  and  warehouses ;  and  others  to  examine  and  report 
upon  the  business  of  William  Fairfax,  who  went  out  and  returned  in 
the  Lioness,     (^ipp-) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  November  6, 1651  {Court  Book^ 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  90). 

Sale  of  pepper,  bezoar  stones,  indigo  from  Sarkhej  and  Lahore, 
cloves  and  packing  skins,  with  prices  and  names  of  purchasers. 
{^\PP) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
November  7,  1651  (Court  Book^  vol.  xxiii,  p.  87). 

Richard  Bateman  is  permitted  to  transfer  his  adventure  of 
1,200/.  in  the  United  Joint  Stock,  400/.  of  which  is  paid  in,  to 
Colonel  Thomson,  who  engages  to  pay  in  the  remainder,  on  condi- 
tion that  the  Colonel  will  undertake  to  save  the  Company  harmless 
from  Bateman's  creditors  for  the  said  400/.  Maurice  Thomson 
promises  to  speak  with  his  brother  about  this.  The  Deputy  reports 
that  the  commission  given  to  William  Fairfax  by  the  United  Joint 
Stock,  appointing  him  second  to  Mr.  Spaven,  has  been  examined, 
also  the  Company's  letters  to  the  Agent  and  Council  at  Fort 
St.  George,  in  which  Bridgeman  is  placed  next   to   Spaven,  and 

*  The  reference  is  to  the  Navigation  Act,  which  had  been  passed  on  October  9. 


134  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

Fairfax  after  the  latter ;  but  Spaven  dying  before  arriving  at  the 
Coast,  Bridgeman  was  sent  as  principal  to  Hugli,  and  Fairfax  was 
offered  the  post  of  second ;  this  the  latter  refused,  and  desired  to 
return  to  England ;  the  Committees  think  that  Fairfax  should  be 
given  a  gratification  of  lOO  marks  for  loss  of  time  and  expenses 
and  be  offered  re-entertainment ;  this  is  unanimously  agreed  to  by 
the  Court.  Elizabeth  Cartwright,  mother  of  Mrs.  Baker,  wife  of 
the  President  at  Bantam,  is  allowed  to  send  a  small  quantity  of 
provisions  in  the  Roebuck  to  her  daughter.  The  Deputy's  offer  to 
sell  the  Company  twenty  bullions  of  quicksilver  at  3^.  6d.  per  lb. 
IS  referred  for  consideration.  Richard  Davies  transfers  to  Thomas 
Rich  300/.  adventure  and  profits  in  the  United  Joint  Stock,  all  of 
which  is  paid  in,  and  Robert  Berrisford  transfers  to  Rowland 
Berrisford  300/.  adventure  and  profits  in  the  same  Stock,  250/.  of 
which  is  paid  in.     Calicoes  sold  to  Monsieur  Perremont.     (i^  pp^ 

A  CouRt  OF  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
November  12, 1651  {Court  Book^  vol.  xxi,  p.  146). 

Rowland  Wilson  desiring  to  buy  longcloth  for  transportation,  he 
is  offered  1,200  pieces  at  31J.  per  piece  at  three  six  months;  he 
requests  time  for  consideration.  An  account  is  ordered  to  be  made 
out  of  the  freight  of  all  the  ships  returned  from  India  this  year. 
Calicoes  sold  to  Signor  Fernandez  de  Calvajar.  Edward  Steevens 
desiring  a  further  abatement  of  the  price  of  the  timber  at  Blackwall, 
because  of  its  bad  condition,  certain  Committees  are  requested  to 
come  to  some  agreement  with  him.  Sir  John  Wolstenholme's 
creditors  and  some  of  his  friends  inquire  of  the  Court  what  plea 
they  shall  put  in  for  Sir  John  to-morrow,  the  creditors  desiring 
a  special  plea  and  the  friends  a  '  demurrer ' ;  this  being  considered 
a  matter  of  great  importance  by  the  Court,  Messrs.  Bateman  and 
Edwards,  accompanied  by  Mr.  Acton,  are  entreated  to  wait  upon 
Serjeant  Glynn  and  Mr.  Hales  ^,  and  ascertain  what  course  the 
Company  had  better  take.  Thomas  Handson  and  his  companion 
debtors  are  granted   a  further  respite  for  payment  of  their  debt. 

*  See  a  note  on  p.  31 7  of  the  preceding  volume. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  135 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
November  13,  1651  {Covert  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  148). 

This  meeting  being  summoned  for  consideration  of  Sir  John 
Wolstenholme's  business,  the  Committees  appointed  to  wait  upon 
Serjeant  Glynn  report  that  he  and  Mr.  Adams  consider  the  best 
thing  for  the  Company  to  do  is  to  put  in  a  demurrer  to  Sir  John's 
creditors,  as  by  so  doing  they  would  not  '  bee  brought  to  an  action 
of  accompt  hereafter ' ;  this  advice  is  unanimously  accepted,  and 
Mr.  Acton  is  directed  to  act  accordingly.  The  quantity  of  indigo 
remaining  being  too  small  for  division,  the  Court  resolves  that  it  shall 
be  sold,  but  refuses  Mr.  Edwards'  offer  to  buy  it  at  \s.  the  lb.,  this 
price  being  thought  too  low.     (|  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
November  14,  1651  {Court  Book,  vo\.  xxiii,  p.  89). 

Colonel  Gower  and  Messrs.  Ashurst  and  Cullum  are  allowed 
23  lb.  tare  per  bale  for  sugar  bought  in  skins.  Certain  calicoes 
belonging  to  George  Oxenden,  a  factor  at  Surat,  are  allowed  to 
be  delivered  to  his  friends,  part  of  their  freight  being  remitted, 
the  remainder  put  to  Oxenden's  account.  Calicoes  to  be  delivered 
free  of  freight  to  Jeremy,  son  of  Captain  Blackman,  who  came 
home  master's  mate  in  the  Love.  The  sum  of  'ipool.  to  be  paid 
to  the  Commissioners  of  Customs.  Calicoes  sold  to  Signor 
Fernandez,     (i  /.) 

Proposition  made  by  Thomas  Violet^,  November  18, 1651 
{Public  Record  Office:  S.P,  Dom. :  Interregnum,  vol.  xvi,  no.  97). 

...  To  have  the  examination  of  all  gold  and  silver  transported 
into  foreign  parts,  and  by  warrant  or  otherwise  to  seize  it,  with 
the  allowance  of  one  halfpenny  the  lb.  for  all  silver  coined  in  the 
Tower.  Several  warrants  have  been  obtained  by  the  East  India 
Company  for  the  transportation  of  great  quantities  of  gold  and 
silver,  and  the  like  is  sometimes  granted  to  merchants  and  others, 
upon  their  petitions  and  suggestions ;  and  under  colour  of  these 
warrants,  divers  other  great  sums  of  money,  both  English  and 
foreign,  are  transported,  which  might  be  prevented  if  the  State 
appointed  a  sworn  comptroller  skilled  in  these  affairs,  to  view  and 
1  See  the  1635-9  volume,  p.  290. 


13^  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

search  all  bags  and  cases  of  treasure  that  are  transported,  and  see 
to  the  packing  up  of  the  same,  that  no  more  is  transported  than 
is  licensed,  and  to  be  allowed  2s.  upon  every  hundred  pounds  by 
tale,  or  the  value  of  every  loo/.  sterling  ;  and  that  it  shall  not 
be  lawful  to  transport  the  same  before  it  is  so  viewed  and  examined 
by  myself  or  my  deputy,  and  registered.  This  to  be  done  only 
in  the  ports  of  London  and  Dover,  by  which  means  the  former 
abuses  will  be  prevented.  .  .  .  (2//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
November  19, 1651  {Court  Book,  voL  xxi,  p.  149). 

An  abatement  for  timber  made  to  Edward  Steevens  is  approved, 
and  he  is  granted  permission  to  receive  ships  for  repair  into  the 
Company's  docks  upon  stated  conditions.  Rowland  Wilson  and 
John  Wood  accepted  as  securities  for  longcloth  bought  by  the 
former.  Indigo  sold  at  4^.  6d.  per  lb.  to  Robert  Dycer  and  Isaac 
Foster,  on  their  own  security.  The  Court  consents  to  pay  for  the 
cure,  if  it  does  not  exceed  40s.,  of  Thomas  Monmouth,  who  was 
injured  in  Blackwall  Yard.  The  Committees  appointed  to  treat 
concerning  the  sale  of  the  Yard  report  that  nothing  has  been  con- 
cluded, they  not  knowing  what  price  to  ask ;  after  some  debate 
it  is  resolved  to  put  the  price  of  the  Yard  at  6,000/.     (ij//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
November  21,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  92). 

On  information  of  the  seizure  at  Rochester  of  twenty-five  bales 
of  calicoes,  which  it  is  pretended  belong  to  Bartholomew  Hill, 
a  master's  mate  in  the  Lioness,  and  that  Hill  is  endeavouring  to 
take  them  secretly  from  the  Customhouse,  the  Secretary  is  desired 
to  apply  to  the  Admiralty  that  the  said  calicoes  may  be  detained 
until  the  owners  are  ascertained  and  the  freight  paid.  Ten  bales 
of  Persia  silk  sent  by  Mr.  Merry  to  Robert  Cranmore  to  be 
delivered  to  the  latter,  he  paying  5  per  cent,  for  the  customs 
at  Gombroon  and  the  usual  freight.  There  being  great  quantities 
of  calicoes  in  the  warehouses  at  the  Customhouse,  some  of  which 
it  is  feared  are  carried  away  secretly,  the  Husband,  in  order  to 
prevent  this  abuse,  is  directed  to  enter  them  all  at  sight,  give 
promise  to  clear  the  duties  of  the  State,  and  have  them  brought 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  137 

to  Leadenhall,  there  to  be  kept  by  Sambrooke  until  further  notice. 
Lahore  indigo  bought  by  Messrs.  Dycer,  Foster,  Riccard,  Robinson, 
and  Smith  for  transportation  at  4s.  iid.  per  lb.  at  three  six  months; 
order  is  given  for  this  indigo  to  be  shipped  direct  from  the  ware- 
house and  not  to  be  sent  to  either  of  the  Company's  houses. 
Calicoes,  longcloth,  and  'booke'  cloth  bought  by  Messrs.  Martin 
and  Bathurst.  William  Becks,  'a  silkethroster ',  is  entertained  to 
go  in  this  capacity  to  the  Coast  in  the  Love,  at  a  salary  of  10/. 
per  annum,  he  to  be  given  a  year's  pay  in  advance  and  promised 
an  increase  of  wages  if  he  is  found  deserving.  The  wife  of 
Christopher  Blaxton  to  be  paid  yearly  one-third  of  her  husband's 
salary  during  his  absence,  John  Gould  giving  bond  to  save  the 
Company  harmless.     (i|//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
November  26,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  150). 

The  Committees  appointed  to  treat  concerning  Blackwall  Yard 
report  that  an  offer  of  4,500/.  has  been  made  for  it,  but,  they 
having  no  power  to  decide,  nothing  has  been  concluded ;  hereupon 
the  Treasurer  is  desired  to  join  with  them  and  sell  the  Yard  or 
not,  as  they  shall  think  best ;  but,  if  they  decide  to  sell,  not  to 
do  so  until  Lady  Day,  in  order  that  there  may  be  time  to  dispose 
of  the  timber  and  stores  and  of  any  ships  that  may  be  in  the 
docks.  Captain  Hurleston  desires  leave  to  bring  his  ship,  the 
Smyrna  Merchant,  into  one  of  the  Company's  docks ;  hereupon 
Steevens  is  requested  to  give  an  answer  as  to  his  contract  for  the 
timber  and  use  of  the  docks,  but  he  only  insisting  that  it  would 
be  a  losing  business,  the  Court,  thinking  him  very  fickle  and  wrong 
to  shuffle  with  them  as  he  has  done,  warns  him  to  leave  the  Yard 
and  his  house  between  this  and  Lady  Day ;  and  wishing  to  accom- 
modate the  Captain  and  any  other  masters,  they  resolve  to  allow 
ships  to  enter  the  docks  on  payment  of  5/.  the  first  spring  [tide] 
and  50J.  every  succeeding  spring,  with  all  other  charges  incurred. 
Captain  Hurleston  and  Captain  Newport  are  given  permission  to 
bring  their  vessels  in  upon  the  above  conditions.  Tomblings  is 
directed  to  dispose  of  all  stores  remaining  in  the  Yard.  Captain 
Ryder  and  Mr.  Thomson  are  entreated  to  settle  with  Sir  Thomas 
Soame  and  his  co-debtors,  who  offer  to  pay  the  Company  13^.  6d, 


138  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

in  the  pound.  The  usual  gratuity  of  spice  is  ordered  to  be  given  to 
the  Governor  and  other  officers  of  the  Company.  The  Governor  and 
the  Deputy  are  accepted  as  security  for  calicoes  bought  by  Messrs. 
Martin  and  Bathurst.  Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  go  to 
Dover  and  examine  the  coral  sent  there  from  Leghorn.  John  Sallus, 
formerly  in  the  Company's  service,  is  given  40J.,  he  promising  not 
to  trouble  again.  The  sister-in-law  and  administratrix  of  the  late 
William  Gibson,  who  died  in  Persia,  presents  herself,  attended  by 
some  gentlemen,  and  requests  to  see  Gibson's  account ;  this  being 
produced,  it  appears  that  400/.  is  due  to  the  Company  from  the 
said  Gibson,  who  committed  many  wrongs  and  injuries  against  the 
Company ;  the  gentlemen  desiring  to  have  the  said  account  and 
have  it  examined  with  the  books,  the  Court  willingly  grants  them 
permission  to  do  so.     (a//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
November  ij8,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  94). 

Resolved  that  Mr.  Cranmore  must  pay  the  Company  for  the 
silk  received  from  Mr.  Merry  at  the  rate  of  \id.  the  great  pound 
for  the  Gombroon  customs,  and  also  satisfy  the  owners  of  the 
Love  for  freight.  Damaged  taffetas  and  calicoes  to  be  examined. 
Mr.  Delavall  of  Dover  expresses  his  regret  that  the  Company 
should  have  been  obliged  to  sue  him  for  buying  silk  out  of  the 
Lioness ;  he  promises  not  to  buy  goods  from  sailors  again,  and 
undertakes  to  pay  the  14/.  demanded  by  the  Company  for  freight, 
if  the  suit  against  him  is  stopped.  After  some  dispute  it  is  decided 
not  to  send  any  money  in  the  Roebuck.  Hooker,  a  grocer,  rather 
than  pay  for  the  calicoes  he  bought,  desires  that  an  action  may 
be  entered  against  him.  William  Hargrave,  master  of  the  Roebuck, 
to  be  paid  20/.  in  lieu  of  primage  and  average,  and  23/.  i2j.  9^. 
disbursed  by  him  for  necessaries  for  his  ship,     (i  J  pp^ 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
December  3,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  152). 

Certain  Committees  are  entreated  to  attend  the  Committee  of 
the  Navy  with  the  Company's  petition  for  taking  away  the  fifteen 
per  cent,  deducted  for  impost  from  every  man's  adventure  upon 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  139 

transportation  of  goods.^  Mr.  Cuttler  to  be  warned  that,  if  he 
does  not  clear  his  debt  of  80/.,  proceedings  will  be  taken  against 
him.  A  sum  of  15/.,  owing  by  the  Secretary  for  sugar,  which  was 
disposed  of  to  friends  of  the  Company,  is  to  be  put  to  the  account 
of  both  the  Stocks  and  of  the  Second  General  Voyage  in  equal 
parts.  Peter  Perkyns,  a  carpenter  at  Redruth,  to  be  sued  for 
recovery  of  some  timber.  Edward  Steevens  expressing  regret  for 
his  behaviour  and  requesting  to  be  allowed  longer  time  before 
leaving  Blackwall  Yard,  he  is  told  that  the  Yard  is  about  to  be 
sold,  but  that  what  favour  is  possible  with  the  convenience  of  the 
Company  shall  be  accorded  him.     (i  /.) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  December  3, 1651  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  154). 

Sale  of  packing  wool,  Sinda  indigo,  indigo  shirts  and  skins  from 
Lahore  and  Sarkhej,  Malabar  pepper,  defective  pepper,  dust  of 
pepper,  sallampores,  baftas,  and  longcloth,  with  prices  and  names  of 
purchasers,     (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
December  5,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  95). 

Sir  Thomas  Dacres  requesting  that  his  son,  now  a  scholar  at 
Cambridge,  may  be  entertained  by  the  Company  next  year,  he  is 
told  that,  as  this  Stock  will  only  continue  another  year,  the  Com- 
mittees, though  willing  to  do  him  any  favour  in  their  power,  cannot 
pledge  their  successors.  The  owners  of  the  Love  to  be  paid  an 
additional  1,000/.  on  account  of  freight.  Mr.  Skynner  to  furnish 
Captain  Hargrave  with  money,  not  exceeding  30/.,  to  buy  fresh 
provisions,  and  the  Captain  to  be  told  to  apply  to  him  for  the  same. 
Richard  and  Thomas  Allen  and  Nicholas  Alvey  accepted  as 
securities  for  pepper  bought  by  the  former.  The  request  of  Colonel 
Shepheard,  Colonel  Gower,  and  Mr.  Cullum  for  some  allowance  for 
damaged  sugar  in  the  parcel  they  bought  is  refused.  William 
Blake,  who  went  out  in  the  Lioness  and  is  now  steward  at  Hugli, 
to  be  given  a  salary  of  15/.  per  annum,  but  from  what  date  is  not 
determined,     (i  /.) 

^  This  appears  to  have  been  done  under  the  authority  of  an  Act  passed  on  October  31, 
1650,  levying  an  additional  fifteen  per  cent,  on  the  customs,  for  the  purpose  of  paying 
the  expenses  of  men-of-war  employed  to  convoy  merchantmen. 


140.  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
December  io,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  155). 

Thomas  Andrews  reports  that  he  with  Messrs.  Jennings  and 
Bateman  met  Benjamin  Worsley  last  Saturday  and  agreed  to  sell 
Blackwall  Yard  to  him  for  5,600/.  ;  Andrews  presents  the  terms  of 
the  agreement,  which  are  read  and  approved,  and  the  Court  thanks 
the  Committees  for  their  service  in  this  matter.  The  passage  of 
Gilbert  Gardner,  who  came  home  in  the  Love^  is  ordered  to  be  paid, 
but  no  wages  to  be  allowed  him,  as  he  performed  no  service  for  the 
Company  on  the  homeward  voyage.  The  masf6r  and  men  in  the 
William  to  he  psiid,    (lipp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
December  la,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  97). 

Resolved  that  William  Blake's  salary  shall  begin  from  the  time 
of  his  arrival  at  Madraspatan.  Mr.  Dycer  and  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Brett  desiring  to  buy  dust  of  indigo,  it  is  decided  that  the  same 
shall  be  sold  by  the  candle  and  not  by  treaty.  The  Lioness  having 
been  let  to  the  Company  for  350  tons  and  having  brought  back 
only  240  tons,  after  some  dispute  Captain  Brookehaven  is  called  in 
and  questioned.  He  declares  that  300  tons  of  goods  were  laden 
aboard  his  ship  in  the  Bay,  but  the  Agent  at  Madraspatan  caused 
[  him  to  unlade  100  tons  of  saltpetre  to  take  in  some  calicoes,  besides 
which  she  carried  50  tons  of  provisions  ;  he  adds  that,  being  a  Dutch- 
built  ship,  these  had  to  be  stowed  in  the  hold,  and  that  Mr.  Thomson 
promised  to  give  100/.  a  month  for  the  said  vessel,  to  take  her  at 
350  tons,  and  send  her  to  Guinea.  Hereupon  the  Court  resolves 
never  to  employ  a  Dutch-built  ship  again.  Mr.  Pennoyer  offers  to 
buy  all  the  Company's  saltpetre  at  4/.  8j-.  per  cwt,  payment  for  the 
same  to  be  deducted  from  what  is  due  to  the  State  for  customs  on 
goods  returned  in  this  year's  shipping  (7,000/.  being  still  unpaid), 
the  rest  to  be  deducted  from  the  next  customs  payable  to  the  State  ; 
the  Court  accepts  these  terms,  but  on  Pennoyer  demanding  that  all 
the  saltpetre  shall  be  *  Amsterdam  proofe ',  he  is  told  that,  if  he  will 
give  Amsterdam  price,  this  shall  be  done,  and  at  the  same  time  he 
is  assured  that  the  saltpetre  coming  from  the  Coast  shall  be  refined 
as  much  as  that  coming  from  Surat ;  nothing  is  arranged.     Richard 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  141 

Chambers  transfers  to  Stephen  Langham   1,200/.  adventure   and 
profits  in  the  United  Joint  Stock,  1,000/.  of  which  is  paid  in.  (lipp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
December  17,  1651  {Court  Book ^  vol.  xxi,  p.  157). 

Upon  receipt  of  a  message  from  the  Committee  of  Sequestrations 
sitting  at  Armourers'  Hall  for  the  half-yearly  rent  of  the  East  India 
House  (which  house  lately  belonged  to  Lord  Craven),  the  same  is 
ordered  to  be  sent,  after  all  taxes  paid  have  been  deducted.  James 
and  Nathaniel  Wyche  accepted  as  security  for  benzoin.  The 
customary  annual  donation  of  10/.  to  be  distributed  to  '  poore  East 
India  widowes',  and  3/.  6s.  Sd.  to  the  poor  of  Poplar ;  half  of  this 
money  to  be  paid  by  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and  half  by  the 
United  Joint  Stock.  The  late  Henry  Olton's  account  to  be  examined 
and  perfected,     (i  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
December  19,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  99). 

Debate  concerning  the  disposal  of  the  saltpetre  is  resumed,  and 
Pennoyer  offers  to  take  all  the  coarse,  if  the  '  Surat '  is  sold  by  the 
candle.  It  being  conceived  prejudicial  to  the  adventurers  that  they 
are  not  at  liberty  to  sell  the  saltpetre  they  have  caused  to  be  brought 
into  the  country,  Mr,  Frost  opines  that  it  is  fit  the  State  should  be 
gratified  in  this  particular,  *  considering  what  busines  is  now  in 
hand  for  the  Company ',  and  that,  whatever  is  done  with  the  present 
parcel,  *  they  might  bee  at  a  certaynety  for  the  future  \  An 
adventurer  in  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  reports  the  willingness  of 
a  friend  of  his  to  take  all  or  half  of  the  saltpetre  and  to  serve  the 
State  with  powder ;  but  no  resolution  concerning  the  matter  is 
come  to.  Henry  Boone,  the  Company's  surgeon,  to  be  given  100/. 
for  the  supply  of  chirurgery  stores  and  chests  for  India  this  year. 
Captain  Brookehaven  desires  a  gratification  for  making  the  Downs 
his  first  port  and  for  '  extraordinary  service  hee  performed  for  the 
Company  in  the  Bay  of  Bengalla ' ;  the  Court,  considering  that  no 
gratification  has  ever  been  bestowed  upon  the  commander  of 
a  freighted  vessel,  that  other  ships  returned  at  the  same  time  as 
Brookehaven*s   and  the   admiral   was   given  a  gratuity,  also  that 


14*  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

Brookehaven  has  been  receiving  lo/.  per  month  as  commander  and 
merchant,  which  is  considered  *  a  faire  compensation  ',  resolves,  on 
account  of  his  past  sei-vices  and  in  the  hope  of  similar  good  service 
in  his  next  voyage,  to  give  him  50/.  Certain  of  the  Committees  are 
desired  to  present  a  petition  on  Monday  to  the  Council  of  State 
about  the  wrongs  done  the  Company  by  the  Dutch,     {i^pp) 

A  Cqurt  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock, 
December  23,  1651  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  loi). 

The  sum  of  84/.  being  demanded  from  John  Cuttler  in  payment 
for  his  long  outstanding  debt,  he  alleges  that  the  Company  is  in  his 
debt  for  the  cinnamon  he  bought  and  never  received.  Upon  this  he 
is  reminded  that  in  October,  1648,  he  was  allowed  7/.  in  compensa- 
tion for  his  pretended  loss,  with  which  he  appeared  content ;  here- 
upon he  submits  his  claim  to  the  court  and  is  allowed  10/.  and 
remission  of  the  interest  of  his  debt.  A  petition  to  Parliament  is 
ordered  to  be  drawn  up  for  license  to  ship  25,000/.  in  foreign  coin 
and  bullion  in  the  three  ships  now  going  out.  The  following  stock 
to  be  laden  in  the  Love :  1,200/.,  300  pigs  of  lead,  30  bullions  of 
quicksilver,  10  chests  of  coral,  and  50  broadcloths.  It  being  resolved 
to  spend  100/.  on  a  present  for  the  Nabob  ^,  the  Court,  hearing  that 
*  Mr.  Greene  in  Coleharbour '  has  a  very  rich  saddle  to  sell,  orders 
that  he  be  desired  to  bring  the  same  to  the  next  court ;  direction 
is  also  given  for  a  letter  to  be  drawn  up  to  be  sent  to  the  Nabob. 
The  sum  of  40/.  to  be  given  to  some  men  at  the  Customhouse  for 
care  in  the  discovery  of  private  trade,  and  40^".  to  the  person  who 
gave  information  about  the  silk  taken  from  the  Lioness  and  sold  to 
Mr.  Delavall.  A  clerk  from  the  Committee  of  the  Ordnance 
acquaints  the  Court  that  the  Company  is  expected  to  wait  three  six 
months  for  payment  for  the  saltpetre ;  reply  is  made  that  the  salt- 
petre was  sold  under  its  value,  that  six  months  have  already  been 
lost  in  its  sale,  and  therefore  it  is  hoped  that  the  State  will  not  wish 
the  Company  to  incur  any  further  loss,     (i  j/A) 

*  The  Nawab  Mir  Jumla,  the  generalissimo  of  the  King  of  Golconda  and  virtual  ruler 
of  the  kingdom. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  143 

Petition  from  the  East  India  Company  to  the  Parlia- 
ment, [December,  1651]  {Factory  Records,  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv, 
P-  370). 

The  petitioners  have  for  the  last  twenty-eight  years  been  humble 
suitors  for  redress  of  many  insupportable  and  insufferable  wrongs, 
injuries,  damages,  losses,  and  indignities  inflicted  by  the  Netherlands 
East  India  Company,  especially  by  the  murder  of  their  Agent  and 
factors  at  Amboyna,  and  their  people  at  Pulo  Run.  For  all  these 
during  the  reign  of  the  late  King  no  redress  could  be  obtained,  and 
since  the  change  of  Government  more  important  affairs  have  hindered 
further  application.  They  now  pray  that,  in  the  present  transactions 
with  the  ambassadors  from  the  United  Provinces,  effectual  care 
may  be  taken  that  the  honour  of  the  nation  be  vindicated,  and  the 
islands  of  Pulo  Run  and  '  Poloway '  [Pulo  Ai]  be  restored  to  the 
Company,  with  just  satisfaction  for  the  damages  they  have  received, 
a  statement  of  which  is  annexed,    (i  /.) 

A  Remonstrance  of  the  English  East  India  Company 
against  divers  wrongs,  losses,  and  damages  sustained  from 
THE  Netherlands  East  India  Company,  [December,  1651]^ 
{Factory  Records,  Java,  vol.  ii,  part,  iv,  p.  ^Tx). 

I.  Being  expelled  by  the  Dutch  from  the  third  part  of  the  spice 
trade  in  the  Moluccas,  Banda,  and  Amboyna,  contrary  to  the  eighth 
article  of  the  treaty  of  1619 ;  and  the  murder  by  them  of  the 
English  Agent  and  factors  at  Amboyna  after  publication  of  the 
said  treaty.  2.  Being  expelled  by  the  Dutch  from  the  islands,  forts, 
and  blockhouses  built  for  the  security  of  the  English  factors  upon 
the  island  of  Pulo  Run  (which  island  was  subject  to  the  King  of 
England  by  the  voluntary  submission  of  the  natives),  contrary  to 
the  twenty- third  article  of  the  treaty  of  161 9 ;  also  the  cutting 
down  and  spoiling  of  the  spice  trees  by  the  Dutch,  who  refuse  to 
restore  the  said  island,  though  they  have  been  desired  to  do  so 
many  times.  3.  The  violent  taking  of  the  island  of  Lantore  by  the 
Dutch  and  their  barbarous  cruelties  to  the  English  factors  there, 
in  contempt  of  the  said  twenty-third  article,  the  island  having  been 

^  This  seems  to  be  the  statement  referred  to  in  the  previous  entry.  It  is  largely 
repeated  from  a  document  calendared  at  p.  52  of  the  1640-43  volume. 


144  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

given  to  the  English  by  the  natives  in  the  name  of  the  King  of 
England.  4.  The  Dutch  usurpation  of  sovereignty  over  the  English 
factors  at  Jakatra  [Batavia],  contrary  to  the  thirtieth  article  of  the 
said  treaty  of  161 9,  whereby  the  English  were  forced  to  settle  upon 
the  island  called  PuUagundee  [Pulo  Lagundy],  which  proved  so 
unhealthy  that  in  a  short  time  120  lost  their  lives  to  the  great 
detriment  and  charge  of  the  English  Company ;  also  the  unjust 
and  merciless  whipping  with  split  rattans  of  one  of  the  English 
factors  in  the  public  market-place.  5.  Their  exactions  from  the 
English  at  Jakatra  of  impositions,  customs,  ,tolls,  and  excise. 
6.  Their  forcible  taking  from  the  English  warehouses  of  goods  to 
the  value  of  16,183  rials  of  eight,  in  execution  of  an  unjust  sentence 
on  behalf  of  Certain  Chinese,  notwithstanding  the  appeal  to  Europe 
of  the  English  President.  7.  Their  forcible  extraction  from  the 
warehouses  at  Jakatra  of  7,^*42  rials  to  pay  John  Maria  Moretti, 
an  Italian.  8.  Their  malicious  firing  of  the  English  dwelling-house, 
warehouses,  stores  and  provisions  at  Jakatra,  to  the  value  of  200,000 
rials.  9.  Their  blocking  Bantam  for  six  years,  to  the  great  damage 
of  the  English  Company.  10.  Their  hindering  the  English  from 
recovering  their  debts  at  Jambi,  and  enhancing  the  price  of  pepper 
so  that  double  value  had  to  be  paid  for  it,  contrary  to  the  twenty- 
seventh  article  of  the  said  treaty.  11.  Their  protection  of  the  Great 
Mogul's  shipping  and  subjects,  after  the  latter  had  wrongfully 
taken  from  the  English  money  and  goods  to  the  value  of  102,952 
rials.  12.  Their  refusing  to  pay  the  English  half-custom  upon  their 
wares  landed  at  Gombroon,  and  practising  with  the  King  of  Persia 
to  dispossess  them  of  the  profits  of  the  same,  to  the  value  of  80,000 
rials,  and  their  desperate  attempt  to  murder  the  chief  English  factor 
there.  13.  Their  outrages  committed  in  the  Red  Sea  upon  the 
subjects  of  the  Great  Turk  under  English  colours,  whereby  the 
English  Ambassador  was  much  troubled.  14.  Their  seizing,  in  the 
year  1649,  the  Company's  ship  Endymion  during  her  trading  at 
Andrapora  [Indrapura],  with  two  great  ships  of  1,200  tons  apiece 
and  four  sloops  violently  boarding  the  Endymion,  forcibly  breaking 
open  her  hold  and  hatches  and  taking  her  pepper  aboard  their  own 
ships.  The  Dutch  General  being  asked  the  reason  of  these  proceed- 
ings, 'hee  fell  into  high  termes  and  swore  all  Englishmen  were 
rogues  and  traytors,  and  that  hee  would  not  esteem  theme  as  hee  had 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  145 

formerly,  they  haveing  noe  king,  and  withall  threatned  to  doe  the 
English  all  the  injuries  hee  could,  and  for  the  President  and  Councell, 
hee  would  kick  them  upp  and  downe  if  they  were  in  his  presence '. 

Proceedings  of  the  Committee  for  Trade  and  Foreign 
Affairs,  Whitehall,  December  34,  1651  {Factory  Records, 
Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  371). 

Upon  reading  the  petition  of  the  East  India  Company  referred 
to  them  by  the  Council  of  State,  the  Committee  orders  that  the 
said  Company  prepare  and  present  this  day  week  at  eight  o'clock 
in  the  morning  a  particular  and  succinct  narrative  of  the  state 
of  affairs  between  them  and  the  Dutch  in  the  Indies,  proof  of  which 
can  be  given  if  necessary.   Signed,  Gualter  Frost,  Secretary.     (J/.) 

Particulars  of  the  Grievances  of  the  East  India 
Company  against  the  Dutch  [December,  3651]  {Factory 
Records^  Java^  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  ^tl^- 

Narrating  at  length  the  misdeeds  of  the  Dutch  in  relation  to 
Pulo  Run,  Lantore,  the  Moluccas,  Jakatra,  Bantam,  Jambi,  Surat, 
and  Persia ;  with  further  injuries  received  from  Governors-General 
Koen  and  Carpentier.     {Copy,     9  PP-) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
December  31,  1651  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  158). 

Mr.  Worsley's  request  that  his  counsel  may  see  all  the  papers 
concerning  the  Company's  interest  in  Blackwall  Yard  is  granted, 
but  on  his  further  request  to  be  allowed  to  place  some  timber  in 
the  said  Yard  the  Court  stipulates  for  some  part  of  the  purchase 
money  to  be  paid  in  first.  Captain  Mynors  is  granted  remission 
of  freight  on  part  of  his  private  trade  and  promised  a  gratuity  of 
50/.  for  making  the  Downs  his  first  port  with  the  William,  if  it 
is  proved  that  he  landed  no  goods  from  her  there.  Benzoin  sold 
to  Edward  Biggs.  Certain  Committees  are  entreated  to  procure 
a  lease  of  this  (Lord  Craven's)  house  from  the  Committee  of 
Sequestration.  Calicoes  sold  to  Signor  Fernandez.  Upon  reading 
an   order  from   the  Commissioners  of  the   Great  Seal,  in  which 


146  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

Humphrey  Phelstead,  who  married  the  widow  of  Richard  Wallis, 
is  appointed  guardian  (in  the  room  of  Captain  Mynors)  to  Wallis's 
daughter  and  also  to  another  daughter  of  the  said  widow,  by 
Prince  a  former  husband,  the  Court  orders  loo/.  of  the  money  in 
its  keeping  to  be  paid  to  Phelstead  and  expresses  its  willing- 
ness to  allow  five  per  cent,  on  the  remainder,  or  to  give  it  up  upon 
receipt  of  an  order  from  the  Prerogative  Court,     (i^//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
January  7,  1652  (Court  Booky  vol,  yixX,  p.  159).^ 

On  reading  an  order  made  at  the  last  court  for  payment  of  100/. 
to  Humphrey  Phelstead,  the  Court,  finding  that  there  is  not 
sufficient  belonging  to  the  estate  to  pay  the  debts  and  legacies, 
thinks  fit  to  deduct  80/.  of  the  100/.  paid  to  Phelstead  from  the  300/. 
left  to  Wallis's  daughter,  and  20/.  from  the  100/.  left  to  Prince's 
daughter,  and  agrees,  with  Phelstead's  consent^,  to  keep  the 
remaining  400/.  for  the  use  of  the  said  two  children,  according  to  the 
desire  expressed  in  the  will,  and  to  allow  interest  for  the  same  at 
the  rate  of  five  per  cent,  towards  their  education.  Edward  Biggs 
and  Walter  Ilford  are  accepted  as  security  for  benzoin  sold  to  the 
former.  The  Committees  appointed  to  examine  the  account  of 
the  late  Henry  Olton  report  that  he  appears  to  have  left  about 
1,900/.,  including  his  wages ;  the  Court,  conceiving  that  in  the 
space  of  five  years  he  could  only  have  amassed  so  much  by  private 
trading,  resolves  to  impose  a  fine  of  30c/.  upon  his  estate.  Interest 
on  money  paid  for  calicoes  is  returned  to  William  Hooker,  he 
having  lost  considerably  by  their  sale.  The  business  for  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock  not  requiring  so  many  courts  as  formerly,  it  is  resolved 
to  have  a  court  for  that  Stock  only  on  the  first  Wednesday  in 
every  month  ;  but  the  Committees  for  the  said  Stock  are  to  be 
allowed,  if  they  please,  to  attend  the  courts  held  for  the  United 
Joint  Stock.^    A  motion  is  made  for  the  settlement  of  Andrew 

*  Signified  in  the  margin,  as  also  his  wife's  agreement. 

•  From  this  point  all  the  courts  held  are  to  be  understood  to  be  for  the  United  Joint 
Stock,  unless  otherwise  specified.  It  should  be  noted,  however,  that  business  relating  to 
one  Stock  was  often  transacted  at  a  meeting  held  on  account  of  the  other.  The  Com- 
mittees of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  seem  to  have  looked  also  after  all  business  relating  to 
the  Second  General  Voyage. 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  147 

Trumball's  affairs,  he  having  been  home  six  months  ;  whereupon 
the  Deputy  declares  that  Trumball  has  given  him  what  he  thinks 
to  be  good  and  true  information  concerning  private  trading  in  India, 
which  is  a  very  acceptable  service  to  the  Company,  yet  he  thinks 
that  Francis  Day  should  have  his  promised  hearing  before  Trumball 
is  settled  with  ;  hereupon  it  is  agreed  that  Day  shall  be  heard  this 
day  fortnight.  Philip  Wylde,  who  returned  in  the  Love,  is  granted 
remission  of  freight  by  the  Company  on  some  calicoes  he  brought 
home,  and  advised  to  apply  to  the  owners  of  the  said  vessel  to  see 
what  they  will  do  for  their  part,     (ij//.) 

A   Court  of   Committees,  January  9,  165:^  [Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  103). 

In  answer  to  a  letter  received  from  the  Coast,  the  Court  directs 
that  if  Mr.  Baker  takes  Mr.  Thomson,  the  minister,  from  Bantam  to 
the  Coast,  then  Mr.  Winchester  shall  return  to  England  and  be 
given  a  gratuity  of  100  rials  for  his  care  in  the  factory;  but  if 
Mr.  Thomson  does  not  accompany  Mr.  Baker,  or  if  he  should  be 
dead  before  the  arrival  of  the  Love^  then  Mr.  Winchester  shall  be 
detained  as  minister,  with  the  promise  of  a  gratuity  on  his  return 
home.  Understanding  that  James  Bridgeman  [a  factor  at  Hugli] 
is  entertained  at  loc/.  per  annum  to  go  and  return  in  the  Lioness, 
the  Court  thinks  fit  to  allow  him  150/.  for  that  employment,  and  to 
instruct  the  President  or  Agent  and  Council  to  send  Bridgeman  to 
England,  on  the  arrival  of  the  Love,  in  that  ship.  Thomas  Taylor, 
who  was  taken  out  by  Mr.  Spavyn,  is  to  be  allowed  at  the  rate  of 
15/.  per  annum  from  the  time  of  his  arrival  at  the  Coast.  John 
Smith  and  Job  Throgmorton,  two  feoffees  entrusted  by  the  creditors 
of  the  late  Roger  Vivian,  transfer  to  Richard  Clutterbucke  600/. 
adventure  and  profits  in  the  United  Joint  Stock,  300/.  of  which  is 
paid  in,  and  Mr.  Clutterbucke  promises  to  pay  in  the  remainder. 
George  Gawton,  late  purser  in  the  Lioness,  is  entertained  to  go  in 
the  Love  as  assistant  to  Captain  Brookehaven,  at  a  salary  of  50/. 
per  annum,  and  is  ordered  to  give,  on  his  return,  an  exact  account  of 
all  goods  laden  in  and  taken  out  of  the  said  ship,  with  their  several 
numbers  and  marks,     (i^//.) 


L  % 


148  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF   THE 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  January  9, 1653 
(Public  Record  Office:  S. P.  Dom. :  Interregnum^  1. 66, pp.  18^-189). 

.  .  .  The  petition  of  ...  to  be  referred  to  the  Committee  for 
Foreign  Affairs,  who  are  to  consider  the  same;  as  also  the  repre- 
sentation from  the  East  India  Company  concerning  the  business  of 
Amboyna.  .  .  . 

A  Court  of  Committees,  January  10,  165a  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  105). 

Captain  Brookehaven  desires  to  know  what  private  trade  he  is 
allowed  to  take  with  him,  as  he  fears  he  has  infringed  the  Company's 
orders  by  providing  himself  with  certain  cloths ;  the  Court  allows 
him  to  take  these  and,  as  a  further  encouragement,  promises  that,  if 
on  his  return  it  is  found  that  he  has  refrained  from  any  other 
private  trade  and  performed  the  good  service  expected  of  him,  he 
shall  be  rewarded  with  100/.     (|  /.) 

The  Governor  and  Company  of  the  East  India  Mer- 
chants to  the  Ordnance  Committee,  January  12,  165a 
{Public  Record  Office :   S,  P.  Dom. :  Interregnum,  vol.  xxiii,  no.  a). 

We  do  not  find  in  the  transactions  of  our  court  any  commission 
given  to  our  agents  to  make  sale  of  the  Company's  saltpetre  for  less 
than  4/.  8j.  ready  money,  to  be  discounted  out  of  our  own  customs, 
neither  can  we  understand  that  our  agents  who  attended  you  made 
any  offer  but  for  ready  money,  and  to  deliver  the  refined  saltpetre 
as  we  received  it,  which  has  always  been  our  custom.  We  do  not, 
however,  refuse  to  refine  the  unrefined,  and  hope  it  is  not  your 
intention  that,  having  lost  six  months  already,  we  should  be  put  to 
a  longer  time,  except  at  a  higher  price.  Let  the  powder  merchants 
conclude  the  bargain  with  us  without  loss  of  time,  that  we  may 
dispose  of  the  rest,  as  we  expect  a  far  greater  quantity  this  summer. 

Order  of  Parliament,  January  14,  165a  {Public  Record 
Office:  CO.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  14*). 

The  East  India  Company  to  have  leave  to  transport  five  and 
twenty  thousand  pounds  in  foreign  coin  and  bullion.  Signed,  Henry 
Scobell,  Clerk.     (J/.) 

*  See  also  Commons'  Journal,  vol.  vii,  p.  71. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  149 

A  Court  of  Committees,  January  16,  165:2  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  106). 

Captain  Day,  late  commander  of  the  Love,  and  John  Looker, 
her  chief  mate,  are  granted  remission  of  freight  on  cloths  and  spice, 
and  advised  to  apply  to  the  owners  of  the  said  ship  for  remission 
of  the  freight  due  to  them.  Two  of  the  Sequestrators  sitting  at 
Armourers'  Hall  appear  to  treat  about  a  new  lease  to  be  taken 
of  Lord  Craven's  house  from  the  State,  and  certain  Committees 
are  entreated  to  come  to  some  agreement  with  them.  On  being 
informed  in  a  letter  received  from  the  Agent  and  Council  at  Fort 
St.  George  of  the  entertainment  of  Walter  Littleton  at  twelve  rials 
per  month,  he  knowing  the  country  language  and  having  been 
employed  in  the  present  negotiation  with  the  Nabob,  the  Court 
is  pleased  to  confirm  this  salary.  Saltpetre  is  sold  to  Messrs.  Judd 
and  Freeman  for  4/.  Si",  the  cwt.  at  three  six  months'  discount,  and 
certain  Committees  are  requested  to  see  to  the  refining  and  delivery 
of  the  same.  The  request  of  Sir  Thomas  Dacres  that  his  son  may 
go  to  Bantam  at  his  charge  is  refused,  the  United  Joint  Stock 
being  almost  at  an  end.     (ij//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
January  21,  1653  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  i6i). 

Resolved  that  a  division  in  money  of  12/.  loj.  shall  be  made  at 
the  beginning  of  next  February  to  the  adventurers  in  the  Second 
General  Voyage.  Francis  Day  states  his  accusations  against  Trum- 
ball,  and  the  latter  answers  the  same ;  the  Court,  being  satisfied 
with  the  said  answers  and  thinking  that  the  accusations  have  been 
brought  before,  tells  Day  that,  if  he  has  anything  new  of  which 
to  accuse  Trumball,  he  must  present  the  same  in  writing.  Both 
men  are  dismissed,  and  after  they  have  gone  the  Court  desires  to 
be  reminded  to  ask  satisfaction  from  each  for  the  Gombroon 
customs.     (I/.) 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  January  22,  1652 
{Public  Record  Office :  S,  P.  Dom. :  Interregnum,  I.  66,  pp.  242-49) . 

.  .  .  Sir  Arthur  Hesilrigge  to  report  to  Parliament  that  the 
Council  has  contracted   with   Mr.   Pennoyer,    Daniel  Judd,  John 


150  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

Freeman,  Thomas  Steventon,  John  Semaine,  and  George  Bower- 
man,  powder  merchants,  to  serve  the  State  with  5,000  barrels  of 
Engh'sh  gunpowder  at  4/.  per  barrel,  Tower  proof,  to  be  delivered 
by  1,000  barrels  a  month,  and  paid  for  out  of  the  money  remaining 
in  the  hands  of  the  East  India  Company  due  for  customs,  and  out 
of  customs  arising  on  arrival  of  the  ships  from  India  in  the  spring  ; 
and  if  Parliament  approve  hereof,  that  order  may  be  given  for 
payment.^ 

A  Court  of  Committees,  January  23,  1652  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  108). 

Maurice  Thomson  presents  a  clause  from  a  letter  concerning  the 
seizure  of  some  of  the  Ruth's  cargo  by  the  King  of  Deccan's 
people,  and  desires  that  it  may  be  inserted  in  the  general  letter 
to  Surat;  hereupon  certain  Committees  are  entreated  to  compose 
a  clause  on  behalf  of  those  interested  in'  the  Ruth's  voyage  for 
insertion  in  that  letter.  John  Ramsy  and  Richard  Allen  are 
accepted  as  security  for  Sarkhej  indigo.  Mr.  Lewen,  *the  glasse- 
man ',  appears  on  behalf  of  Mr.  Thetcher  and  promises  that  the 
latter's  debt  shall  be  paid  next  Friday  ;  the  Court,  understanding 
that  Lewen  is  an  able  and  honest  man,  consents  to  wait  until  that 
time,     (i/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
January  28,  1652  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  162). 

Richard  Allen  to  be  allowed  for  shortage  in  weight  of  pepper 
sold  to  him ;  and  Signor  Fernandez  for  money  disbursed  in 
shipping  calicoes  he  bought  of  the  Company.  The  Deputy  reports 
that  William  Nokes,  who  returned  this  year  from  India,  told  him 
that  the  money  pretended  to  have  been  seized  by  the  King  of 
Deccan's  people  was  delivered  by  Capt.  Thomson  to  Mr.  Hicks 
at  Rajapur  in  exchange  for  promise  of  saltpetre,  and  Hicks  with 
that  money  paid  part  of  the  debt  owing  there  by  Mr.  Courteen ; 
the  Court,  wishing  to  know  the  truth  of  this  business,  directs  that 
Nokes  be  summoned  to  appear  at  next  Friday's  court,     (i  p.) 

*  Report  was  made,  and  the  contract  approved,  on  February  10,  1652  {Commons* 
Journals,  vol.  vii,  p.  85). 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  151 

Petition  of  the  East  India  Company  to  the  Council 
OF  State,  January  29,  1653  {Public  Record  Office:  CO.  77, 
vol.  vii,  no.  20  ^). 

Setting  forth  that,  by  the  treaty  of  1619  made  between  the 
English  and  Dutch,  the  English  Company  were  accorded  the  third 
part  of  all  spices  grown  on  the  islands  of  Molucca,  Banda,  and 
Amboyna ;  that  the  Dutch  Company,  envying  the  good  the  English 
would  reap  from  this,  tried  to  elude  its  execution  and  imposed 
most  exorbitant  and  intolerable  burdens  on  the  English,  under 
colour  of  their  paying  one-third  part  of  the  charges  incident  to 
the  defence  of  the  said  islands.  But  finding  the  petitioners  '  inde- 
fatigable in  their  sufferance  abroad,  in  expectation  to  finde  releife 
in  Europe',  the  Dutch  resolved  upon  a  speedy  way  and  shortly 
after  perpetrated  '  that  horrid  massacre '  upon  the  English  at 
Amboyna.  By  this  and  many  other  injuries  and  damages  caused 
by  the  Dutch  in  other  parts  of  the  East,  the  English  have  sustained 
irreparable  loss,  for  which  they  have  constantly  sought,  and  as 
often  been  promised,  redress  from  the  State,  the  Dutch  even  offer- 
ing a  sum  of  money  by  way  of  accommodation.  Therefore  the 
petitioners  pray  that  whilst  the  ambassadors  for  the  Dutch  nation 
are  negotiating  the  conclusion  of  all  national  differences,  this  busi- 
ness of  so  much  concern  may  be  considered,  and  such  effectual 
relief  vouchsafed  as  may  conduce  to  their  satisfaction  and  the 
honour  and  benefit  of  the  whole  nation.  Signed^  William 
Cokayne.     (i  p) 

Petition  of  the  East  India  Company  to  the  Council  of 
State,  January,  1652  {Public  Record  Office:  CO.  77,  vol.  vii, 
no.  21). 

Showing  that  for  the  last  twenty-eight  years  the  Company  has 
petitioned  for  redress  for  the  many  insupportable  wrongs,  injuries, 
damages,  losses  and  indignities  sustained  from  the  Dutch  Company, 
more  especially  for  the  murder  of  the  English  Agent  and  factors  at 
Amboyna,  and  their  people  at  Pulo  Run ;  but  during  the  reign  of 
the  late  King  no  relief  could  be  procured,  and  since  the  change  of 
government  affairs  of  State  have  prevented.     The  petitioners  pray 

^  There  is  a  copy  at  the  India  Office,  m  Factory  Records,  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  384. 


15*  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

that,  in  the  impending  transactions  with  the  States  ambassadors, 
effectual  care  may  be  taken  that  the  honour  of  this  nation  may  be 
vindicated  and  the  Company  receive  such  satisfaction  as  is  agreeable 
to  justice  and  equity.     Signed,  William  Cokayne,  Governor.     (I/) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  January  30,  165a  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  109). 

Ordered  that  of  the  twenty  chests  of  coral  in  the  care  of 
Mr.  Skynner  at  Dover,  ten  be  shipped  in  the  Love,  two  of  those 
remaining  sent  to  London,  and  the  rest  kept  a^t  Dover  until  the 
arrival  of  the  Smyrna  Merchant',  also  that  the  13,000/.,  rated  at 
4$'.  the  rial,  and  all  the  cloth  and  quicksilver  be  entered  this  day  in 
the  Customhouse  and  shipped  the  next  morning.  Captain  Brooke- 
haven  appearing  to  take  his  leave,  he  is  desired  to  proceed  with  his 
ship  to  the  Downs  as  soon  as  the  treasure  is  aboard.  Certain  of  the 
Committees  are  requested  to  attend  Parliament  next  Wednesday  ^ 
about  Alderman  Fowke's  business.  William  Noaks,  being  ques- 
tioned, asserts  he  heard  that  Mr.  Thomson  had  delivered  to 
Mr.  Hicks  some  of  the  cargo  of  the  Ruth,  in  exchange  for  which  he 
was  promised  saltpetre,  and  that  Hicks  had  given  the  same  towards 
satisfaction  of  part  of  Mr.  Courteen's  debts.  Mr.  Thomson  reports 
his  unsuccessful  endeavours  to  procure  an  Act  of  Parliament  for 
payment  to  the  Company  in  part  for  their  saltpetre,  and  his 
expectation  of  effecting  this  shortly ;  meanwhile  his  request  to  be 
supplied  with  ten  tons  of  this  commodity,  so  that  '  the  mills  may 
not  stand  still ',  is  granted.  William  Peirce,  purser,  and  Thomas 
Jackett,  second  mate  in  the  Love^  are  allowed  remission  of  freight 
on  nutmegs  and  mace  they  brought  home  as  private  trade,  and 
John  Hinson,  late  surgeon  in  the  same  ship,  is  allowed  a  similar 
favour  for  his  private  trade.  Robert  Doughty  and  William  Winter 
to  be  sent  home  in  the  Love ;  also  Jeremy  Roote,  who  went  to  India 
about  twelve  years  ago  and  is  now  a  gunner  with  the  Nabob. 
Mr.  Thomson  is  given  permission  to  send  *  five  yards  of  scarlett '  to 
Henry  Greenehill,  Agent  at  the  Coast,     (^ipp.) 

*  The  matter  was  adjourned  until  February  6,  and  then  from  time  to  time  until 
February  27.  On  that  day  an  Act  for  *  relieving'  Fowke  *  against  *  the  Company  was 
read  the  first  and  second  time  and  referred  to  a  Committee,  together  with  a  petition 
presented  by  the  Company  {Commons'  Journals,  vol.  vii,  pp.  84,  85,  96,  99). 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  153 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
February  4, 1652  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  163). 

At  the  request  of  George  Gawton,  who  is  employed  aboard  the 
Love  as  assistant  to  Captain  Brookehaven,  the  Court  orders  61.  ^s. 
to  be  paid  every  six  months  from  Gawton's  salary  of  50/.  per  annum 
to  his  wife  for  her  maintenance,     (i/.) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  February  4,  165a  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  164). 

Sale  of  Lahore  indigo,  cloves,  mace,  brass  '  sheeves '  and  *  brasse 
coaktes ',  with  prices  and  names  of  purchasers.     (J  /.) 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  February  10,  1652 
{^Public  Record  Office :  S.  P.  Dom. :  Interregnum,  1. 66,  pp.  316-ao). 

.  .  .  The  Irish  and  Scotch  Committee  to  consider  how  the  30,000/. 
mentioned  in  the  order  of  Parliament  may  be  provided  for  the  Navy, 
in  place  of  the  money  of  the  East  India  customs,  appointed  to  pay 
for  powder.  .  .  . 

A  Court  of  Committees,  February  13,  1652  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  III). 

Messrs.  Mead,  Bathurst,  and  Thorowgood  are  refused  any  abate- 
ment in  the  price  of  calicoes  they  wish  to  buy ;  but  on  their 
departure  from  the  court  it  is  resolved  that,  if  they  apply  to  the 
Governor  on  the  Exchange,  a  bargain  shall  be  concluded  with 
them.  Captain  Hurleston  to  be  given  800/.  imprest  upon  account 
of  the  Smyrna  Merchant,  and  Captain  Newport  a  like  sum  upon 
account  of  the  East  India  Merchant.  Colonel  Harvy,  on  behalf  of 
himself  and  the  rest  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  Customs,  desires 
payment  of  the  customs  for  the  ships  arrived  last  summer,  though 
he  is  aware  that  the  Council  of  State  ordered  payment  to  be  made 
in  another  way  ;  for  the  Commissioners  must  be  paid,  that  the  same 
may  be  entered  in  their  books,  which  have  to  be  taken  to  the 
Exchequer;  Mr.  Thomson  is  entreated  to  settle  this  matter. 
Mr.  Davies,  wishing  to  buy  six  tons  of  saltpetre,  offers  4/.  8^. 
per  cwt.,  and  the  Company  refusing  to  sell  under  4/.  loj.,  he  desires 
time  for    consideration.     Mr.   Vandermarsh    to    be    allowed    for 


154  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

damaged  cassia  lignum.  William  Fairefax,  who  came  home  in  the 
Lioness,  is  entertained  as  a  factor  for  Surat  for  five  years  at  40/.  per 
annum,  his  wages  to  begin  the  day  he  lands  at  Surat  and  cease  on 
his  boarding  the  ship  for  his  return.  At  the  request  of  Signor 
Fernandez,  the  Court  agrees  to  pay  the  '  Citty  duties  '  amounting  to 
about  7/.  on  calicoes  he  bought  for  exportation,  Fernandez  promising 
to  repay  the  same  if  he  is  made  to  pay  a  like  duty  at  the  Custom- 
house for  goods  he  ships  out  by  certificate.  Calicoes  sold  to  John 
Chevall,  Thomas  Trotter,  and  Thomas  Blenkinsopp.    (i|  //.) 

Council  of  State  to  the  Navy  Committee,  Whitehall, 
February  16,  1652  {Public  Record  Office:  S.  P.  Dom.:  Inter- 
regnum, I.  97,  p.  132). 

We  have  contracted  with  William  Pennoyer,  Daniel  Judd,  John 
Freeman,  Thomas  Steventon,  John  Semaine  and  George  Bower- 
man,  for  5,000  barrels  of  powder  at  4/.  a  barrel,  to  be  paid  for  out 
of  the  remainder  of  the  customs  due  from  the  East  India  Company, 
being  7,000/.,  and  13,000/.  out  of  the  customs  upon  the  East  India 
ships  that  shall  next  arrive.  Parliament  has  confirmed  this  contract, 
and  referred  it  to  us  to  perfect  it,  but  as  the  money  of  the  customs 
is  to  be  disposed  of  by  you,  we  desire  you  to  give  a  warrant  for 
payment  as  aforesaid. 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
February  18,  1652  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  165). 

The  Deputy  acquaints  the  Court  that  he  received  a  surplus  of 
240  lb.  of  pepper  upon  his  division  of  twenty-five  per  cent,  in  the 
Second  General  Voyage  and  that  his  warrant  for  money  is  stopped 
until  he  has  paid  for  the  same ;  he  conceives  it  unjust  that  he  should 
now  pay  i  'zd.  per  lb.  for  the  pepper,  when  he  bought  some  at  the 
time  at  twenty-four  months'  discount ;  the  Secretary  is  entreated  to 
look  into  the  matter.  Messrs.  Freeman  and  Steeventon  to  have 
five  tons  of  saltpetre  delivered  to  them  at  the  price  formerly  agreed 
upon  with  the  powder  merchants,  they  to  seal  bills  for  payment 
this  day  month,  but  if  in  the  meantime  they  can  procure  security 
from  the  State  for  the  1 20  tons  bought  of  the  Company,  the  Court 
promises  that  their  bills  shall  be  cancelled.  Anthony  Taylor,  who 
lodged  information   in  the  Exchequer  against  the  Company  for 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  155 

selling  ungarbled  cloves  to  some  Dutchmen,  being  approached  is 
found  to  be  '  very  civill ',  and  is  now  given  200/.  Andrew  Trumball 
to  be  heard  and  his  business  settled  this  day  sennight.  All  stores 
remaining  at  Blackwall  to  be  valued.  Mr.  Tranckmore,  who  has 
agreed  with  Mr.  Worseley  for  all  the  docks  at  Blackwall,  desires 
leave  to  place  some  timber  in  the  Yard,  but  this  the  Court  refuses 
to  allow  until  the  contractors  for  the  Yard  have  paid  in  1,000/.  upon 
the  contract.  The  request  of  Thomas  Tomblings  for  a  gratuity  is 
referred  until  the  sale  of  the  Yard  is  completed.  William  Noaks, 
who  came  from  Surat  in  the  Love^  petitions  for  the  10/.  demanded 
by  the  owners  for  his  passage,  as  he  has  served  nine  years  in  India 
for  8j.  per  month  ;  he  is  told  that,  as  he  went  to  India  without  the 
Company's  permission  and  amassed  a  large  estate  in  their  service, 
he  must  pay  for  his  passage  himself.  A  good  report  having  been 
received  of  John  Nay  lor,  who  went  out  as  attendant  to  Grimes, 
master  of  the  Greyhound,  and  lived  four  years  at  Surat,  the  Court 
consents  to  the  money  for  his  passage  home  in  the  Love  being 
deducted  from  what  he  owes  the  Company,  but  at  the  same  time 
orders  that  all  other  passengers  shall  pay  for  their  own  passages. 
Elizabeth,  widow  of  Henry  Olton,  petitions  for  remission  of  part  of 
the  fine  imposed  on  her  late  husband's  estate  ;  this  is  refused,  as 
Olton,  besides  indulging  in  private  trade,  was  partner  with  Peniston 
and  Winter  in  freighting  one  of  the  Compatiy's  ships  to  their  great 
prejudice.  Messrs.  Bathurst,  Mead,  and  Thorowgood,  having  bought 
900  pieces  of  red  *  guzees '  and  finding  other  colours  among  them, 
desire  some  allowance;  this  is  promised,  if  many  of  a  different 
colour  are  found  in  the  bales.     (2^//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  February  20,  1652  [Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  113). 

Mr.  Davies  renews  his  offer  for  saltpetre ;  but  it  being  understood 
that  the  State  wishes  to  provide  the  powder  merchants  with  a 
further  supply  and  therefore  desires  the  Company  to  forbear  selling 
what  they  have  remaining,  the  Committees  refuse  to  treat  with  him. 
Malabar  pepper  sold  to  John  Cuttler.  A  note  is  presented  concern- 
ing some  wants  at  Surat,  and  certain  of  the  Committees  are  desired 
to  provide  what  they  conceive  fitting ;  also  to  send  three  pipes  of 
Canary,  three  butts  of  beer,  a  quarter  cask  of  Alicant,  and  a  quarter 


15^  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

cask  of  oil,  and  such  tapestries  as  the  factors  desire.  The  owners 
of  the  Love  to  be  paid  800/.  imprest  upon  account  of  freight. 
Longcloth  and  ginghams  sold  to  John  Chevall  and  Thomas  Trotter. 
Henry  Wooleston  and  George  and  John  Brett  accepted  as  security 
for  indigo  bought  by  the  lastnamed.     (ij  pp^ 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
February  25,  165a  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  167). 

Mr.  Moyer  reports  that  he  has  contracted  for  a  lease  of  seven 
years  at  140/.  per  annum  for  the  present  East  Jndia  House  (lately 
belonging  to  Lord  Craven),  including  the  house  at  the  back  gate ; 
the  Court  approves  of  this  and  requests  the  Secretary  to  go  to 
Haberdashers'  Hall  and  have  the  said  lease  drawn  up.  The  Deputy 
is  to  pay  1 2d,  per  lb.  at  twenty-four  months'  discount  for  the  surplus 
pepper  delivered  to  him.  Tomblings  is  ordered  to  have  the  salt- 
petre at  Blackwall  sorted.  A  gratuity  of  50/.  is  given  to  Captain 
Mynors  for  bringing  the  William  into  the  Downs  as  her  first  port, 
and  his  wages  are  ordered  to  be  paid.  Nicholas  Smith,  who  went  out 
with  Captain  Slade  in  the  Blessing,  is  admitted  to  the  Company's 
almshouse.     Calicoes  sold  to  Thomas  Trotter,     (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  February  27,  1652  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  115). 

The  Deputy  reports  that  500/.  is  due  from  the  State  for  Algier 
duty,  and  that  several  gentlemen,  'creditors  upon  that  perticuler 
accompt  *,  intend  to  appeal  to  Parliament  to  obtain  their  rights  and 
desire  the  help  of  the  Company ;  hereupon  certain  of  the  Com- 
mittees are  appointed  to  assist  in  this  matter.  Samuel  Moyer  is 
given  permission  to  send  100  rials  to  Captain  Blackman,  President 
at  Surat,  *  to  buy  him  some  toyes  for  his  house ' ;  and  the  Deputy 
is  allowed  to  send  twelve  yards  of  *  scarlett  *  to  Surat  for  presents. 
Alderman  Chambers,  however,  is  refused  permission  to  send  cloth 
to  his  son  towards  his  maintenance,  as  it  is  a  prohibited  com- 
modity. William  Hopkyns,  late  master's  mate  in  the  Love,  is 
allowed  remission  of  freight  on  spice  brought  home  as  private 
trade,  and  is  promised  delivery  of  his  goods  when  he  shall  have 
cleared  with  the  owners  of  the  said  ship  for  their  freight.  Colonel 
West,  Lieutenant  of  the  Tower,  appeals  on  behalf  of  Augustine 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  157 

Swallow,  who  was  entertained  two  years  since  to  go  to  India 
without  salary  as  an  under-factor ;  Swallow  now  desires  a  salary, 
but  he  having  been  entertained  to  serve  for  three  years  without 
one,  the  Court  resolves  to  abide  by  its  former  decision,  but  to 
allow  him  ic/.  per  annum,  as  was  done  last  year.  Captain  Hurleston 
takes  exception  to  the  clause  in  the  charter-party  of  his  ship  the 
Smyrna  Merchant,  by  which  he  is  to  leave  one-fifth  part  of  his 
men  at  Surat,  as  this  would  cost  the  owners  of  the  vessel  a  great 
deal ;  so  the  Committees  agree  to  the  said  clause  being  omitted, 
provided  that  the  Captain  covenants  under  his  hand  and  seal  to 
leave  the  said  number  if  the  President  and  Council  desire  it.    ( i|  /^.) 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  February  %%  1652 
[Public  Record  Office:  S.P,  Dom,:  Interregnum,  I.  66,  pp.  389- 
97). 

.  .  .  The  Committee  for  Foreign  Affairs  to  make  their  report 
to  Council  next  Friday,  concerning  the  desires  of  the  Turkey  Com- 
pany for  sending  Mr.  Methwold  Ambassador  to  Constantinople.^  .  .  . 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
February  a8,  165a  [Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  169). 

This  court  being  called  to  consult  about  Alderman  Fowke's 
business,  the  Act  of  Parliament  presented  yesterday  and  read  twice 
in  the  House  is  now  read,  with  the  order  for  its  commitment ;  the 
Committees  to  whom  it  was  referred  having  adjourned  their  meeting 
until  Tuesday  afternoon,  the  Governor  desires  all  the  Committees 
to  be  present  at  their  debate.  Benjamin  Worseley  makes  some 
difficulty  about  the  surrender  of  Blackwall  Yard,  and  confesses  that 
he  forgot  to  speak  about  the  fine  which  will  be  demanded  from 
him  ;  he  is  told  that  the  Company  is  ready  to  perform  their  part 
of  the  contract  and  expects  that  he  will  do  the  same ;  he  promises 
to  take  counsel's  advice  and  is  assured  that,  if  there  is  '  any  stick 
in  the  busines ',  Mr.  Acton  and  the  Company's  counsel  will  be 
ready  to  meet  and  satisfy  his  counsel.     (|  p.) 

1  Evidently  this  project  came  to  nothing,  for  Methwold  continued  to  attend  the  Conrt 
meetings.  In  September,  1653,  Richard  Lawrence  was  dispatched  to  Constantinople  as 
Agent  {S.F.  Dom. :  Interregnum,  I.  70,  pp.  323-23). 


158  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
March  3,  165a  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  170). 

Andrew  Trumbairs  afTairs  are  again  considered,  and  he  is 
acquitted  of  all  charges  previous  to  his  voyage  as  master  in  the 
Falcon*  After  hearing  the  report  of  the  Committees  appointed 
to  look  into  his  business,  the  Court  resolves  that  he  shall  be  fined 
J06/.  for  reported  misdoings  unless  he  can  clear  himself  upon  the 
arrival  of  the  next  ships.  On  consideration  of  his  service  in  giving 
information  concerning  private  trade  and  oth^r  misdemeanours 
going  on  lately  in  India/he  is  granted  remission  of  freight  by  the 
Company  on  private  trade  brought  home  in  the  Love  and,  when 
he  has  satisfied  the  owners  of  the  said  ship  for  their  share  of  his 
freight,  his  goods  are  to  be  delivered  to  him  ;  his  passage  money 
is  also  to  be  paid,  and  whatever  else  is  due  ;  for  all  this  he  returns 
his  humble  thanks.  The  offer  of  Mr.  Wood  to  buy  all  the  stores 
at  IMackwall  at  a  certain  abatement  of  the  8tii)ulatcd  price  is 
accepted.  The  Company's  lighter  to  be  sold  to  Mr.  Gould  for 
40/.  Mr.  Tufton,  the  linendraper,  to  be  sued  for  money  owing  for 
calicoes.     (y^PP) 

A  CouKT  ok  Committees,  March  5,  165a  {Courf  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  117). 

Prothesia,  wife  of  James  Bridgeman,  to  be  given  50/.  on  account 
of  her  husband's  wages,  her  father,  William  Gurny,  standing  security 
for  payment  of  the  same.  Ordered  that  a  like  quantity  of 
elephants'  teeth  be  sent  this  year  to  Surat  as  was  sent  last  year. 
The  President  and  Council  of  Surat  having  raised  the  wages  of 
Robert  Whicherly  and  Walter  Gullipher  to  25/.  per  annum,  this 
increase  is  confirmed,  and  the  augmentation  of  the  wages  of  Wil- 
liam Jesson  and  John  Burnell,  with  the  question  as  to  whether 
three  or  four  factors  should  be  kept  constantly  at  Basra,  is  referred 
to  the  discretion  of  the  said  President  and  Council.  Mr.  Judd 
presents  an  order  from  the  Committee  of  the  Navy  for  allowance 
to  the  Company  of  7,000/.  due  from  them  to  the  State  for  custom 
on  their  goods  returned  last  year;  hereupon  Mr.  Judd  is  paid 
4,000/.  and  the  remainder  kept  in  satisfaction  for  saltpetre  sold 
to  him  and  others,    (i^  //.) 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  159 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  THE  United  Joint  Stock,  March  10,  1652  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  17a). 

The  shipping  of  the  Company's  treasure  is  postponed,  *  in  regard 
of  some  disturbance  which  is  feared  might  happen  by  the  Hol- 
landers'. The  Treasurer  reports  that  the  owners  of  the  Love  have 
entered  2,000  rials  of  eight  upon  the  Company's  licence  ;  the  Court 
allows  this  to  pass,  but  orders  that  it  is  not  to  be  looked  upon  as 
a  precedent  and  not  to  be  done  again  without  their  consent. 
Benjamin  Worseley,  in  a  letter  to  Thomas  Andrews,  offers  to  take 
a  twenty-two  years'  lease  of  Blackwall  at  a  yearly  rental  of  320/.  and 
a  fine  of  600/.,  but  failing  acceptance  of  this  he  wishes  to  be  released 
from  his  contract,  as  one  who  undertook  to  share  Blackwall  with 
him  is  unable  to  do  so ;  after  some  debate  the  Court  decides  to 
relinquish  the  bargain  and  orders  Mr.  Worscley's  contract  to  be 
given  back  to  him  when  he  delivers  up  the  contract  signed  by 
Messrs.  Jennings,  Andrews,  and  Bateman.  Calicoes  to  be  priced. 
The  request  of  James  Cox  to  be  paid  100/.  upon  account  of  what 
is  due  to  him  is  refused,  he  having  promised  in  November,  164.5, 
not  to  ask  for  any  more  money  until  his  account  should  be  settled  ; 
certain  Committees  are  entreated  to  look  into  this  matter  and  when 
Cox  presents  himself  to  settle  with  him.     (1}  pp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  March  12,  1652  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  118). 

The  treasure  designed  for  India  is  ordered  to  be  shipped  aboard 
the  Smyrna  Merchant.  Thomas  Rich  desiring  to  buy  400  bags  of 
Jambi  pepper,  it  is  offered  to  him  at  1 2j^.  per  lb.,  but  he  thinks 
this  price  too  hi^h  and  refuses  to  treat.  Thomas  Burnell  to  be 
given  40/.  to  buy  a  present  for  Signor  Helverio,  who  sent  the 
Galilean  perspective  glass  which  the  Company  presented  to  the 
King  of  Macassar ;  Burnell  is  also  desired,  out  of  the  said  sum,  to 
give  his  kinsman,  who  lives  at  Danzig,  a  tun  of  English  beer  for  his 
pains  in  this  business.  Kerebauds  ^  sold  to  Messrs.  Mead  and 
Thorowgood.     ( i  p,) 

^  Cotton-goods  from  Khair&bild  (United  Provlncei). 


i5o  COURT  MINUTES.  ETC..  OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock 
AND  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  March  i6,  165a  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  lao). 

This  court  is  summoned  to  consider  what  further  care  should  be 
taken  about  Alderman  Fowke's  dispute  with  the  Company.  The 
Governor  relates  how  matters  stand :  and  the  Court  considering 
how  hardly  the  Company  is  dealt  with,  some  think  it  would  be  well 
to  present  a  short  petition  to  the  Committee  of  Parliament  to 
obtain  leave  for  the  Company's  counsel  to  present  the  merits  of 
the  case;  hereupon  certain  Committees  are  entreated  to  interview 
counsel  at  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning  and  act  according  to 
what  is  advised.  William  Fairefax  is  given  10/.  for  fresh  provisions. 
One  of  Mr.  Keightly's  sons  is  allowed  to  take  passage  out  and  home 
in  the  Smyrna  Merchant,  his  father  promising  to  pay  all  charges, 
and  engaging  that  his  son  shall  forbear  all  trade  whatsoever. 
Permission  is  given  for  John  Swinnerton,  a  factor  at  Surat,  to 
return  home  in  the  Smyrna  Merchant,  if  he  wishes  to  do  so  and 
can  be  spared,     (ij//.) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  March  17,  1652  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  123). 

Sale  of  dust  of  flat  indigo,  kerebauds,  longcloth,  white  ginghams, 
sallampores,  pieces  of  kersywale,  several  sorts  of  cloth,  and  cotton 
wool,  with  prices  and  names  of  purchasers,     (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
March  17,  1652  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  174). 

Another  request  made  by  James  Cox  to  be  paid  50/.  upon  account 
is  refused.  Upon  receipt  of  a  note  from  Maurice  Thomson, 
Tomblings  is  ordered  to  have  delivered  to  Josias  Dewye  ten  tons 
of  *  ruffe  peeter  in  sorts ',  Thomson  promising  that,  as  soon  as 
Messrs.  Judd  and  Freeman  shall  have  approved  of  the  same,  he 
will  see  that  it  is  paid  for;  the  Court  at  the  same  time  orders 
that  no  more  saltpetre  be  delivered  until  the  contract  for  it  has 
been  signed.  Henry  Robinson  applies  for  the  proceeds  of  a  chest 
of  coral  which,  with  the  Court's  permission,  he  sent  some  ten  years 
ago  in   the  Aleppo  Merchant  to   Surat;   no  account  of  its  sale 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  i6i 

appearing  in  the  Company's  books,  Robinson  is  advised  to  inquire 
of  Mr.  Knipe  or  others,  and  is  promised  that  when  any  account  of 
its  sale  does  appear  he  shall  be  treated  justly.  Mrs.  Olton's 
repeated  request  for  some  mitigation  of  the  fine  imposed  on  her  late 
husband's  estate  is  again  refused.  Sarah,  daughter  of  John  Osborne, 
who  is  in  India,  to  be  given  3/.  from  her  father's  estate  towards  her 
maintenance.  Edward  Steevens  petitions  for  some  allowance  for 
his  expenses  incurred  in  travelling  about  to  inspect  and  buy 
timber ;  these  he  estimates  at  about  400/.,  and  asserts  that  towards 
them  he  has  only  received  75/. ;  it  is  ascertained  that  this  75/.  was 
paid  in  1641,  and  it  is  thought  to  have  covered  all  his  charges  up  to 
then ;  therefore  he  is  desired  to  give  in  an  account  of  what  timber 
he  has  bought  since,  when  his  claim  shall  be  considered.     (i|/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  March  19,  1652  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  \'X\). 

Thomas  Andrews  and  Richard  Clutterbuck  buy  all  the  Jambi 
pepper  belonging  to  the  United  Joint  Stock  at  \^\d.  per  lb.,  at  three 
six  months  and  two  months  in  from  the  ist  of  January  last ;  also  all 
the  garbled  Malabar  pepper  belonging  to  the  same  Stock  at  13^^. 
per  lb.,  at  three  six  months  and  two  months  in  from  the  ist  of  April 
next.  A  motion  is  made  for  James  Anfosse  to  have  i  ,000/.  worth 
of  the  goods  he  formerly  bought,  upon  the  security  of  Silvanus  Hide 
and  John  C  ha  worth  ;  hereupon  an  account  of  all  that  Anfosse  owes 
the  Company  is  ordered  to  be  presented.  A  lease  is  read,  sealed  by 
three  of  the  Sequestrators  sitting  at  Armourers'  Hall,  of  the  present 
East  India  House  and  the  house  adjoining  the  back  gate  (in  the 
possession  of  Mrs.  Macro),  by  which  the  said  two  houses  are  let  to 
the  Company  for  seven  years  at  140/.  per  annum  from  Lady  Day 
next;  the  Court  approves,  and  desires  the  Treasurer  to  seal  the 
counterpart,  and  orders  that  the  clerk  attending  the  Sequestrators 
be  given  %os.  for  drawing  up  and  engrossing  the  said  lease. 
A  petition,  drawn  up  with  the  advice  of  counsel  for  presentation  to 
the  Committee  of  Parliament,  to  hear  the  dispute  between  the 
Company  and  Alderman  Fowke,  is  read,  and  the  Governor  is 
requested  to  sign  the  same.  '  Matchavore  bafts '  ^  and  '  kersywale 
calicoes '  sold  to  Thomas  Hodges,     (ij//.) 

1  Piece-goods  from  Machhiwara,  in  the  Punjab. 

S.C.M.  IV  M 


i6a  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

Petition  of  Elizabeth  Salmon  to  the  Council  of  State, 
March  25,  1653  (Public  Record  Office:  S.P,  Dom.:  Interregnum^ 
vol.  xxiii,  no.  31  ;  also  I.  ^(t,  p.  503). 

For  satisfaction  for  the  death  of  her  former  husband,  Captain 
Robert  Bonner,  who  in  161 9,  peace  being  made  with  the  Dutch 
as  to  the  East  India  trade,  was  treacherously  taken,  and  barbarously 
slain  by  them,  with  his  ship,  the  Dragon,  lying  at  Tiku,  worth 
100,000/.,  of  which  7,000/.  belonged  to  her  husband.  Is  informed 
of  a  treaty  of  peace  with  the  Dutch,  and  therefore  begs  reparation 
of  her  losses.  With  reference  thereon  to  the  Committee  for  Foreign 
Affairs,  and  some  of  the  East  India  Company  to  attend,  (i  /. ; 
note  by  Bradshaw.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  March  26,  1652  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  124). 

Calicoes  sold  to  John  Bathurst.  James  Anfosse  renews  his 
request  to  be  allowed  to  have  some  of  his  goods  delivered  to  him  ; 
he  having  a  great  quantity  lying  in  the  Company's  warehouse 
unpaid  for,  certain  Committees  are  desired  to  examine  and  report 
on  his  affairs  with  the  Company.  John  and  George  Brett  and 
Henry  WoUestone  are  accepted  as  security  for  dust  of  indigo 
bought  by  John  Day ;  and  Thomas  Gould  and  John  Taylor  for 
shot  bought  by  the  former.  All  the  ships  designed  this  year  for 
India  having  left  the  Downs,  and  there  being  little  business  to  be 
transacted  •  either  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  or  for  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  it  is  decided  to  have  only  one  court  a  week,  and  that 
on  Fridays.  All  the  Company's  officers  are  desired  to  perfect 
their  accounts  of  money  received  and  disbursed.  Spiller  is  ordered 
to  see  to  the  repair  of  a  decayed  beam  in  the  house  of  Mrs.  Macroe, 
the  Company's  tenant.  Elizabeth  May  and  Bridget  Higgenson, 
wives  of  men  serving  in  the  Lioness,  desiring  allowance  for  sugar 
sent  to  them  but  used  in  the  said  ship;  they  are  told  to  present 
an  account  of  the  weight  of  the  sugar.  A  court  to  be  summoned 
for  next  Monday  in  order  to  satisfy  some  gentlemen  of  the  justness 
of  the  cause  between  the  Company  and  Alderman  Fowke,  and 
Messrs.  Moyer,  Thomson,  and  Pennoyer  are  desired  to  attend  the 
same.  Mr.  Mead  is  granted  allowance  for  some  'guzees',  those 
supplied  being  of  a  different  colour  from  his  given  sample.     (2 J  /^) 


.  EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  16^ 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  April  i,  1652 
(Public  Record  Office :  S.P.  Dom. :  Interregnum^  1. 66^  pp.  527-531)- 

.  .  .  The  Admiralty  Judges  and  Dr.  Walker  to  attend  Council 
this  day  week,  concerning  the  salvo  conducto  granted  by  the  Duke 
of  Florence  to  Mr.  Courteene,  whereby  he  is  protected.  .  .  . 

A  Court  of  Committees,  April  2,  1652  (Court  Booh, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  126). 

The  Governor  reporting  that  Sir  John  Jacob,  Sir  Job  Harby, 
and  the  rest  of  the  late  Farmers  of  the  Customs  have  some  proposi- 
tion to  make  respecting  payment  of  the  great  debt  due  for  pepper 
from  Lord  Cottington,  themselves,  and  others,  a  general  court  of 
all  adventurers  in  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  is  ordered  to  be  held 
next  Wednesday.  Mr.  Vandepitt  asks  for  the  kettles  ^  in  which 
the  fifty  bullions  of  quicksilver  he  sold  to  the  Company  were 
packed ;  he  is  told  that  these  are  considered  the  property  of  the 
Company.  Elizabeth ,  wife  of  John  May,  and  Bridget,  wife  of 
Samuel  Higgenson,  are  given  allowance  for  sugar.  Messrs.  Oyles 
and  Shuite  to  be  desired  to  pay  their  long  outstanding  debt. 
Mr.  Ferrara  begging  that  no  rigorous  action  may  be  taken  against 
Anfosse,  as  it  is  their  intention  to  pay  500/.  as  soon  as  possible, 
he  is  told  that  the  Company  has  no  desire  to  prejudice  them,  but 
desires  payment  of  part  of  their  great  debt,  and  that  Anfosse  would 
remove  some  of  his  goods,  as  ships  are  expected  shortly  and  then 
the  room  in  the  warehouses  will  be  wanted.  Thomas  Gould  offei;s 
1,100/.  at  three  six  months  for  all  the  ordnance  in  Blackwall  Yard, 
excepting  those  guns  reserved  for  the  William  \  this  price  is 
thought  *to  meane',  the  Court  demanding  1,300/.,  but  after  Gould 
has  left  Tomblings  is  commissioned  to  treat  with  him  and,  if  he 
can  get  no  advance  on  the  price  offered,  then  to  close  with  him. 
A  petition  from  the  inhabitants  of  Blackwall  is  read,  wherein  they 
state  that  because  of  the  great  distance  from  Stepney  Church,  in 
wet  and  cold  weather  few  of  them  can  attend,  and  in  summer  there 
is  no  room,  and  therefore  they  pray  that  the  Company  will  help 
towards  the  completion  of  the  chapel  by  the  almshouse  at  Poplar, 
for  which  they  have  already  laid  a  good  foundation ;  after  some 

^  On  p.  169  these  are  termed  *  copper  pots ', 


i54  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

consideration  the  Committees  decide  to  contribute  200/.  for  this 
object,  out  of  the  money  lying  at  interest  for  the  maintenance  of 
the  hospital,  which  amounts  to  over  a,ooo/. ;  but  the  generality 
must  first  be  told  of  this  and  their  resolution  in  the  matter  taken. 
Sallampores  sold  to  Mr.  Chevall.     (2^  //.) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock,  April  7,  1652  [Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  176). 

The  petition  presented  last  Friday  by  the  inhabitants  of  Black- 
wall  and  Poplar  to  the  Court  of  Committees  is  read.  The 
Court  of  Committees,  thinking  this  a  pious  and  charitable  work, 
considers  that,  with  the  consent  of  the  generality,  200/.  out  of  the 
money  lying  at  interest  for  the  maintenance  of  the  Hospital  should 
be  given  towards  the  finishing  of  the  said  chapel,  100/.  to  be  paid 
when  the  walls  are  erected  to  the  roof,  and  the  other  100/.  when 
the  roof  is  added.  The  Deputy  declares  that  this  may  be  done 
with  much  facility  and  without  any  prejudice  or  charge,  for  the 
2,000/.  lying  at  interest  has  been  long  since  contributed  by  mariners 
paying  id.  in  the  pound.  Hereupon  it  is  unanimously  agreed  that 
the  said  sum  shall  be  given,  and  at  the  same  time  the  Court  orders 
that  a  place  on  purpose  shall  be  reserved  in  the  chapel  for  the 
almsmen  '  to  sitt  in  constantly  to  heare  God's  word  preached '. 
Sir  John  Jacob  and  the  rest  of  the  late  Farmers  of  the  Customs 
attending  to  make  some  proposition  to  the  Court  concerning  the 
great  debt  they  owe  with  others  to  the  Company,  Sir  John  Jacob 
declares  that  they  have  made  some  proposals  to  the  Committee 
of  the  Navy  and  hope  to  procure  an  order  for  the  sale  of  three 
forests  belonging  to  the  late  King  to  enable  them  to  pay  all  the 
debts  they  stand  engaged  for  and  also  to  satisfy  the  money  due 
to  themselves,  which  is  as  much  as  they  stand  bound  to  others 
for ;  yet  they  are  resolved  not  to  receive  one  penny  before  their 
engagements  are  discharged ;  therefore  they  desire  that  some 
Committees  may  be  appointed  to  confer  with  them  about  this 
business.  In  answer  to  a  question  put  by  the  Deputy,  they  acknow- 
ledge their  fear  that '  nothing  wilbe  done  without  some  new  mony ', 
but  as  yet  they  know  not  how  much.  Hereupon  they,  by  request, 
withdraw  to  the  parlour  ;  and  the  Governor  remarks  that  as  yet 
these  men  can  propose  nothing,  for  they  know  not  how  the  State 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  165 

will  deal  with  them.  Mr.  Acton  reports  what  he  has  done  in  the 
matter  and  desires  to  know  whether  he  is  to  go  on  or  to  let  the 
business  rest  as  it  is  ;  and  then  the  Governor  moves  that  a  Com- 
mittee be  appointed  to  meet  with  and  ascertain  from  the  Farmers 
from  time  to  time  what  progress  they  make,  but  to  conclude 
nothing,  to  give  directions  to  Mr.  Acton,  and  inform  the  Court 
from  time  to  time  of  their  proceedings.  Hereupon  sixteen  Com- 
mittees are  appointed,  and  they  or  any  five  of  them  desired  to  meet 
with  Sir  John  Jacob,  Sir  Job  Harby,  Sir  Nicholas  Crispe,  and 
Sir  John  Nulls  about  this  business.  The  sale  of  the  William^  valued 
with  her  provisions  at  2,400/.,  is  deferred.  On  a  motion  that  the 
business  concerning  Amboyna  and  other  wrongs  perpetrated  by 
the  Dutch  may  be  seen  to  while  the  States  Ambassadors  are  in 
England,  the  Governor  replies  that  the  Council  of  State  has  been 
fully  informed  of  all  damages  sustained  by  the  Company,  and  the 
Deputy  declares  that  he  and  others  are  doing  all  in  their  power 
to  settle  this  business.     (2J//.) 

Petition  of  Jane  Webber  to  the  Council  of  State, 
April  7,  1653  (Public  Record  Office:  C.  O,  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  23). 

Stating  that  her  late  husband,  William  Webber,  and  George 
Sharrock,  whose  executor  he  was  (both  miraculously  preserved 
from  the  barbarous  butchery  committed  by  the  Dutch  agents  at 
Amboyna),  were  innocent  of  the  treason  of  which  they  were  accused, 
as  has  been  proved  by  the  depositions  of  many  witnesses,  and 
praying  that  some  considerable  recompense  and  satisfaction  may 
be  obtained  from  the  Dutch  Ambassadors  now  in  England  for  the 
great  losses  and  sufferings  they  incurred  for  so  long,     (i  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  April  9,  1652  [Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  1 29). 

The  Court  debates  whether  to  raise  any  assurance  upon  this 
United  Joint  Stock.  Sambrooke  being  questioned  states  that  it  is 
indebted  34,000/.  more  than  there  is  stock  in  the  land  to  pay  ; 
therefore  as  it  is  thought  that  there  is  no  fear  of  Prince  Rupert, 
he  being  in  the  west  of  France  and  willing  to  serve  the  King  of 
France,  and  that  the  difference  between  the  English  and  the  Dutch 
will  be  '  fairely  composed ',  it  is  agreed  by  a  general  erection  of 


i65  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

hands  to  make  no  assurance.  James  Cox  renews  his  request  to  be 
paid  50/.  upon  account,  and  is  told  that  if  he  presents  his  account  it 
shall  be  examined  and  settled.  Mr.  Pepper,  who  is  not  content 
with  the  7/.  already  paid  him  for  refining  saltpetre,  is  to  be  given 
another  3/.    (i  /.) 

A  General  Court  of  Adventurers  in  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock,  April  14,  165a  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  179). 

This  court  being  called  to  consider  about  the  disposal  of  the 
William,  after  sonie  debate  it  is  decided  to  have  her  repaired,  as  the 
water  leaks  into  her  hull  at  every  tide,  and  it  is  thought  that  if 
employntent  can  be  promised  for  her  it  may  add  500/.  to  her  value  ; 
therefore  some  Committees  are  requested  to  take  the  '  best 
husbandly  course'  they  can  in  the  matter,     (ij//) 

Petition  of  divers  Sea  Commanders,  Mariners,  Widows 
AND  Orphans  to  the  Council  of  State,  May  5,  165a  {Public 
Record  Office :   C.  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  24  ^). 

Setting  forth  that  several  of  the  present  petitioners  and  the 
deceased  husbands  and  fathers  of  the  rest  were  employed  by  the 
East  India  Company  between  the  years  16 16  and  1620,  and  in  that 
time  treacherously  surprised  and  taken  by  the  Dutch,  robbed  and 
pillaged  of  their  estates,  several  wounded  and  murdered,  others 
(with  many  since  dead)  kept  several  years  in  prison  in  irons  and 
chains,  which  *  did  eate  their  flesh  and  entred  into  their  soules ',  and 
after  barbarous  usage  and  cruel  mockings,  being  carried  up  and 
down  in  chains  from  place  to  place  in  order  to  bring  scorn  and 
infamy  upon  the  English  nation  in  their  persons,  several  were 
starved  to  death  ;  others  with  much  difficulty  and  hardship  escaped  ; 

1  There  is  a  duplicate  under  24  II.  At  the  end  of  this  is  written  a  reference  to  the 
Conamittee  of  Foreign  Affairs,  '  to  putt  a  way  to  state  it  and  report  to  the  Councell, 
to  the  end  the  Dutch  Embassadors  may  be  made  acquainted  with  it  at  the  treatie '. 

Separate  petitions  from  many  of  those  who  sign  this  document  are  included  in  the 
same  volume ;  the  references  to  these  have  been  placed  in  brackets  against  their  names 
above.  There  are  also  individual  petitions  from  Joan  Battiche  [no.  38],  William  Coul- 
son  [no.  35],  Rachael  Fletcher  [no.  45],  and  Richard  Newland  [nos.  31  and  36],  none  of 
whom  signs  the  general  petition.  Most  of  these  petitions  are  followed  by  depositions 
made  by  the  actual  sufferers.  Nos.  25-27  consist  of  an  undated  petition  from  William 
Powle,  and  a  copy  of  another  (with  deposition)  addressed  to  the  Council  of  State  in 
October,  1620,  by  Thomas  Hewes. 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  15/ 

particulars  of  all  which  can  be  produced.  The  petitioners  and  many- 
other  sufferers,  since  dead,  have  often  applied  for  redress,  but  could 
never  obtain  any  either  from  the  late  King  or  his  father,  but  now 
being  encouraged  by  the  famous  proceedings  of  this  present  Parlia- 
ment in  promoting  the  glory  of  God,  pursuing  impartial  justice, 
relieving  the  oppressed,  judging  the  cause  of  the  widow  and  father- 
less, and  asserting  the  honour  of  the  English  nation,  they  humbly 
pray  that  in  the  present  treaty  with  the  Dutch  such  reparation  may 
be  obtained  for  them  as  in  wisdom  and  equity  shall  seem  meet. 

Edmond  Grove,  for  the  widow  and  two  children  of  Thomas 
Hackwell,  master  of  the  Sampson  [No.  29].  Robert  Hackwell, 
master's  mate  of  the  Sampson  [No.  42].  Arnold  Browne,  son  to 
Arnold  Browne,  master's  mate  of  the  Sampson.  Sarah  Lane,  for 
her  husband  Jacob  Lane,  commander  of  the  Solomott  [No.  ^-^^ 
Sarah  Willes,  for  her  husband  Joseph  Willes,  master's  mate  of  the 
Attendance  [No.  41].  Margery  Willman,  widow  to  Thomas 
Willman  or  Woolman  [No.  40].  The  mark  of  Joan  Battonson, 
widow,  whose  husband  was  boatswain  of  the  Sampson.  The  mark 
of  Joan  Buttler,  widow  to  Guilliom  \sic\  Buttler  [No.  47].  The 
mark  of  Pleasance  Payne,  widow  to  Michael  Payne,  carpenter  of  the 
Sampson  [No.  32].  The  mark  of  Widow  Vittener,  whose  husband 
was  boatswain's  mate  of  the  Sampson  [No.  51].  Adnea  Tucker's 
mark,  wife  to  John  Tucker,  gunner  of  the  Expedition  [No.  33]. 
The  mark  of  Barbara  Cowley,  widow  to  Hugh  Cowley,  boatswain 
of  the  Expedition  [No.  28].  The  mark  of  Joan  Cotteriell,  widow  to 
William  Cotteriell,  quartermaster  of  the  Sampson  [No.  5c].  The 
name  of  Margaret  Anstey,  widow  to  John  Anstey,  cooper  of  the 
Swan  [No.  30].  The  mark  of  Marie  Meade,  for  her  father, 
Valentine  Meade,  master  caulker  of  the  Dragon.  The  mark  of 
Elizabeth  Wood,  widow  to  Gregory  Wood,  commander  of  the  Rose. 
Katherine  Rockwell,  widow  to  William  Rockwell,  mariner  in  the 
Defence  [No.  44].  Katherine  Rockwell,  widow  to  William  Rock- 
well and  sister  to  Hugh  Wollock,  mariner  in  the  Defence  [44  I]. 
The  mark  of  Jane  Stanten,  widow  to  Robert  Stanten,  gunner's 
mate  of  the  Dragon  [No.  '>>l\  The  mark  of  Constance  Griffen, 
widow  to  Richard  Griffen,  mariner  in  the  Solomon.  Elizabeth 
Swanley,  widow,  late  wife  and  executrix  to  Richard  Swanley, 
master's  mate  of  the  Swan.iox  her  late  husband,  and  also  for  Walter 


i68  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

Stacey,  master's  mate  of  the  Attendance  [No.  54].  Matthew  Wills, 
administrator  to  his  uncle,  Matthew  Wills,  master  o(  the  Attendance 
[No.  52].  The  mark  of  Ellen  Mason,  widow  to  John  Mason, 
carpenter  of  the  Sotomon.  The  mark  of  Mary  Churchman,  widow 
to  Bartholomew  Churchman,  master's  mate  of  the  Solomon  [No.  27]. 
The  mark  of  Elizabeth,  wife  of  William  Barnaby,  boatswain's  mate 
of  the  Swan.  The  mark  of  Nicholas  Smith,  quartermaster  of  the 
Hound  [No.  49].  Thomas  Roswell,  carpenter's  mate  of  the 
Attendance  [No.  43].  Widow  Browne,  wife  to  George  Browne, 
carpenter's  mate  in  the  Attendance.  Mary  Hiet  her  mark,  widow 
to  William  Hiet,  quartermaster  of  the  Sampson  [No.  39].  Margaret 
Piccott,  sister  to  Anthony  Piccott  in  the  Sampson.  The  mark  of 
Elizabeth  Abdy,  widow  of  Philip  Abdy  in  the  Solomon  [No.  46]. 
(MA) 

Order  of  the  Council  of  State,  May  5, 1652  {Public  Record 
Office:  C.  O,  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  24  I). 

Upon  reading  the  petition  of  divers  sea  commanders,  mariners, 
widows  and  orphans,  order  is  given  for  the  same  to  be  referred  to 
the  consideration  of  the  Committee  for  Foreign  Affairs,  who  are  to 
arrange  for  the  several  cases  to  be  stated  and  reported,  that  such  use 
as  shall  be  thought  fit  may  be  made  of  them  in  the  treaty  with  the 
Dutch  ambassadors.  Signed  John  Thurloe,  Clerk  of  the  Council. 
ihP) 

Order  of  the  Council  of  State,  Whitehall,  May  6, 1652 
{Public  Record  Office:  CO.  "]"],  vol.  vii,  no.  ^^. 

The  petition  of  Thomas  May,  merchant,  and  the  petition  of  divers 
sea  commanders,  mariners,  and  orphans,  sufferers  by  the  Dutch, 
to  be  referred  to  the  consideration  of  the  Committee  for  Foreign 
Affairs.     {\p) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and 
the  United  Joint  Stock,  May  7,  1652  {Court  Book^  vol.  xxi, 
p.  180). 

The  Committees  appointed  to  see  about  the  repair  of  the  William 
report  that  after  examining  her  they  desired  Steevens,  Tranckmore, 
and  Johnson,  a  shipwright  at  Deptford,  to  give  their  written  opinions 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  169 

of  her  with  estimates  for  her  repair;  these  are  presented  and  read, 
and  the  Court  agrees  not  to  have  the  said  ship  repaired  but  to  sell 
her  as  she  is  ;  but  since  her  repair  was  ordered  by  a  general  court, 
another  must  be  summoned  to  decide  finally  in  this  matter.  Certain 
Committees  are  entreated  to  consider  and  decide  which  Stock  shall 
pay  the  rent  of  the  warehouses  used  for  housing  the  goods  returned 
this  summer  for  account  of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  that  Stock 
having  paid  up  to  last  Midsummer  for  warehousing  goods 
belonging  to  the  United  Joint  Stock.  Signor  Ferrara  and  Mr. 
Chaworth  appear  on  behalf  of  Mr.  Anfosse  and  desire  that  he  may 
be  released  from  his  bargains  for  goods  yet  in  the  Company's 
custody  on  payment  of  300/. ;  to  this  the  Court  consents,  on 
Mr.  Anfosse  signing  an  agreement  to  this  effect.  Robert  Dycer 
and  William  Foster  are  accepted  as  securities  for  Lahore  indigo. 
Solomon  Hougham,  storekeeper  at  Sandwich,  presenting  a  list 
of  stores  at  Deal,  Margate,  and  Sandwich,  and  desiring  to  be 
allowed  a  salary,  the  Court  grants  him  6/.  a  year,  and  is  inclined  to 
send  Tomblings  to  Sandwich  to  bring  the  stores  in  a  hired  hoy  to 
Blackwall.  There  appearing  in  a  list  of  the  Company's  debtors  an 
entry  of  475  rials  paid  by  Mr.  Skinner  of  Dover  to  Captain  Black- 
man,  by  desire  of  Nathaniel  Andrews,  being  in  part  of  an  Assada 
adventure  with  Maurice  Thomson  and  others,  this  sum  is  to  be 
demanded  from  Andrews  and  Thomson,  and  if  they  refuse  payment 
then  it  is  to  be  put  to  Captain  Blackman's  account.  Mr.  Pepper, 
who  refined  the  Company's  saltpetre,  not  being  content  with  10/.  in 
payment,  is  to  be  offered  another  il.  Copper  pots,  in  which  the 
quicksilver  was  sent,  to  be  returned  to  Mr.  Vandepitt  and  he  to  be 
allowed  the  same  tare  as  his  father  was.     (2  //.) 

Proceedings  of  the  Committee  of  Trade  and  Foreign 
Affairs,  May  12,  1652  (Public  Record  Office:  S.P.  Dom,:  Inter- 
regnu7n,  I.  131,  pp.  2-3). 

.  .  .  The  East  India  Company  to  be  again  sent  to,  for  particulars 
of  the  depredations  committed  by  the  Dutch  and  complained  of  by 
Mr.  Salmon,  and  whether  any  satisfaction  has  been  made,  and  if  so, 
to  whom.  .  .  . 


170  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

Nine  Propositions  submitted  to  the  Committee  for  the 
Mint,  May  14,  165a  {Public  Record  Office:  S.P.  Dom.:  Inter- 
regnum, vol.  xxiv,  no.  16). 

.  .  .  That  an  officer  be  appointed  to  search  for  and  keep  an  account 
of  all  bullion  imported  free  of  customs,  and  to  see  that  it  is  brought 
into  the  Mint,  and  that  the  East  India  Company  and  others  do  not 
carry  out  more  than  their  just  allowance,  as  they  have  done  in  years 
past.  With  order  by  the  Mint  Committee  that  Sir  James  Harrington 
report  the  same  to  the  Council  of  State,  for  their  further  considera- 
tion.    (i|//.) 

A  General  Court  of  Adventurers  in  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock,  May  14,  165a  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  183). 

After  consideration  of  the  opinion  given  by  the  shipwrights  of 
the  William^  and  of  the  estimates  for  her  repair,  the  Court  resolves 
that  she  shall  be  sold,  and  appoints  a  court  of  sales  to  be  held  for 
that  purpose  and  for  sale  of  goods  remaining  on  hand.  White 
pepper  sent  from  India  to  Thomas  Hanson  is  ordered  to  be 
delivered  on  his  promising  to  pay  what  it  is  worth  in  settlement  of 
his  debt  to  the  Company  ;  he  is  also  to  pay  for  its  freight.  William 
Langhorne  transfers  to  Maurice  Thomson  600/.  adventure  in  the 
United  Joint  Stock,  400/.  of  which  is  paid  in.  Benjamin  Morewood, 
administrator  to  Gilbert  Morevyood,  transfers  to  Thomas  Rich 
1,000/.  adventure  in  the  United  Joint  Stock,  all  of  which  is  paid  in. 
Jonathan  Prickman  transfers  to  Edmund  Sleigh  300/.  adventure  in 
the  same  Stock,  all  of  which  is  paid  in,  and  Richard  Bateman  trans- 
fers to  Maurice  Thomson  1,200/.  adventure  in  the  same  Stock,  400/. 
of  which  is  paid  in.     (a  pp.) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  May  20,  1652  {Court  Book,  vol. 
xxiii,  p.  130). 

Sale  of  defective  pepper,  dust  of  pepper,  cotton  yam,  and  160 
pieces  of  kersywale,  with  prices  and  names  of  purchasers.  The  ship 
William  with  her  stores  is  sold  to  the  Deputy  for  1,610/.     (|/.) 

A  CotRT  OF  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
May  21, 1652  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  185). 

James  Cox,  who  is  a  prisoner  in  the  Fleet,  sends  a  messenger  to 
desire  the  Court  to  let  him  have  100/.  or  120/.  upon  account  of  what 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  171 

is  due  to  him ;  his  request  is  referred  for  consideration.  Thomas 
Winter,  a  factor  returned  from  Bantam,  desiring  that  the  goods  he 
brought  home  may  be  delivered  to  him,  the  Court  calls  to  mind 
how  he  and  others  freighted  a  ship  with  rice  (wholly  on  their  own 
account)  from  Bantam  to  Madraspatan,  and  that  Winter  went  in  her, 
leaving  the  Company's  business  until  his  return,  and  made  4,000/.  in 
amonth's  time;  hereupon  it  is  conceived  fit  that  Winter  should 
answer  for  this  and  other  objections  laid  to  his  charge  before  his 
goods  are  delivered  to  him,  and  it  is  also  decided  that  he  must  sign 
an  undertaking  to  submit  to  whatever  fine  the  Company  shall  think 
fit  to  impose  upon  him  for  any  charges  which  may  be  proved  against 
him,  and  leave  in  their  custody  what  money  they  have  of  his  ; 
certain  Committees  are  requested  to  examine  and  report  on  his 
affairs.  The  petition  of  John  Harbert  for  a  settled  salary  is  referred 
for  determination  until  the  election  of  officers  in  July  next,     (ij  pp,) 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  May  25,  1652 
{Public  Record  Office :  S.P.  Dom. :  Interregnum^  I.  6^]^  pp.  133-139). 

.  .  .  The  Ordnance  Committee  to  consider  the  best  way  for 
speedily  converting  the  saltpetre  bought  of  the  East  India  Company 
into  powder,  and  for  contracting  for  such  saltpetre  as  remains  with 
the  East  India  Company,  and  converting  that  also  with  all  possible 
speed  ;  also  to  consider  the  present  usefulness  of  powder,  and  report 
what  they  shall  do  therein.  ... 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  the  United  Joint  Stock,  May  28,  1652  {Court  Book^ 
vol.  xxi,  p.  187). 

The  Governor  acquaints  the  Court  that  he  and  some  Committees 
yesterday  attended  the  Committee  of  the  Ordnance  at  Whitehall, 
and  on  being  questioned  informed  them  that  the  Company  expected 
about  300  tons  of  saltpetre  from  India  this  year  sent  for  expressly 
for  the  State ;  on  this  the  Committee  desired  to  know  what  would 
be  the  price  of  that  saltpetre  and  also  of  what  the  Company  has 
already  in  hand.  Hereupon  the  Court  decides  to  offer  the  80  tons 
in  ;^hand  for  4/.  8^.  per  cwt.  at  three  six  months'  discount,  or  for 
4/.  %s.  6d.  ready  money ;  for  that  expected  home  this  summer  the 
State,  on  contracting  for  all,  can  have  it  at  the  former  price, '  Suratt 


i7a  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

proofe ',  and  if  it  is  wanted  '  Tower  proofe ',  then  it  will  cost  4s.  or  ^s. 
per  cwt.  more.  The  accounts  of  the  Company's  officers  to  be 
examined.  Cloves  sold  to  John  Lane,  and  he  and  James  Edwards 
accepted  as  security  for  them.  At  the  request  of  the  Victuallers  of 
the  Navy,  they  are  granted  the  use  of  the  Company's  slaughter- 
house, on  agreeing  to  pay  for  all  damage  they  may  cause. 
Nathaniel  Andrews  being  asked  to  make  good  the  475  rials  paid  by 
Mr.  Skinner  to  Captain  Blackman,  he  promises  to  speak  to  those 
concerned  in  this  matter.  Thomas  Gould's  request  to  be  released 
from  his  bargain  for  guns  lately  bought  of  the  Company  is  refused. 
Resolved  that  if  James  Cox  will  write  to  the  Company,  promising 
not  to  trouble  again  for  money  until  he  has  made  up  his  account, 
he  shall  be  paid  the  100/.  he  desires  at  once.  Thomas  Rowse 
transfers  to  John  Fredericke  500/.  adventure  and  profits  in  the 
United  Joint  Stock,  all  of  which  is  paid  in.     (^^pP-) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  June  4,  165!^  (Cour^  Book,  vol.  xxiii, 
P-  131)- 

Cloves  sold  to  Thomas  Hodges  at  ys.  ^d.  per  lb.  at  three  six 
months  from  the  1st  of  July  next.  AJl  the  remaining  saltpetre 
sold  to  the  Committee  of  the  Ordnance  at  4/.  per  cwt.,  the  money 
to  be  paid  out  of  the  Excise  Office  and  the  saltpetre  to  be  refined 
as  much  as  the  last  which  came  from  Surat.  John  Tanner,  a  brick- 
layer, who  is  now  building  the  chapel  behind  the  Company's 
almshouse  at  Poplar,  to  be  paid  100/.,  half  the  sum  promised  by  the 
Company.  James  Cox  to  be  paid  ico/.,  he  promising  to  ask  for  no 
more  until  his  account  is  perfected.  Certain  Committees  are 
appointed  to  dispose  of  Blackwall  Yard  with  all  the  buildings  and 
docks.  The  Committees  desired  to  examine  the  accounts  of  the 
Company's  officers  report  that  all  are  satisfactory,  that  Mr.  Calcott 
has  promised  to  bring  in  his  to-morrow,  and  that  280/.  is.  2d.  is  due 
to  the  Secretary  ;  a  warrant  is  ordered  to  be  made  out  for  payment 
of  this  sum.  (i|  pp.) 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  June  8, 1652^  (Public 
Record  Office:  S.P.  Dom.:  Interregnum,  I.  6^],  pp.  225-^32). 

.  .  .  Colonel  Wauton  to  represent  to  Parliament  that  the  Ordnance 
Committee  having  treated  with  the  East  India  Company,  they  will 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  173 

deliver  seventy  or  eighty  tons  of  saltpetre  refined  at  4/.  Ss.  per  cwt., 
and  allow  three  six  months'  discount,  to  be  paid  out  of  the  customs 
in  July  or  August  next ;  and  the  powdermakers  will  supply  powder 
at  4/.  a  barrel ;  but  if  Parliament  assign  payment  out  of  the 
100,000/.  growing  due  to  the  army  on  the  excise,  after  the  100,000/. 
is  paid  to  the  navy,  the  Company  will  sell  their  petre  at  4/.  a  barrel, 
and  the  powdermakers  will  supply  the  powder  at  3/.  17^.  6cl. 
a  barrel  ^.  .  .  . 

A  Court  of  Committees,  June  ii,  165a  (Court  Booky 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  T33). 

There  appearing  some  arrears  in  the  account  presented  by 
Mr.  Calcott,  he  is  given  another  day  to  perfect  it.  The  Governor 
deplores  the  want  of  care  in  the  discovery  of  private  trade,  he 
understanding  that  about  forty  cwt.  of  quicksilver,  and  cloth  to  the 
same  value,  went  in  the  Smyrna  Merchant ;  these  were  entered  to 
go  in  one  vessel  but  shipped  in  another,  so  cannot  be  traced. 
Notice  is  taken  of  the  great  debt  for  indigo  long  since  due  from 
Messrs.  Oiles  and  Shute,  but  upon  the  intervention  of  Mr.  Andrews 
a  further  respite  for  payment  of  the  same  is  granted.     {^\pp) 

A  CouRTOF  Committees,  June  18, 1653  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii, 
p.  136). 

The  Court,  noting  *  the  present  danger  of  the  seas,  etc.,  and  that 
they  are  likely  to  increase ',  and  considering  what  to  do  to  avoid  the 
great  loss  which  may  happen  to  the  Company,  directs  Samuel 
Sambrooke  to  send  letters  overland  by  all  conveyances  with 
instructions  for  the  securing  and  employing  of  the  estate  and 
shipping  remaining  in  the  East ;  it  is  also  thought  that  a  small 
pinnace  of  about  forty  or  fifty  tons  should  be  sent  to  Bantam  with 
like  advice.  This  Stock  being  indebted  '  30,000/.  \sic\  more  then  is 
in  this  land  to  satisfy ',  it  is  resolved  that  a  policy  of  insurance  for 
40,000/.  shall  be  drawn  up  upon  the  five  ships,  viz.  the  Eagle,  Aleppo 
Merchant,  Anne,  Bonito,  and  the  Welcome  frigate,  expected  from 
India  this  year ;  that  only  adventurers  in  the  United  Joint  Stock 
shall  underwrite  in  this  for  what  they  please  up  to  one-third  of  their 

^  Report  was  made  accordingly  on  June  i8  and  order  taken  for  payment  of  the  money 
{Commons'  Journals,  vol.  vii,  p.  143). 


174  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

adventure  until  next  Friday  night;  the  premium  to  be  five  per 
cent.  Coloured  ginghams  and  'Machavore  bafts'  sold  to  Mr. 
Trotter,     (i  p.) 

Petition  of  the  East  India  Company  to  the  Council  of 
State,  June  21,  165a  {Public  Record  Office:  C.  O.  "]"],  vol.  vii, 
no.  56). 

The  time  of  year  approaching  when  their  shipping  usually  arrives 
from  India,  and  five  vessels  laden  with  saltpetre  and  other  valuable 
merchandise  being  expected,  the  Company  prays  that  order  may 
be  given  for  such  men-of-war  as  shall  be  thought  expedient  to  cruise 
about  Land's  End  and  the  Scilly  Isles,  in  order  to  prevent  their 
ships  being  intercepted  by  the  Dutch  or  others,  that  they  may  be 
encouraged  to  continue  and  enlarge  the  trade,  on  which  so  many 
families  depend  and  which  tends  to  the  increase  of  customs  and 
other  duties.     Signed  William  Cokaine,  Governor,     (i  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  June  23,  165a  (Court  Book,  vol. 
xxiii,  p.  137). 

The  premium  for  assurance  of  the  40,000/.  is  fixed  at  five  per 
cent.,  and  the  time  for  subscription  extended  to  this  day  sennight. 

A  Court  of  Committees,  June  25,  1652  (Court  Book,  vol. 
xxiii,  p.  134). 

The  Court,  noting  the  smallness  of  the  subscription  to  the  policy 
and  the  shortness  of  the  time  limited  for  underwriting  in  the  same, 
orders  tickets  to  be  left  at  the  house  of  every  adventurer  in  the 
United  Joint  Stock  to  inform  them  that  they  may  underwrite  one- 
third  of  their  adventure  in  the  said  Stock  between  this  and  Wednes- 
day next  at  noon.  It  is  resolved  that  no  assurance  shall  be  made 
for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock.  The  Committee  of  the  Ordnance 
desiring  to  know  the  price  of  the  Company's  saltpetre,  the  Secretary 
is  directed  to  inform  them  that  the  Company  is  willing  to  sell  it  to 
the  State  for  4/.  per  cwt.  ready  money,  though  if  they  were  allowed 
to  sell  it  abroad  they  could  get  an  advance  of  40J.  per  cwt.  Thomas 
Gould  desiring  some  abatement  on  the  price  of  the  guns  he  bought 
lately,  they  not  answering  his  expectation,  he  is  told  that  if  he  pays 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  175 

aoo/.  and  gives  security  for  the  rest  of  the  money,  due  consideration 
shall  be  had  of  his  request.  Jodooco  Mawes  buys  cardamoms  at 
5s.  \d.  per  lb.  at  three  six  months  from  the  ist  July  ;  he  and  Francis 
Clarke  are  accepted  as  security  for  the  same.  Mr.  Calcott's  account 
showing  that  he  owes  the  Company  180/.  15J'.  8^.,  and  that  he  has 
omitted  to  charge  for  any  freight,  he  is  directed  to  repair  this 
omission  and  to  make  his  account  clear  in  all  respects.     (i|//.) 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  June  28,  1652 
{Public  Record  Office:  S.P.  Dom.:  Interregnum,  I.  29,  pp.  50-57). 

...  To  write  to  the  Mayor  of  Plymouth  that  the  Council  is 
informed  that  the  East  India  ships,  the  Barbadoes  fleet,  and  several 
other  ships  from  Turkey,  the  Straits,  and  Spanish  coasts,  and  also 
some  Guinea  ships,  are  expected  in  the  Channel  daily  and,  being 
ignorant  of  the  present  affairs  in  reference  to  the  Dutch,  may  be  in 
danger  of  being  surprised  by  them,  ten  Dutch  men-of-war  being 
on  those  coasts  ;  and  therefore  to  desire  him  to  give  order  to  the 
two  small  vessels  formerly  sent  out  to  ply  up  and  down  off  the  Land's 
End,  and  to  give  notice  to  any  English  ships  that  they  meet,  to  go 
into  the  most  convenient  port,  and  stay  there  until  convoys  can  be 
appointed.  ... 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
June  30,  1652  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  190). 

Although  the  time  for  underwritting  in  the  policy  of  assurance  has 
been  extended  until  this  day  at  noon,  yet  15,000/.  is  still  wanted  to 
complete  the  desired  sum  ;  therefore  a  further  extension  to  Saturday 
night  is  granted,  up  to  which  time  any  'good  man '  may  underwrite 
for  any  sum  not  exceeding  500/,,  and  any  adventurer  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock  may  underwrite  for  what  he  pleases,  provided  it  does 
not  exceed  his  adventure.  As  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  cannot 
decline  the  'old  government*  until  their  debts  are  paid,  a  court 
of  election  for  that  Stock  is  appointed  to  be  held  next  Friday. 
The  Secretary  reports  that  yesterday  he  attended  the  Committee 
of  the  Ordnance  and  informed  them  that  the  price  set  by  the 
Company  on  their  saltpetre  is  so  cheap  that  it  cannot  be  abated, 
for  if  it  were  sold  to  any  private  man  61.  per  cwt.  would  be  charged. 
Sir  Arthur  Haselrigge  hereupon  offered  ready  money,  if  the  Com- 


175  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

pany  would  discount  for  three  months.  After  some  dispute  the 
Court  desires  Mr.  Thomson  to  acquaint  the  Committee  that  the 
Company  resolves  to  adhere  to  the  price  of  4/.  per  cwt.  ready 
money.  The  powdermakers  appear  concerning  refining  the  saltpetre 
to  Tower  proof,  and  are  told  that  an  agreement  has  been  made  with 
the  Committee  of  the  Ordnance  to  refine  it  to  Surat  proof  only  ;  on 
hearing  this  they  are  much  dissatisfied,  pretending  that  their  loss 
will  be  great.  The  Court,  fearing  that  they  may  complain  to  the 
State,  desires  some  Committees  to  treat  with  them  on  the  Exchange 
for  some  satisfactory  allowance,     (i^//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
July  2,  165a  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  192). 

Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  petition  the  State  for  payment 
of  500/.  owing  for  Algiers  duty,  and  *  to  enquire  of  Captain  Cranlys 
successe  in  the  like  condition'.  The  constant  charge  of  Black- 
wall  Yard  being  noted,  the  Court  desires  the  Committees  formerly 
appointed  to  dispose  of  it  to  see  that  in  the  meantime  it  is  made 
the  most  advantageous  use  of,  and  to  order  Steevens,  if  he  stays  in 
the  Company's  house,  to  pay  rent  for  the  same.    (|  p,) 

A  General  Court  of  Election  for  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock,  July  a,  165a  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  195). 

The  Deputy,  in  the  absence  of  the  Governor,  announces  that, 
though  the  United  Joint  Stock  '  bee  in  another  government ',  yet 
the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  must,  according  to  the  Company's  charter, 
have  a  governing  body,  because  it  still  has  debts  to  pay,  moneys  to 
receive,  and  factors  returning  from  India  to  settle  with,  and  though 
there  is  no  further  trade  for  it,  yet  there  is  business  to  be  transacted ; 
therefore  it  is  hoped  that  the  Committees  about  to  be  elected  for 
the  ensuing  year  will  expect  no  gratuity  for  their  pains.  By  a 
general  erection  of  hands  William  Cokayne  (though  absent)  is 
re-elected  Governor,  William  Methwold,  who  observes  that  as  '  hee 
had  served  from  tyme  to  tyme  when  there  was  some  thing  to  bee 
gott,  by  reason  whereof  hee  will  not  totally  excuse  himselfe  because 
there  is  nothing  to  bee  gott  now ',  is  re-elected  Deputy,  and  John 
Massingberd  Treasurer.     Messrs.  Ashwell,  Churchman,  Rowland, 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  177 

Mann,  Smith,  and  Oldfield  are  appointed  Committees  in  the  place 
of  Messrs.  Thomas  Mann,  Gould,  Meggs,  Langly,  Spurstowe  and 
Cokayne ;  so  that  the  Committees  for  the  ensuing  year  are :  Sir  Jacob 
Garrad,  Andrew  Riccard,  William  Ashwell,  Rowland  Wilson, 
Thomas  Burnell,  Thomas  Jennings,  Gilbert  Keate,  John  Oldfield, 
Geoffrey  Rowland,  Robert  Abdy,  Thomas  and  Daniel  Andrews, 
Thomas  Kerridge,  James  Mann,  Thomas  Rich,  Thomas  Hodges, 
Ozias  Churchman,  William  Williams,  Robert  Smith,  Richard  Wyld, 
Richard  Davies,  Anthony  Bateman,  Thomas  Bludworth,  and  James 
Edwards.  A  motion  is  made  for  the  disposal  of  Blackvvall  Yard  ; 
whereupon  the  Committees  formerly  appointed  to  see  to  this  are 
desired  to  dispose  of  the  Yard  to  the  greatest  advantage  possible 
for  the  benefit  of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock.     (3  //.) 

Petition  of  the  East  India  Company  to  the  Council  of 
State,  [July,]  1652^  {Public  Record  Office:  CO,  77,  vol.  vii, 
no.  %%). 

Repeating  their  petition  presented  in  January  last,  stating  that 
they  are  ready  to  produce  particulars  of  their  said  losses,  etc.,  and 
praying  that  the  islands  of  Pulo  Run  and  Pulo  Ai  may  be  restored 
to  them  as  the  rightful  owners.  Signed^  William  Cokayne, 
Governor,     (i  /.) 

Petition  of  the  East  India  Company  to  the  Council  of 
State,  July  4,   165a  {Public  Record  Office:    CO.  77,  vol.  vii, 

no.  siy 

The  petitioners  have  waited  long  and  patiently  in  hopes  of 
obtaining  satisfaction  from  the  Dutch  East  India  Company  for 
the  many  losses  sustained  by  them  and  for  the  restoration  of 
the  Spice  Islands,  according  to  the  agreement  made  by  the 
treaty  in  1619;  but  understanding  that  the  Dutch,  *  contrary  to 
equity  and  good  contience ',  are  endeavouring  to  bring  in  an 
account  to  over-balance  their  demands,  they  pray  for  a  copy  of 
the  Dutch  accounts,  that  they  may  answer  the  same  and  *make 
the  right  appeare  '.     (i  />.) 


N 


178  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  the  United  Joint  Stock,  July  9,  165a  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxi,  p.  198). 

A  dispute  arises  as  to  whether  the  contract  for  saltpetre  has 
been  finally  settled,  and  Thomas  Andrews  gives  some  details  of 
the  difference  that  has  arisen  between  the  Company  and  the 
powdermakers,  the  latter  expecting  a  greater  allowance  than  the 
Company  is  willing  to  make  ;  nothing  is  concluded.  Mr.  Tutchyn 
to  be  granted  some  allowance  on  defective  cotton  yarn.  The 
Committees  appointed  to  examine  the  affairs  «f  Thomas  Winter 
report  that  he  went  in  the  Falcon  from  Madraspatan  to  Mesula- 
patan,  that  ship  being  laden  with  rice  for  the  account  of  himself 
and  others,  whereby  they  gained  '  a  good  estate '  and  only  paid 
500  rials  freight,  and  the  Company's  money  was  allowed 
to  lie  idle  during  his  absence  ;  that  the  Falcon  was  afterwards 
sent  to  Gombroon  with  a  great  quantity  of  calicoes  as  private 
trade,  and  yet  only  68/.  was  paid  to  the  Company  for  freight ;  that 
Winter  allowed  a  great  part  of  the  Company's  estate  to  lie  dead 
at  the  Coast  when  it  would  have  yielded  two  per  cent,  per  month 
interest,  and  also  permitted  goods  to  be  constantly  transported 
from  the  Coast  to  Bantam  without  payment  of  one  penny.  After 
consideration  of  the  foregoing  charges,  the  Court  imposes  a  fine 
of  1,000/.  upon  Winter,  but  he  pleading  for  some  mitigation  this 
is  reduced  to  800/.,  which  he  is  to  pay  in  full  of  all  claims  against 
him.  Winter  then  declares  that  about  seven  years  ago  he  sent 
a  bale  of  morees  to  his  father,  who  was  made  to  pay  50/.  for  their 
freight  and  they  only  sold  for  80/. ;  hereupon  the  said  50/.  is 
ordered  to  be  returned  to  him.  William  Watson  and  Richard 
Bridgeman,  merchants  of  Amsterdam,  are  appointed  correspondents 
to  the  Company  in  the  place  of  Henry  Whittaker,  who  has  returned 
to  England,     (a^  //.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  July  13,  165a  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  138). 

The  time  approaching  for  the  arrival  of  the  ships  from  India, 
and  it  being  known  that  the  Dutch  have  many  hostile  men-of-war 
in  the  Channel,  this  court  is  summoned  to  consider  how  best  to 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  179 

prevent  the  surprise  of  the  expected  ships.  After  large  debate  the 
Committees  resolve  that  a  letter  shall  be  written  to  William  New- 
land  of  Newport  to  desire  him  to  send  a  small  nimble  vessel  to 
lie  about  three  or  four  leagues  off  Portland ;  and  another  letter 
to  John  Madock  of  Plymouth  to  request  him  to  hire  two  small 
vessels  to  ply  off  the  Land's  End  and  notify  the  Company's  ships 
of  the  danger  awaiting  them  from  the  Dutch.  For  the  better 
performance  of  this  service  Thomas  Chapman,  late  gunner  in  the 
William,  is  ordered  to  post  to  Plymouth  and  take  his  passage 
in  the  better  of  the  two  vessels  provided  there  and  follow  the 
instructions  of  this  Court.  A  third  letter  is  also  ordered  to  be 
written  to  Joseph  Jackson  of  Bristol  to  direct  him  to  hire  a  small 
vessel  to  lie  about  fifteen  or  twenty  leagues  to  the  westward  of 
Scilly.  It  is  further  resolved,  for  the  better  encouragement  of  the 
said  vessels  in  the  performance  of  this  service  and  to  induce  a  sharp 
look-out  for  the  East  India  ships,  that  a  reward  of  50/.  shall  be 
given,  over  and  above  the  weekly  pay,  to  the  first  vessel  that  shall 
board  the  homeward-bound  ships.  A  letter  is  likewise  to  be  sent 
in  each  of  the  said  vessels  to  the  commander-in-chief  of  the  East 
India  ships  to  give  notice  of  the  danger  of  the  seas  and  to  advise 
them  to  put  into  the  first  port  they  come  to.  Certain  Committees 
are  appointed  to  draw  up  these  letters  and  to  see  that  the  instruc- 
tions of  the  Court  are  given.     (i-|//.) 

Instructions  to  Sir  George  Ayscue,  appointed  to  com- 
mand THE  fleet  designed  FOR  THE  PRESENT  GUARD  OF   THE 

Channel  and  those  seas,  July  fzo,  1652  {Public  Record  Office:, 
S.P.  Dom.:  Interregnum^  I.  30,  pp.  57-58). 

You  are  to  dispose  of  the  fleet  under  your  command  in  such 
manner  and  to  such  stations  that  you  may  thereby  secure  the 
English  trade  from  the  southward,  and  especially  the  ships  home- 
ward-bound from  the  Indies,  Straits,  Guinea,  Spain,  Portugal,  etc., 
daily  expected ;  and  to  that  end,  if  need  be,  you  are  hereby 
authorized  to  send  such  part  of  the  fleet  as  you  think  fit  to  ply 
off  the  Land's  End  and  the  Scilly  Islands,  and  further  to  sea, 
if  necessary.  .  .  . 


n  a 


i86  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  THE  United  Joint  Stock,  July  zi,  1652  {Court  Book^ 
vol.  XX i,  p.  200). 

The  Deputy  reports  that  Alderman  Fowke  has  presented  a 
petition  to  Parliament  against  the  Company,  which  has  been  read 
with  the  Company's  petition,  and  the  House  ordered  the  committee 
formerly  appointed  for  this  business  to  report  their  proceedings  ^ ; 
but  since  then  Parliament,  for  some  important  reasons,  has  refused 
to  hear  any  private  business  for  a  month.  Onp  of  the  said  com- 
mittee inquired  if  the  Company  would  refer  this  matter  to  arbi- 
tration ;  therefore  the  Deputy  desires  to  know  the  Court's  resolution. 
Much  debate  ensues,  and  finally  Mr.  Acton  is  directed  to  draw 
up  a  suitable  answer  and  present  at  the  next  court.  At  the  request 
of  Messrs.  Judd  and  Ste^venton,  powdermakers,  all  the  Company's 
saltpetre  is  ordered  to  be  delivered  to  them  and  their  partners,  and 
payment  for  the  same  to  be  made  according  to  the  order  of  the 
Council  of  State,  with  an  abatement  of  100/.  by  way  of  interest 
and  an  allowance  of  13  lb.  per  cwt.  demanded  by  the  powdermakers. 
Messrs.  Gould,  Taylor,  and  Roach  are  accepted  as  security  for 
900/.  due  for  ordnance  sold  to  Gould  ;  the  latter  petitions  for  some 
abatement  of  this  sum  in  regard  of  the  defective  and  broken  con- 
dition of  some  of  the  guns ;  he  is  told  that  when  the  bills  are 
sealed  for  payment  of  the  900/.  his  petition  shall  be  considered. 
Francisco  Cordozo  and  John  Roderiges,  two  Portuguese  who  were 
taken  at  sea,  pillaged  and  set  ashore  at  Bristol,  are  given  4/.  from 
the  poor-box.     (2  pp^ 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  July  22,  1652 
{Public  Record  Office :  S.  P,  Dom. :  Interregnum^  I.  30,  pp.  66-68). 

. .  .  The  Committee  for  Foreign  Affairs  to  draw  up  a  letter  to  the 
East  India  Company,  the  Turkish  Company,  and  others,  expressing 
the  sense  Council  have  of  affairs  as  they  relate  to  the  present 
difference  with  the  Dutch,  and  how  much  the  matter  of  trade  in 
their  apprehension  is  concerned  herein. .  . . 

*  Commons^  Journals,  vol.  vii,  p.  154.  For  subsequent  proceedings  see  pp.  172, 
175.  177. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  ^8i 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock,  July  28,  165a  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  203). 

The  Governor  intimates  that  they  have  been  called  together  to 
give  an  answer  to  a  letter  received  from  the  Council  of  State, 
desiring  the  Company  *  to  sett  out  shipps  of  warr  against  the 
Hollanders  for  defence  of  the  right  and  honour  of  this  nation '. 
Hereupon  it  is  resolved  to  move  the  Council  for  Sir  George  Askew 
to  go  further  out  to  the  westward  to  bring  in  the  Company's 
expected  ships,  for  until  their  arrival  no  help  can  be  given,  the 
Company  having  neither  stock  nor  ships  in  England,  and  being 
indebted  30,000/.  The  Deputy  declares  that  it  is  a  national  war, 
not  concerning  them  as  the  East  India  Company,  though  the  latter 
is  in  a  worse  condition  than  any  other  merchants,  its  estate  being  in 
the  East,  its  ships  expected  from  thence,  and  the  stock  raised  to 
manage  the  trade  so  far  engaged  that  the  Company  is  indebted, 
as  has  been  said,  30,000/.  This  being  generally  assented  to,  the 
Secretary  is  desired  to  draw  up  a  letter  to  this  effect  and  present  it 
to  the  Council  this  afternoon.     (li//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  July  29,  1652  {Cotirt  Booh, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  139). 

The  sum  of  10/.  is  given  to  two  men  who  were  taken  in  a  Guinea 
ship  by  Prince  Rupert,  carried  to  the  Isle  of  May  and  there  put 
aboard  a  Dane  ;  they  having  given  notice  to  the  two  outward-bound 
ships,  the  Smyrna  Merchant  and  the  East  India  Merchant,  of  the 
danger  of  their  being  taken  by  Prince  Rupert  and  of  the  intention 
of  the  natives  to  destroy  any  who  should  come  ashore.     (J  /».) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  July  30, 1652  (Court Book,  vol.  xxiii, 
p.  140). 

A  court  of  election  for  the  United  Joint  Stock  is  ordered  to  be 
held  next  Wednesday.  On  consideration  of  the  danger  of  the  Com- 
pany's estate  in  India  by  reason  of  the  open  difference  between  the 
English  and  the  Dutch,  the  Court  orders  a  copy  of  the  last  letter 
to  India  to  be  sent  overland,  with  additional  information  of  what 
has  passed  between  the  two  nations  since.  George  Smith  and 
William  Vincent  accepted  as  security  for  indigo.     Messrs.  Andrews 


i8a  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

and  Hodges  are  desired  to  examine  and  report  on  the  guns  at  Black- 
wall  bought  by  Thomas  Gould,     (i  /.) 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  August  a,  165a 
(Public  Record  Office:  S.  P.  Dom. :  Interregnum,  I.  33,  pp.  5-9). 

...  To  write  to  Sir  George  Ayscue,  leaving  to  him  the  season  of 
convoying  to  Portsmouth  the  East  India  and  other  merchant  ships 
now  at  Plymouth. . . . 

A  General  Court  of  Election  for  the  United  Joint 
Stock,  August  4,  1652  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  143). 

Governor  Cokayne  desires  to  know  whether  the  Committees 
appointed  last  year  are  to  serve  again,  and  whether  their  past 
services  meet  with  the  approval  of  the  generality.  Their  services 
are  unanimously  approved,  and  the  Court  resolves  to  elect  fifteen 
men  to  direct  the  business  of  this  Stock,  seven  of  whom  are  to  form 
a  committee,  but  no  one  to  be  chosen  who  has  not  adventured 
1,000/.  or  more  in  this  Stock.  Resolution  on  a  motion  for  some 
allowance  to  be  made  to  those  who  have  served  or  shall  serve  this 
Stock  is  deferred.  The  following  men  are  elected  Committees  for 
the  ensuing  year:  William  Cokayne,  William  Methwold,  John 
Massingberd,  Sir  Jacob  Garrad,  Sheriff  Riccard,  Maurice  Thomson, 
Samuel  Moyer,  Thomas  Jennings,  Thomas  Andrews,  Thomas 
Hodges,  John  Robinson,  William  Ryder,  George  Smith,  Nathaniel 
Wych,  and  Anthony  Bateman.  John  Massingberd  is  elected 
Treasurer,     (li//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  August  6,  1652  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  145). 

The  following  men  are  chosen  to  serve  the  United  Joint  Stock : 
Richard  Swinglehurst,  as  secretary  and  keeper  of  the  Exchange 
Cellar  and  other  pepper  warehouses  at  a  salary  of  120/.  per  annum  ; 
for  his  services  on  behalf  of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  this  past  year 
he  is  given  a  gratuity  of  50/.  Jeremy  Sambrooke  is  appointed 
accountant  at  160/.  per  annum ;  and  Samuel  Sambrooke  writer  of 
foreign  letters  and  keeper  of  the  calico  warehouse  at  100/.  per 
annum  ;  he  is  also  given  a  gratuity  of  30/.  Valentine  Markham  is 
chosen  auditor  at  80/.  per  annum  ;  James  Acton,  solicitor  at  20/.  per 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  183 

annum ;  and  Thomas  Tomblings,  keeper  of  *  the  blewhouse ',  and 
other  warehouses  for  drugs,  indigo,  and  spices  at  a  salary  of  80/.  per 
annum.  Percival  Aungeir  is  chosen  as  paymaster  of  the  mariners  at 
a  salary  of  30/.  per  annum,  John  Spiller  as  beadle  and  porter  at  30/. 
per  annum,  and  John  Harbert  as  assistant  to  Samuel  Sambrooke  at 
20/.  per  annum;  he  is  also  given  a  gratuity  of  20/.  for  former 
services.  The  choice  of  a  Husband  is  deferred.  All  these  officers, 
with  the  exception  of  Jeremy  Sambrooke,  Messrs.  Markham  and 
Acton,  are  required  to  tender  their  several  securities  this  day  week. 
Certain  Committees  are  requested  to  wait  on  the  Commissioners  of 
Assessment  at  the  Guildhall  next  Wednesday  and  desire  some 
abatement  of  the  61.  per  month  assessed  upon  the  Company, 
besides  what  is  charged  for  the  house,  seeing  that  every  man  pays 
for  his  own  personal  estate.  Anthony  and  Robert  Penniston, 
executors  of  the  late  Thomas  Penniston,  present  a  bill  of  exchange 
for  payment  of  5,500/.  to  them  as  assigns  of  the  deceased  ;  they  are 
promised  an  answer  concerning  this  matter  this  day  fortnight,  and 
meanwhile  Samuel  Sambrooke  is  directed  to  look  up  the  Company's 
letters  to  Bantam  on  the  subject.  It  is  proposed  that  a  general 
court  shall  be  summoned  to  ascertain  whether  any  gratuity  shall  be 
given  to  the  Committees  who  have  managed  the  affairs  of  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  and  also  to  move  the  generality  to  make  an  allowance 
for  the  future  of  two  per  cent,  upon  the  sale  of  all  goods  to  defray 
the  said  gratuities  and  the  salary  of  the  officers,  this  being  *  noe 
more  then  all  merchants  doe  allowe ' ;  but  no  resolution  is  come  to. 
(2i/A) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  August  13,  1652  {Court  Book,  vol. 
xxiii,  p.  147). 

A  letter  is  received  from  aboard  the  Eagle  and  other  ships 
returned  from  India  and  now  at  Plymouth,  in  which  the  com- 
manders desire  leave  to  unlade  the  goods  from  the  orlop  of  the 
said  ship,  in  order  that,  if  she  is  attacked  by  an  enemy  on  her 
way  to  London  and  receives  any  shot  near  the  water,  she  may  be 
repaired  more  easily ;  hereupon  the  Court  orders  a  vessel  or  two  of 
about  100  or  80  tons  to  be  hired  to  unlade  some  of  the  coarse  goods 
from  the  Eagle  and  Aleppo  Merchant  to  enable  them  to  go  with 
the  other  ships  over  the  flats,  and  that  two  careful  men  from  the 


i84  COURT    MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

said  two  ships  embark  with  the  goods  to  see  that  the  Company 
receives  no  damage  ;  Mr.  Madock  is  to  be  desired  to  render  his  assis- 
tance in  this  matter.  It  being  considered  how  *  very  fatal  1*  the  port  of 
Plymouth  has  been  formerly  to  the  Company's  ships,  that  the  autumn 
season  is  approaching,  and  that  the  Company  is  at  a  great  charge 
by  the  long  stay  there  of  the  ships,  certain  Committees  are  entreated 
to  petition  the  Council  of  State  for  assistance.  The  proposal  is 
renewed  to  move  the  generality  concerning  the  allowance  of  two  per 
cent,  on  all  goods  sold,  in  order  to  defray  the  charge  of  gratuities  to 
be  given  to  the  Committees  and  the  salaries  oT  officers  appointed 
for  this  Stock,  and  it  is  resolved  to  put  the  same  before  the  gener- 
ality when  the  goods  now  returned  from  the  East  are  landed  and 
housed.  William  and  John  Tutchin  are  accepted  as  security  for 
cotton  yarn.  The  Husband  is  allowed  another  week  to  perfect  his 
accounts,  and  the  election  to  his  office  is  deferred.  All  stores  from 
the  warehouses  at  the  Customhouse  to  be  sent  to  Blackwall  and  the 
said  warehouses  to  be  given  up,  and  no  porter  to  be  paid  where  no 
work  has  been  performed.  A  motion  is  made  for  a  Committee  to 
be  appointed  to  oversee  the  Company's  officers,  but  nothing  is 
resolved.  Debate  ensues  upon  several  bills  of  exchange  received 
from  India,  and  the  books  of  accounts  also  received  are  ordered  to 
be  dispatched  by  land  from  Plymouth  to  London,     (i^//-) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
August  i8,  165a  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  205). 

Understanding  from  a  letter  received  from  Amsterdam  that  the 
Netherlands  East  India  Company  have  lately  sent  an  '  adviser '  to 
India  to  give  the  Dutch  notice  concerning  the  affairs  between  England 
and  Holland,  which  it  is  thought  may  prove  very  prejudicial  to  this 
Company,  the  Court  thinks  it  would  give  great  satisfaction  to  the 
factors,  etc.,  at  Bantam  to  send  them  information  on  this  head, 
and  Captain  Ryder  is  therefore  desired  to  inquire  for  a  small  vessel 
about  50  tons  to  be  sent  to  Bantam  within  fourteen  days.  Mr. 
Gould  to  be  allowed  for  defective  guns,  and  Mr.  Trotter  for 
damaged  ginghams,     (i/.) 


EAST  INDIA   COMPANY  185 

A  Court  of  Committees,  August  20, 1652  {Court  Book^  vol. 
xxiii,  p.  149). 

One  of  the  executors  of  the  late  Thomas  Penniston  presents  a  bill 
of  exchange  for  5,500/. ;  the  Court,  considering  that  the  deceased 
made  a  large  fortune  by  private  trade  and  wronged  the  Company 
both  in  freight  and  customs,  asks  the  executor  if  he  will  bind 
himself  in  writing  to  pay  such  a  fine  as  they  shall  see  fit  to  impose  ; 
whereupon  he  desires  time  to  consider.  A  bill  of  exchange  from 
Captain  Blackman,  President  at  Surat,  is  presented  for  payment  to 
Captain  Ryder;  this  is  ordered  to  be  accepted  after  the  deduc- 
tion of  a  certain  amount  paid  to  Daniel  Skinner  at  Dover.  A 
further  extension  of  time  is  allowed  the  Husband,  who  has  been 
prevented  through  sickness  from  giving  in  his  accounts.  Thomas 
Tomblings  is  accepted  as  security  for  Richard  Swinglehurst, 
Christopher  Willoughby  for  Samuel  Sambrooke,  Richard  Swingle- 
hurst for  Thomas  Tomblings,  and  Thomas  Peaps  for  Percival 
Aungeir,  and  each  officer  is  ordered  to  enter  with  his  security  into 
a  bond  of  1,000/.  Understanding  from  a  letter  received  from  aboard 
the  Eagle  that  both  coarse  and  fine  goods  are  laden  in  her  orlop, 
the  Court  directs  that  all  goods  from  the  orlops  of  the  Eagle  and 
Aleppo  Merchant  shall  be  shipped  in  two  vessels  to  b.e  hired  for 
this  purpose.     {^\pp) 

A  Court  of  Committe;es,  August  27, 165^^  {Cgurt  J^ook,  vol. 
xxiii,  p.  151). 

The  Husband  states  that,  by  reason  of  the  sickness  of  his  father 
and  his  wife  'lyeing  a  dyeing',  he  has  not  yet  made  up  his 
accounts ;  hereupon  sundry  questions  are  put  to  him,  and  his 
answers  not  giving  satisfaction.  Captain  Ryder  and  Mr.  Bateman 
are  desired  to  take  an  inventory  of  all  things  that  have  been  com- 
mitted to  his  charge,  and  to  give  notice  to  the  landlords  of  the 
several  warehouses  that  the  latter  will  not  be  wanted  after  next 
Christmas.  Calcott  is  allowed  one  more  week,  but  no  longer,  to 
perfect  his  accounts.  A  letter,  with  a  copy  of  the  last  dispatched,  is 
ordered  to  be  sent  to  India  via  Basra,  to  advise  the  factors  that 
'  the  breach  still  groweth  wider  betweene  us  and  the  Hollanders, 


1 86  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC,  OF  THE 

and  that  there  is  noe  appearance  of  reconsiliation',  and  to  desire 
them,  if  it  is  possible  without  danger  of  the  ships  being  surprised 
by  the  Dutch,  to  send  to  England  what  estate  they  can  by  the 
shipping  they  have,  in  silk,  red  earth,  or  what  else  is  procurable. 
The  ships  still  continuing  at  Plymouth,  the  Channel  being '  indifferent 
cleere'  of  Dutch  men-of-war,  certain  Committees  are  desired  to  pre- 
sent a  petition  to  the  Council  of  State  for  a  convoy  to  bring  them  to 
such  a  port  as  shall  be  thought  fit ;  until  they  arrive,  courts  for  the 
United  Joint  Stock  are  ordered  to  be  held  every  Tuesday  at 
lo  o'clock  and  every  Friday  at  8  o'clock  in  the  morning.  One  of 
the  executors  of  the  late  Thomas  Penniston  promises  that  he  and 
his  brother  executor  will  sign  an  obligation  to  allow  the  Company 
such  a  fine  as  they  think  fit  to  impose  on  the  estate  of  their  late 
brother.  Captain  Ryder  is  given  permission  to  garble  at  his  own 
cost  the  cinnamon  he  bought  from  the  Company  for  transportation. 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
September  i,  165a  [Cmirt  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  ao6). 

A  list  of  debtors  to  the  Company  being  read,  the  debt  due  for 
pepper,  sold  many  years  ago  to  Lord  Cottington,  for  which  Sir 
John  Jacob,  Sir  Job  Harby,  Sir  John  Nulls,  Sir  John  Harrison  and 
others  stand  security  in  several  bonds  of  great  value,  is  noted,  and 
the  Court,  seeing  that  notwithstanding  the  proposals  lately  made 
by  some  of  the  said  men  for  satisfying  this  debt  nothing  has  been 
heard  from  them  since,  resolves  that  Mr.  Acton  shall  prosecute  Sir 
John  Jacob,  by  *  extending '  his  lands,  also  the  Lady  Wyche  '  soe 
farr  as  the  law  will  permitt ',  and  sue  Sir  John  Harrison  '  afresh  to 
a  new  outlawry  upon  a  bond  of  14,000/. '  Acton  is  further  directed 
to  confer  with  the  undersheriffs  of  Essex  and  Hertfordshire  about 
'extending'  Sir  John  Jacob's  lands,  or  for  'taking  the  body'  of 
Sir  John  Harrison,  it  being  thought  that  the  said  sheriffs  will  accept 
some  reasonable  sum  of  money  for  performance  of  this  service,  in 
regard  they  are  to  quit  their  several  offices.  Sir  Job  Harby  and 
Sir  John  Nulls  are  to  be  notified  that  a  statute  of  bankruptcy  will 
be  issued  against  them.     (li//.) 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  187 

A  Court  of  Committees,  September  3,  1652  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  153). 

Calcott  having  given  satisfaction  for  the  freight,  etc.,  due  from  him, 
he  is  nominated  with  Rilston  for  the  post  of  Husband  and  elected 
to  fill  the  same  until  next  Lady  Day,  at  a  salary  of  20/.  per  quarter, 
upon  condition  that  his  brother-in-law,  Henry  Grimston,  enters  into 
a  bond  of  500/.  for  his  fidelity  and  due  performance  of  his  office. 
A  former  bond,  entered  into  by  Calcott  and  his  friends  when  he  was 
appointed  paymaster  of  the  mariners,  is  ordered  to  be  given  up  to 
be  cancelled.  On  the  motion  of  the  Treasurer,  the  Court  directs 
that  no  money  be  paid  out  of  the  Treasury,  except  for  interest, 
unless  a  warrant  fully  signed  by  the  Court  is  shown.  The  Court 
resolves  to  appoint  Committees  to  oversee  the  warehouses  and  the 
officers'  accounts.  The  question  what  goods  shall  be  taken  out  of 
the  Eagle  on  her  arrival  in  the  Downs  is  left  to  the  discretion  of  her 
commander,  Captain  Prowd.  Mr.  Thomson,  minister  at  Bantam, 
having  allowed  his  father  10/.  per  annum  from  his  salary  and  the 
father  dying,  Thomson's  sister,  on  application,  is  allowed  5/.  from 
the  same  source  until  her  brother's  pleasure  is  known,     (i^//-) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
September  8, 165a  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  307). 

Sir  Job  Harby  and  Sir  John  Nulls  being  told  of  the  Company's 
intention  to  issue  a  statute  of  bankruptcy  against  them.  Sir  Nicholas 
Crispe  attends  the  court  and,  after  thanking  the  Committees  for 
the  great  favour  shown  towards  himself,  informs  them  that  since  he 
and  some  of  his  co-debtors  presented  their  proposals  to  the  Court 
nothing  has  been  done  in  the  matter,  only  the  Act  for  sale  of  the 
late  King's  lands  drawn  up  by  Mr.  Mainard  has  been  passed  by  the 
Committee  of  the  Navy  and  Customs,  and  the  report  is  ready  to  be 
made  to  the  House,  but  if  the  Company  proceeds  in  the  manner 
lately  resolved  on,  everything  may  be  overthrown,  for  the  delay  has 
been  caused  only  by  '  difficulty  of  Parliament '.  On  hearing  this, 
some  of  the  Committees  are  inclined  to  defer  the  intended  prosecu- 
tions, while  others  think  that  it  was  *  the  Companys  patience  that 
had  lost  their  debt ' ;  finally  it  is  resolved  to  defer  issuing  the 
statute  of  bankruptcy  against  Sir  Job  Harby  and  Sir  John  Nulls 


i88  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

until  the  ist  of  January  next.  Hereupon  Sir  Nicholas  returns  his 
hearty  thanks  and  promises  to  do  his  utmost  to  satisfy  the  Company, 
not  doubting  but  that  before  expiration  of  the  time  limited  the  Act 
for  sale  of  the  said  lands  will  be  passed.  Resolved  that  the  pro- 
ceedings formerly  ordered  to  be  taken  against  the  rest  of  the  debtors 
shall  be  continued.  Richard  Waring  and  Thomas  Harris  are 
accepted  as  security  for  indigo.  Mr.  Acton  is  presented  with 
a  gratuity  of  loo/.  for  his  services  in  connexion  with  Alderman 
Fowke's  business  and  other  matters,  and  the  Secretary  is  given  ao/. 
for  his  care  in  the  same.     (i|//-) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  September  io,  1652  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  155). 

The  Company  applying  for  some  mitigation  of  the  assessment  of 
6/.  per  month  on  their  house,  the  Commissioners  reply  that  there 
are  several  men  who  have  stock  in  the  Company  who  live  out  of 
town  and  do  not  pay  as  those  who  live  in  the  city,  and  therefore 
they  desire  a  list  of  all  adventurers  with  the  Company;  this  is 
ordered  to  be  furnished,  but  the  amounts  adventured  are  not  to  be 
given.  Resolution  as  to  the  shipping  to  be  supplied  for  next 
year  is  deferred ;  also  resolution  concerning  the  proposals  to  be 
made  to  the  Portuguese  Ambassador  about  their  ports  in  India. 
The  sum  of  34/.  loj.  to  be  paid  to  Mr.  Merry  for  several  things 
presented  to  Sir  George  Askew  at  the  arrival  of  the  ships ;  and 
a  bill  of  exchange  payable  to  Mr.  Merry  and  charged  upon  the 
Company  by  the  President  and  Council  at  Bantam  is  ordered  to  be 
accepted.  Instructions*  are  given  concerning  certain  bales  of  silk 
taken  out  of  the  Aleppo  Mercha7it,  brought  to  London,  and  consigned 
to  Hugh  Wood.  Jeremy  Sambrooke  is  directed  to  present  an 
estimate  of  the  estate  of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock.  Duties  allotted 
to  the  several  Committees.     (3^  pp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
September  15,  165a  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  209). 

Messrs.  Smith  and  Bateman  are  desired  to  accompany  Mr.  Acton 
to-morrow  morning  to  the  house  of  the  steward  of  the  manor  of 
*  Stebonheath '  [Stepney]  at  Old  Ford,  to  show  the  Company's  title 
to  Blackwall.     (^/.) 


EAST  INDIA   COMPANY  189 

A  Court  of  Committees,  September  17,  1652  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  159)- 

Captain  John  Millett  to  be  paid  3,400/.  upon  account  of  freight 
and  demurrage  due  to  the  owners  of  the  Aleppo  Merchant.  On 
a  proposal  to  buy  *  this  house,  lately  belonging  to  the  Lord  Craven ', 
with  the  '  poores  stocke '  now  lying  at  interest,  it  is  resolved  to 
summon  a  court  of  all  the  adventurers  in  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
to  acquaint  them  with  the  motion.  The  Deputy  and  certain 
Committees  are  desired  to  consider  what  stock  and  shipping  shall 
be  sent  out  next  year,  the  Court  thinking  it  will  be  very  prejudicial 
to  the  Company  if  the  same  is  not  kept  very  secret.  John  Smith, 
William  Benson,  and  Thomas  Mitton,  porters,  lately  employed  by 
the  Husband,  are  refused  half  pay  since  they  ceased  work,  but  they 
are  given  iqs.  each  as  a  gratuity,  they  having  been  dismissed 
without  warning.  Nicholas  Smith,  a  sick  almsman,  is  given  20J. 
The  bill  of  exchange  for  5,500/.  presented  by  the  executors  of  the 
late  Thomas  Penniston  is  ordered  to  be  accepted  on  Anthony 
Penniston  agreeing  to  give  his  bond  to  deposit  3,000/.  for  payment 
of  whatever  firie  the  Company  shall  think  fit  to  impose  upon  the 
estate  of  the  deceased.  Resolved  that  of  all  the  money  obtained 
from  fines  irhposed  for  private  trade,  freight,  or  custom,  one-fourth 
part  shall  be  paid  to  the  United  Joint  Stock,  and  three-fourths  to 
the  Fourth  Joint  Stock.     (2//.) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock,  September  22, 1652  {Court  ^ook,  vol.  xxi,  p.  210). 

The  Governor  reports  that  by  an  Act  of  Parliament  dated 
August  the  4th  ^  lately  issued,  the  estates  of  many  delinquents  are 
ordered  to  be  sold,  Lord  Craven's  among  the  number,  and  any  one 
having  any  interest  in  His  Lordship's  estate  is  to  claim  the  same 
by  the  ist  October  next.  Some  Committees  think  that  this  house, 
which  lately  belonged  to  Lord  Craven,  should  be  purchased  with 
the  2,000/.  now  at  interest  for  account  of  the  almsmen  at  Poplar, 
towards  the  maintenance  of  the  Hospital ;  and  debate  ensues 
whether,  if  this  house  is  bought,  it  shall  be  by  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock  or  by  the  United  Joint  Stock.    As  the  money  at  interest 

*  Commons^  Journals^  vol.  vii,  p.  160. 


I90  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC,  OF  THE 

was  procured  by  the  former  Stock,  it  is  thought  just  that  that 
Stock  should  have  the  disposal  of  it ;  it  is  also  conceived  that  as 
the  said  sum  is  to  be  held  in  perpetuity  for  the  poor  it  should  not 
be  spent  in  '  candle  rents  ^ '  but  in  the  purchase  of  some  land.  The 
Governor  hereupon  puts  it  to  the  question,  and  by  unanimous 
consent  certain  Committees  are  entreated  to  look  out  for  a  piece 
of  land  in  Essex  or  elsewhere  at  about  1 20/.  per  annum,  fit  for  the 
use  of  the  poor  of  the  almshouse.  Mr.  Acton  to  be  directed  to 
endeavour  to  make  Blackwall  *  free  land ',  which  it  is  thought  may 
be  done  for  about  tool.  The  Committees  formerly  appointed  to 
sell  the  Yard  are  desired  to  do  so,  and  if  it  is  not  disposed  of 
before  the  next  court  of  sales,  then  to  put  a  price  upon  it  and  sell 
it  by  the  candle.     (iJ/A) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  September  24,  1652  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  161). 

The  ships,  '  by  the  blessing  of  God ',  having  now  anchored  on 
this  side  of  Gravesend,  the  Husband  is  ordered  to  get  the  Unity 
to  the  Customhouse  and  unlade  her  first ;  then  the  Anne  and  the 
Welcome.  Aungeir  is  to  board  the  latter  and  Spiller  the  former  ; 
while  the  commanders  of  the  Eagle  and  the  Aleppo  Merchant  are 
to  be  told  to  stay  at  Erith  and  come  no  higher.  The  Secretary 
is  given  too/,  to  defray  the  expenses  of  carmen,  porters,  etc. 
Thomas  Chapman,  who  went  out  to  warn  the  homeward-bound 
ships,  is  given  twenty  nobles  over  and  above  his  expenses,  and  his 
bill,  amounting  to  18/.,  is  ordered  to  be  paid.  The  Court  directs 
that  the  waterside  porters,  who  have  been  accused  of  purloining 
goods,  shall  only  be  employed  at  the  Customhouse  and  be  paid 
Q^d.  a  bag  for  pepper,  and  half  what  they  used  to  get  for  landing, 
piling,  and  housing  other  goods ;  the  Company's  own  porters  to 
do  all  other  work,     (i  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
September  30,  1652  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  212). 

Captain  Ryder  desiring  to  house  some  stores  at  Blackwall  Yard 
and  to  use  one  of  the  docks  for  the  Eagle,  this  request  and  the 

*  An  obsolete  term  for  revenue  derived  from  house  property,  which  was  looked  upon  as 
continually  wasting,  like  a  candle. 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  19T 

housing  at  Blackwall  of  saltpetre  belonging  to  the  United  Joint 
Stock  are  referred  to  the  committee  appointed  for  the  care  of  the 
Yard.  Certain  Committees  are  entreated  to  examine  and  report 
on  damaged  pepper  in  the  Exchange  Cellar,  and  others  to  settle 
the  accounts  between  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and  the  United  Joint 
Stock ;  and  that  the  books  of  the  former  Stock  may  be  fully- 
perfected,  each  officer  is  desired  to  present  at  the  next  court  an 
inventory  of  what  he  has  belonging  to  the  said  Stock.  All  stores 
at  Blackwall  to  be  sold.  The  Victuallers  of  the  Navy  wishing  to 
make  a  contract  for  use  of  the  Yard,  they  are  referred  to  the 
committee  appointed  for  the  same.     (i|  //.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  October  i,  16^2  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  162). 

Thomas  Merry,  late  President  at  Surat,  who  returned  in  the 
Eagle,  is  allowed  remission  of  freight  by  the  Company  on  certain 
goods,  but  referred  to  the  owners  of  the  said  ship  for  the  freight 
due  to  them.  The  following  sums  are  ordered  to  be  paid  on 
account  of  freight :  3,000/.  to  the  owners  of  the  Eagle,  and  2,000/. 
each  to  those  of  the  Welcome,  the  Anne,  and  the  Aleppo  Merchant, 
The  assessment  on  the  Company's  house  having  been  reduced  from 
6/.  to  4/.  per  month  up  to  Christmas,  the  same  is  ordered  to  be 
paid,  but  the  Company  hopes  to  be  exempted  at  the  next  assess- 
ment. The  bill  of  exchange  for  5,500/.  presented  by  Anthony 
Penniston  is  refused,  he  not  having  sealed  the  bond  required  by 
the  Company,  and  it  having  been  ascertained  by  the  Bantam  books 
that  Thomas  Penniston  broke  his  commission  in  buying  pepper 
for  himself  against  the  Company's  orders  and  charging  it  to  their 
account.  Robert  Winchester,  a  minister  lately  returned  from  the 
Coast,  desires  some  allowance,  he  having  been  there  nearly  three 
years  and  received  nothing;  the  Court,  being  well  satisfied  with 
his  ability  and  demeanour,  awards  him  100/.,  not  by  way  of  salary 
but  in  full  of  his  service  aboard  several  of  the  Company's  ships 
and  at  the  Coast ;  this  he  thankfully  accepts  and  desires  that  he 
may  *  spend  an  houre  or  two  in  the  pulpitt  in  the  audience  of 
the  Company ' ;  the  Court  approves  and  resolves  to  appoint  a  time 
when  he  shall  notify  his  readiness.     (i|//.) 


19*  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF   THE 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
October  6, 165a  {Court  Book^  vol.  xxi,  p.  214). 

Resolved  that  three-fourths  of  all  fines  for  private  trade,  freight, 
or  custom,  obtained  from  any  of  the  Company's  factors  or  servants 
returned  since  1650,  or  who  shall  return  during  the  continuance  of 
the  United  Joint  Stock,  shall  accrue  for  the  benefit  of  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock,  and  the  remaining  one-fourth  for  the  benefit  of  the 
adventurers  in  the  United  Joint  Stock.  Acton  reporting  that  there 
are  suits  brought  by  Mr.  Courteen  against  the  Company,  and  counter- 
suits  brought  by  the  Company,  ready  to  be  heard,  and  desiring  to 
know  if  the  same  shall  be  referred  to  friends,  he  is  told  to  confer 
with  counsel,  and  if  he  cannot  safeguard  the  Company  then  to  leave 
it  to  the  law.  A  statute  of  bankruptcy  is  ordered  to  be  issued 
against  Sir  Thomas  Soame  and  his  companion-debtors  if  they  do 
not  give  satisfaction  for  their  long  outstanding  debt  within  the  week. 
The  Governor  and  others  are  entreated  to  request  Messrs.  Riccard 
and  Williams  to  perform  their  trust  with  regard  to  the  sale  of  Sir 
William  Garway's  lands,     (ij//.) 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  October  7,  1652 
(Public  Record  Office:  S.  P.  Dom.:  Interregnum^  I.  34,  pp.  1-5). 

.  .  .  The  Ordnance  Committee  to  send  for  some  of  the  East  India 
Company,  and  confer  with  them  on  buying  for  the  State  the  salt- 
petre they  have  received  in  the  last  fleet.  .  .  . 

A  Court,  of  Committees,  October  8,  1652  (Court  Book,  vol. 
xxiii,  p.  164). 

The  order  for  payment  of  the  assessment  on  the  Company's 
house  is  revoked,  the  Court  thinking  it  may  be  taken  off  by  the 
Commissioners  at  their  monthly  meeting,  which  it  is  resolved  shall 
be  attended.  The  widow  of  Captain  Benjamin  Peeters,  late  com- 
mander of  the  Aleppo  Merchant,  to  be  given  500/.  of  the  money 
paid  by  her  late  husband  into  the  Company's  cash  at  Surat,  and  if 
in  a  month's  time  she  can  give  a  legal  discharge,  the  remainder  is 
to  be  paid  to  her.  The  Deputy  and  Mr.  Moyer  agree  to  buy  Lord 
Craven's  house  from  the  State  in  their  own  names  and  to  allow  the 
Company  two  months  to  take  over  the  purchase ;  but  if  then  the 


EAST  INDIA   COMPANY  193 

latter  refuses  to  do  so,  the  said  gentlemen  are  to  make  the  best 
benefit  they  can  of  the  same.  Giles  Greene  writes  to  request 
that  certain  calicoes  brought  home  for  his  account  by  Mr.  Davidge 
may  be  delivered  ;  the  Court,  wishing  to  favour  Mr.  Greene,  orders 
the  said  goods  to  be  brought  to  Leadenhall  to  be  examined.  The 
Governor  reports  the  offer  of  some  one,  who  wishes  to  remain 
anonymous,  to  give  information  concerning  the  purloining  of  pepper 
and  other  goods  from  the  Company  on  receipt  of  a  reward  ;  the 
Governor  is  requested  to  recompense  him  as  he  shall  deserve.  John 
Madock's  account  is  ordered  to  be  paid,  and  as  an  acknowledgement 
of  his  '  love  and  favour '  to  the  Company  while  the  ships  were  at 
Plymouth,  he  is  to  be  presented  with  a  piece  of  plate  worth  20/.,  on 
which  the  Company's  arms  are  to  be  engraved.  Barnabas  Holden, 
master  of  the  Unity ^  which  ship  was  hired  by  Madock  to  bring  some 
of  the  goods  out  of  the  Eagle  and  Aleppo  Merchant  to  London,  to 
be  paid  80/.  in  full  of  all  charges.  At  the  request  of  the  Committee 
of  the  Ordnance,  certain  of  the  Company  are  desired  to  wait  upon 
them  next  Tuesday  at  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning.  Calcott  to  be 
given  50/.  to  defray  current  expenses  at  the  Customhouse.  The 
bill  of  exchange  for  5,500/.  drawn  upon  the  Company  by  the  Presi- 
dent and  Council  at  Bantam  and  presented  by  Messrs.  Anthony 
Penniston,  Senior  and  Junior,  is  again  refused  by  the  Court ;  and 
the  said  gentlemen  presenting  another  bill  for  a  like  amount,  due  to 
Bodowin  Fabor,  a  Dutchman,  they  are  desired  to  present  the  assign- 
ment on  the  latter  bill  next  Friday,     (aj//.) 

Demands  of  the  Dutch  East  India  Company  from  the 
English  East  India  Company,  [1652]  (Factory  Records,  Java, 
vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  399). 

I.  Half  the  charges  incurred  by  the  Dutch  Company  in  the  siege 
of  Bantam  from  August,  1621  till  October,  1627,  17,000/.  2.  Half 
the  sum  disbursed  for  maintenance  of  the  Fort  '  Geldrian  ^  Policatta' 
to  which  the  English  failed  to  contribute  from  1622  to  1639,  when 
the  treaty  of  1619  expired,  21,25c/.  3.  Charges  for  defence  during 
seventeen  years,  the  treaty  of  1619  having  expired,  510,000/. 
4.  One-third  part  of  the  common  charges  in  the  Moluccas, 
Amboyna  and  Banda  from  February,  1623  to  1639,  at  the  rate  of 

*  The  Dutch  fortress  at  Pulicat  (near  Madras)  was  named  Geldria. 

S.C.M.  IV  O 


194  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

30,000/.  a  year,  amounts  to  510,000/.  5.  Half  the  charge  of  the 
ship  Hart,  cast  away  in  pursuing  and  overtaking  the  enemy ;  this, 
according  to  the  valuation  of  the  Council  of  Defence,  amounts  to 
1,022/.  6.  For  detention  at  Portsmouth  of  three  Dutch  ships,  which 
came  fully  laden  from  Surat,  100,000/.  7.  For  damage  sustained 
by  loss  of  the  pepper  trade  at  Bantam  for  the  space  of  seven  years, 
600,000/.  8.  For  the  extraordinary  and  continual  charge  of  the 
ships  sent  out  yearly  to  convoy  the  Dutch  ships,  estimated  at 
10,000/.  per  annum^  which  for  twenty  years  amounts  to  200,000/. 
9.  For  provisions,  ships,  commodities  and  ofher  things  lent  by 
the  Dutch  Company  to  the  English  Company  in  journeying  to 
and  from  India  and  in  India,  for  which  they  are  ready  to  come 
to  an  accommodation.  10.  For  one-third  part  (according  to  the 
order  of  the  Council  of  Defence)  of  the  wages  and  diet  of  the 
soldiers  brought  by  the  Dutch  to  supply  the  garrisons  in  the 
Moluccas,  Banda  and  Amboyna.  11.  For  wages  of  men  in  the 
pinnaces  Peru,  Arnhenty  and  Suratta,  together  with  the  charges  of 
these  ships  and  of  a  certain  Dutch  boat,  and  for  their  repair,  they 
being  all  employed  in  the  common  trade  at  Amboyna  upon  account 
of  the  charges  of  the  year  1621,  of  which  notice  was  given  to  the 
English  Company  and  for  which  an  accommodation  is  to  be  made. 
All  these  demands  amount  to  1,959,272/.  besides  the  rents  and 
other  things  for  which  restitution  and  satisfaction  is  required.  In 
the  foregoing  are  not  included  claims  for  excessive  damages  and 
hindrances  sustained  by  the  Dutch  through  the  English  not  observ- 
ing their  duty  according  to  the  treaty  ;  and  before  by  their  '  contra- 
mines  obstacles  and  undercreeping  in  the  trade  through  whole  India ' 
from  the  expiration  of  the  treaty  of  161 9,  up  to  July,  1639,  the 
English  Company  extending  their  demands  till  1651  and  1652  and 
going  far  beyond  the  limits  and  expiration  of  the  said  treaty.  The 
English  Company  having  in  several  of  their  claims  charged  the 
Dutch  Company  with  cruelty  to  the  English  'ministers'  in  East 
India,  and  with  causing  them  to  leave  their  respective  places  there, 
the  Dutch,  to  remove  this  '  foule  and  dishonest  blame  \  unreason- 
ably and  unjustly  laid  upon  them,  remind  the  English  how  they,  on 
three  several  occasions,  viz.  January  16  and  28,  1623-4,  and  on 
December  9,  1624,  desired  leave  from  the  Governor-General  at 
Batavia,  and  on  December  11,  1624,  departed  with  'all  their  people 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  195 

and  appendarices ',  nine  ships,  and  pinnaces  from  Batavia  to  the 
Straits  of  Sunda  and  settled  on  the  island  of  Lagundy.  Here  they 
suffered  great  misery,  and  in  the  space  of  six  months  lost  about  400 
persons  through  the  unhealthy  climate,  and  were  in  such  extremity 
that  they  wrote  two  letters  to  the  Governor-General  of  the  Dutch 
Company  and  earnestly  desired  assistance  to  be  'freed  of  that 
pestiferous  island'  and  brought  back  to  Batavia  with  'all  their 
remnants '.  The  Governor  answered  that  they  '  as  becomes  good 
trusty  freinds  would  not  faile  to  send  them  a  speedy  assistance*, 
and  dispatched  the  pinnace  Abigail  and  shortly  after  the  Fortune 
with  victuals  and  other  necessaries,  placing  at  their  disposal  the 
'  Citty  of  Batavia '  and  the  houses  they  had  formerly  dwelt  in.  The 
pinnace  brought  some  of  the  sick  to  Batavia  and  was  again  dispeeded 
with  '  sixty  lusty  fellowes '  and  followed  shortly  after  by  the  Good 
Fortune  and  the  pinnace  Pallicatta.  These,  in  company  with  the  six 
English  ships  and  pinnaces,  returned  to  Batavia  with  the  rest  of 
the  English,  most  of  whom  were  sick.  They  were  all  received  in 
a  friendly  manner,  taken  to  their  former  lodgings  and  to  a  great 
new  building  adjoining,  and  provided  with  all  necessaries.  Notwith- 
standing this  sixty  of  the  sick  died ;  and  eighty  Dutch  becoming 
infected  with  the  same  sickness,  most  of  these  died  also.  The 
English  themselves  confessed  that  their  condition  in  Lagundy  was 
so  bad  that  without  all  this  assistance  they  must  have  perished,  and 
their  President  and  chief  factors  often  affirmed  that  the  great  and 
unexpected  benefits  received  they  must  reward  and  remember  all 
their  lives,  and  not  only  should  their  private  letters  testify  to  this 
but  it  should  be  registered  in  the  public  records  of  England.     (4//.) 

Answer  of  the  English  to  the  unjust  Demands  of  the 
Netherlanders,  October  14,  165:^  {Factory  Records,  Java^ 
vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  386). 

I.  In  answer  to  the  counter-claim  made  by  the  Dutch  of 
600,000/.  for  six  years'  exclusion  from  the  trade  at  Bantam,  the 
English  assert  that  this  was  caused  by  the  dispute  between  the 
Dutch  and  the  King  of  Bantam  and  in  no  way  concerned  the 
English,  the  said  King  declaring  that  his  difference  was  only  with 
the  Dutch  because  they  had  unjustly  seized  the  town  of  Jakatra  and 
expelled  the  King  of  that  place,  who  was  his  kinsman  and  ally. 

O  % 


196  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

During  these  six  years  the  Dutch  made  no  attempt  against  Bantam, 
but  simply  blockaded  it  by  keeping  in  the  road  one  or  more 
unserviceable  ships,  their  real  design  being  to  prevent  the  English 
trading  with  the  Bantamese,  who  often  solicited  them  to  do  so. 
a.  The  Dutch  in  order  to  make  the  fort  Gueldria  at  Pulicat 
sufficiently  burdensome  to  the  English  (who  by  the  treaty  of  1619 
were  to  bear  one-third  part  of  its  charge),  at  once  began  to  raise 
new  fortifications  and  to  place  there  fifty  extra  soldiers,  whom  they 
employed  on  every  possible  occasion  in  their  shipping.  This 
seemed  to  the  English  such  a  manifest  injury  tliat  they  complained 
to  the  Council  of  Defence,  but  getting  no  redress  they  submitted 
until  the  barbarous  butchery  and  destruction  of  the  English  at 
Amboyna  dissolved  all  former  treaties.  3.  Until  the  cruel  and 
insolent  action  of  the  Dutch  at  Amboyna,  which  dissolved  all  former 
association  with  them,  either  in  mutual  trade  or  in  mutual  defence, 
the  English  Company  punctually  supplied  their  proportion  of  ships 
designed  for  the  common  defence,  as  is  witnessed  by  their  *  equipage' 
in  the  fleet  designed  against  the  Spaniards  in  the  Manillas,  and  in 
the  other  fleet  designed  against  the  Portuguese  at  Mozambique; 
in  the  former  expedition  the  Dutch  diverted  their  ships  to  the  siege 
of  Macao,  where  they  were  sufficiently  beaten,  and  in  the  latter 
they  took  off  two  of  their  five  ships  designed  for  the  common  defence 
and  sent  them  to  trade  in  the  Red  Sea,  against  which  at  the  time 
:the  English  President  and  Council  protested.  4.  The  English 
wonder  at  the  impudence  of  this  demand,  for,  as  by  the  treaty  of 
1619  (which  was  to  compensate  them  in  some  measure  for  the 
injuries  they  had  received  from  the  Dutch,  and  to  make  good  the 
title  they  justly  claimed  to  some  of  the  Banda  islands)  it  was 
enacted  that  they  should  receive  one-third  part  of  the  spices  grown 
in  the  Moluccas,  Banda  and  Amboyna,  estimated  to  produce 
annually  25,000/.  clear  of  all  charge,  to  exclude  them  from  which 
benefit  the  Dutch  so  cruelly  cut  them  off,  so  that  from  162,2,  to  the 
present  time  they  have  received  none  of  the  fruits  of  the  said 
islands,  their  present  demand  of  30,000/.  is  conceived  to  be  a  *  most 
unsufferable  scorne  putt  upon  our  nation ',  and  it  is  humbly  referred 
to  the  consideration  of  the  Council.  5.  If  the  Hart  was  really 
lost  in  the  common  defence,  and  valued  by  the  Council  of  Defence 
as  is  said,  no  objection  is  made  by  the  English  to  the  demand  of 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  197 

ip22l.  being  made  good  upon  account.  6.  With  regard  to  the 
sum  claimed  for  detention  at  Portsmouth  of  three  Dutch  ships,  this 
happened  in  16:27,  after  the  '  execrable  murthers'  perpetrated  by 
the  Dutch  upon  the  English  at  Amboyna,  and  after  their  unjust 
seizure  and  detention  of  Pulo  Run  and  Lantore,  and  was  done 
partly  for  satisfaction  for  those  irreparable  losses  and  injuries 
sustained,  and  if  these  ships  had  not  been  set  free  by  very  consider- 
able bribes  (through  the  corruption  of  the  court)  the  English  would 
have  obtained  some  compensation  and  their  great  demand  now 
made  would  have  been  in  some  measure  qualified.  7.  It  is 
thought  that  the  Dutch  are  '  very  pleasant '  in  making  this  demand, 
for  they  raised  the  enmity  of  the  Bantamese  by  seizing  Jakatra, 
expelling  the  King,  and  blocking  Bantam  to  prevent  the  English 
trading  there,  as  has  been  already  related  in  the  first  article,  and 
then  without  any  colour  of  reason  they  demand  600,000/.  8.  What 
they  claim  compensation  for  in  this  article  was  the  just  effect  of 
their  cruel  proceedings  against  the  English,  of  which  they  were 
so  conscious  that  they  dare  not  let  their  laden  ships  pass  through 
the  Narrow  Seas  in  case  they  should  fall  into  the  hands  of  the 
English  Navy.  If  they  wish  to  prevent  this  considerable  charge  in 
the  future,  they  must  settle  their  differences  with  the  English,  and 
regulate  their  account  with  the  Company,  and  then  they  may  with 
safety  enjoy  the  benefits  of  the  English  ports.  9.  In  cases  of  want 
and  extremity,  reciprocal  courtesies  have  been  given  and  received 
by  both  English  and  Dutch  upon  several  urgent  occasions,  and  for 
these  the  English  are  willing  to  come  to  some  accommodation, 
lo.  This  demand  is  so  absurd  as  to  need  no  answer,  for  by  the 
treaty  the  Dutch  were  to  supply  soldiers,  as  while  the  forts  were 
continued  they  must  of  necessity  be  manned.  With  regard  to  the 
fort  at  Pulicat,  it  was  quite  apparent  that  the  Dutch,  in  order  to 
make  the  charge  intolerable  to  the  English,  filled  it  with  soldiers, 
whom  on  all  occasions  they  employed  in  their  shipping,  etc.,  they 
being  so  unnecessary  that  when  the  English  left  they  were  sent 
back.  II.  Up  to  1623  when,  because  of  the  Amboyna  massacre, 
the  Council  of  Defence  and  all  other  associations  between  the  two 
nations  were  dissolved,  all  reasonable  demands  had  been  fully 
complied  with,  and  therefore  all  mentioned  in  this  article.  The 
English  are  amazed  at  the  Dutch  demanding  1,959.272/.  from  them, 


198  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

as  it  is  well  known  that  in  1640  they  by  their  ambassador  *  improved 
their  uttermost  interest  in  the  court  of  England ',  and  by  the  power 
of  those  in  authority  the  English  were  brought  to  accept  eight 
tons  of  gold,  or  80,000/.  sterling,  in  full  satisfaction  of  all  past 
injuries,  together  with  the  faithful  promise  of  such  a  reglement  in 
the  trade  for  the  future  as  should  cause  a  truce  to  all  former 
animosities.  As  to  the  English  not  obsemng  their  duty,  and 
*  undercreeping '  in  the  trade,  this  they  do  not  understand,  for  they 
do  not  acknowledge  themselves  to  be  in  any  way  inferior  or 
subordinate  to  the  Dutch  and,  as  has  been  said'before,  an  English- 
man discovered  the  Moluccas  before  any  Dutchman,  and  returned 
through  the  Straits  of  Sunda  ;  yet  if  the  Dutch  affirm  that  they 
settled  a  factory  at  Bantam,  the  English  assert  with  no  less  confidence 
that  they  discovered  the  trade  of  India,  Persia,  Arabia,  etc.,  some 
years  before  the  Dutch  frequented  them  *  by  our  example '.  The 
assistance  and  Christian  commiseration  rendered  by  the  Dutch  to 
the  English  when  they  languished  in  sickness  and  mortality  upon 
the  island  of  Pulo  Lagundy  is  not  denied,  but  at  the  same  time  the 
Dutch  should  remember  that  it  was  through  their  insufferable 
injuries  at  Banda  and  Amboyna,  their  breaking  open  the  English 
warehouses  and  carrying  away  the  goods,  and  publicly  whipping 
some  English  at  Jakatra  that  the  latter  determined  to  try  any 
place  rather  than  submit  to  such  base  indignities  from  the  Dutch, 
from  whom  they  had  deserved  much  better.     (4//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  October  15,  165a  {Court  Booky 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  166). 

The  Governor  intimates  he  has  been  informed  that  one  Hopkins, 
who  came  home  in  the  Aleppo  Merchant,  has  embezzled  some 
goods,  which  are  now  in  Gunpowder  Alley  ^ ;  the  Secretary  is  desired 
to  look  into  this.  Anthony  Penniston  presents  an  assignment  upon 
the  bill  of  exchange  payable  to  Bodowin  Fabor,  a  Dutchman  of 
Amsterdam,  to  Mr.  Lucas  Lucy,  who  had  a  letter  from  the  Dutch- 
man to  pay  the  same  to  Mr.  Penniston  ;  resolution  on  this  matter 
is  deferred.  Those  Committees  who  are  to  wait  upon  the  Com- 
mittee of  the  Ordnance  are  entreated  to  inform  the  latter  that  the 

1  There  were  two  alleys  of  this  name,  one  turning  out  of  Crutched  Friars,  the  other  off 
Shoe  Lane  (on  the  eastern  side).    The  latter  still  exists. 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  199 

Committees  have  been  blamed  by  the  generality  for  selling  the 
last  saltpetre  so  much  below  the  market  price  ;  therefore,  if  any  one 
is  sent  to  treat  for  this  commodity  again,  a  general  court  will  be 
called.  The  Governor  is  requested  to  sign  the  assignment  of  the 
Company's  pre-emption  of  Lord  Craven's  house  to  the  Deputy  and 
Mr.  Moyer.     (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
October  20,  165a  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  215). 

Major  Thomson  intending  to  buy  the  Company's  stores  at 
Sandwich,  Margate,  and  Deal,  he  is  desired  to  send  some  one  to 
examine  them.  The  Treasurer  reports  that  the  Victuallers  of  the 
Navy  have  inspected  the  houses  and  ground  at  Blackwall  they  wish 
to  lease,  but  nothing  has  been  heard  from  them  since.  The 
Committee  of  the  Ordnance  refusing  to  send  any  one  to  treat  about 
the  Company's  saltpetre,  a  general  court  of  all  the  adventurers  in 
the  United  Joint  Stock  is  to  be  held  to  determine  concerning  this 
matter.     (|  /.) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  October  22,  1652  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  167). 

After  a  large  debate  concerning  the  sale  of  the  Company's  salt- 
petre to  the  State,  in  which  it  is  asserted  that  the  Dutch  have  sold 
theirs  at  7/.  loj.  per  cwt.  at  twenty-seven  months'  discount,  it  is 
resolved  that  all  the  saltpetre  shall  be  refined  to  Tower  proof,  and 
sold  at  5/.  15J.  per  cwt.  at  three  six  months,  one-third  to  be  dis- 
counted in  money,  and  good  security  to  be  given  before  the  said 
commodity  is  delivered  ;  certain  of  the  Committees  are  desired  to 
acquaint  the  Committee  of  the  Ordnance  with  these  conditions  re- 
solved on  by  the  generality.  Alderman  Chiverton  regrets  the  great 
quantity  of  private  trade  *  driven  betweene  the  Indies  and  England '  ; 
the  Governor  replies  that  twenty-seven  bales  of  silk  came  for  the 
owners  of  the  ships,  and  that  of  the  nine  or  ten  additional  bales 
known  to  have  come,  six  belong  to  their  late  President,  Mr.  Merry, 
and  the  remainder  to  one  of  their  factors  in  Persia.  He  then 
informs  the  Court  of  the  two  bills  of  exchange  which  have  been 
presented  for  payment,  each  for  5,500/. ;  that  the  Company  has 
with  just  cause  refused  to  accept  the  one  made  payable  to  the 


aoo  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

executors  of  the  late  Thomas  Penniston,  and  has  left  it  to  the 
generality  to  resolve  concerning  the  second,  which  is  made  payable 
to  Bodowin  Fabor ;  hereupon  by  a  general  erection  of  hands  the 
Court  refuses  to  accept  the  said  bill,     (a//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
October  a;,  1652  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  216). 

Messrs.  Clutterbuck  and  Andrews  are  granted  some  allowance  for 
damaged  pepper,  and  garbled  pepper  is  sold  to  them  at  a  reduced 
rate.  Reply  to  the  Deputy's  offer  to  buy  the  anchors  and  cordage 
at  Sandwich  is  deferred  until  an  answer  is  received  from  the  Com- 
mittee of  the  Navy  concerning  their  desire  to  buy  the  same. 
Calicoes  sold  to  John  Bathurst.     {\\  pp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  October  a8,  165a  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  170). 

Some  goods  .brought  home  by  Mr.  Davidge  having  been  seized, 
the  Court,  knowing  that  all  his  goods  have  been  consigned  by  bill 
of  lading  to  the  Company  and  that  no  fraud  is  intended,  desires 
certain  Committees  to  satisfy  the  Commissioners  of  Customs  in 
the  matter.  A  dispute  concerning  the  turning  over  the  remains 
in  India,  when  it  is  alleged  that  the  ammunition  for  Fort  St.  George 
and  other  things  were  twice  charged  for,  with  another  matter  in 
dispute  between  the  two  Stocks,  is  referred  to  the  determination 
of  the  next  court.  At  the  request  of  Anthony  and  Robert  Pennis- 
ton, the  account  of  the  late  Thomas  Penniston  is  ordered  to  be 
made  up.  Anthony  Penniston  again  asks  if  the  Court  will  accept 
the  two  bills  of  exchange,  each  for  5,500/.,  and  being  answered 
in  the  negative  he  intimates  that  he  has  brought  a  public  notary 
with  him ;  hereupon  the  latter  is  called  in  and  he  demands  pay- 
ment of  the  said  two  bills  of  exchange  charged  upon  the  Company 
by  Aaron  Baker,  Frederick  Skinner,  and  James  Bostocke,  and  the 
Court  again  refuses  to  accept  them.  Messrs.  Steeventon  and  Dewy, 
powdermakers,  to  be  paid  1,000/.  in  part  of  what  is  due  to  them 
by  a  warrant  from  the  Committee  of  the  Navy  upon  the  former 
contract  for  saltpetre.  Certain  Committees  are  requested  to  see 
that   the  saltpetre  now  come  home   is  refined   to  Tower  proof. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  iioi 

A  Narrative  of  the  Settlement  of  the  Trade  in  the 
East  Indies  and  of  the  Injuries  received  from  the  Dutch, 
November,  1652  {Public  Record  Office:  C.  O.  "]"],  vol.  vii,  no.  59). 

Setting  forth  how  of  old  the  East  India  trade  was  managed  by 
the  Chinese,  then  by  the  *  Guzzerats  or  Moores  of  Cambaya',  until 
in  1497  Vasco  da  Gama  'discovered  beyond  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope'  and  the  Portuguese  for  many  years  enjoyed  the  trade, 
keeping  it  from  other  nations  to  their  own  great  enrichment.  '  In 
1583  Sir  Francis  Drake  made  discovery  of  the  South  Sea  trade,  as 
the  Maneeloes,  Isles  of  Banda  and  Amboyna,  which  gave  the  first 
knowledgment  thereof  to  the  English  and  Dutch  nations'.  In  1595 
the  Dutch  with  the  assistance  of  Captain  Davies,  an  English  pilot 
formerly  employed  by  the  English,  began  to  trade  at  Sumatra,  Java, 
etc.,  and  settled  a  factory  at  Bantam.  The  English  also  settled  at 
Bantam,  but  removed  with  the  Dutch  to  Jakatra  and  built  a  large 
house  on  one  side  of  the  river  and  the  Dutch  built  one  on  the  other 
side,  *  hoping  to  be  loving  neighbours '.  The  Dutch  by  their  power 
and  encroachment  built  the  city  of  Batavia,  and  having  obtained 
sovereignty  they  so  shamefully  illtreated  the  English  that  the  latter 
were  forced  to  remove  to  the  unwholesome  island  of  Pulo  Lagundy, 
where  many  died  and  the  remainder  returned  to  Bantam  \sic\ 
where  the  Dutch  kept  possession  of  the  English  house,  which  had 
cost  4^000/.  and  for  which  no  satisfaction  has  been  received  to  this 
day.  In  1600  the  East  India  Company  were  incorporated  by 
patent  for  trade  and  discovery.  For  the  first  seven  years  they 
applied  themselves  to  the  islands  of  Java,  Sumatra,  the  Moluccas 
and  Banda,  etc.,  where  they  obtained  very  considerable  quantities  of 
spice  and  reduced  the  price  of  pepper  in  England  from  7^.  the  lb. 
to  IS,  the  lb.  and  the  like  for  cloves,  mace,  and  nutmegs,  much  to  the 
honour  and  profit  of  the  English  nation  at  large.  King  James 
encouraged  the  Company  by  confirming  their  patent  and  promising 
his  protection,  which  induced  many  of  the  nobility  and  gentry  to 
adventure  with  them.  In  1607  the  Portuguese  were  very  strong  on 
the  coast  of  India,  having  cities,  towns,  castles,  and  a  great  fleet  at 
Goa  ;  so  that  no  other  nation  dared  attempt  to  settle  or  trade  in 
those  parts.  Nevertheless  the  English,  in  1608,  sent  out  the 
Ascension^  but  she  being  wrecked,  they  dispeeded  in  1609  the 


aoa  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

Dragon  and  Osiander  under  the  command  of  Captain  Best,  who  '  to 
the  lasting  honour  of  this  nation  fought  with  4  gallions  and 
a6  friggatts  of  the  Portugal  Is  and  by  force  of  armes  setled  a  factorie 
at  Surratt,  and  soe  ever  since  remained  there  in  a  peaceable  manner 
under  the  Great  MoguUs  government '.  Some  years  after  the  Dutch, 
hearing  of  the  success  of  the  English  Company  at  Surat,  sent  a  ship 
thither;  they  were  kindly  entertained  by  Captain  Kerridge,  the 
President,  and  thus  gained  their  first  insight  into  the  trade  of  India. 
In  161 7  the  Dutch  were  in  a  low  condition  and  much  in  debt,  but 
the  English  had  a  stock  underwritten  of  1,600,000/.  The  States  of 
Holland,  in  order  to  preserve  the  Dutch  Company  and  enable  them 
to  carry  on  their  trade,  lent  or  gave  them  ten  or  twelve  tons  of 
gold  ;  hereupon  they,  being  in  want  of  stock,  began  to  surprise  the 
English  ships  and  took  in  all  eleven  vessels  scattered  about  in 
trading  voyages,  estimated  to  be  worth  600,000/.  or  700,000/.  This 
much  encouraged  them  and  'supported  their  declining  action'.  By 
the  treaty  of  1619  the  Dutch 'came  of  for  80,000/.'  for  these  depreda- 
tions, and  so  were  much  enriched  by  their  injurious  dealing,  while  the 
English  Company  were  much  impoverished  and  their  adventurers 
much  disheartened .  By  the  twenty-third  article  of  the  treaty  of  1 6 1 9 
the  English  were  accorded  one-third  part  of  all  spices  growing  on  the 
islands  of  Banda  and  the  Moluccas,  and  these  might  have  proved 
worth  above  50,000/.  yearly  clear  of  charge ;  the  remaining  two- 
thirds  were  to  accrue  to  the  Dutch,  and  the  forts  on  the  islands  to 
remain  in  possession  of  the  then  holders.  The  Dutch  conceiving 
themselves  prejudiced  by  these  conditions,  which  deprived  them  of 
their  monopoly  of  the  spice  trade,  and  having  got  off  so  easily 
before,  they  were  encouraged  to  violate  the  treaty  of  16 19  again,  and 
in  March,  1620,  they  surprised  and  attacked  the  islands  of  Pulo  Run 
and  Lantore,  demolished  the  forts,  killed  some  of  the  English,  put 
others  in  irons,  and  others  they  carried  away  prisoners  to  Jakatra. 
They  added  to  these  injuries  by  setting  their  own  price  on  mace, 
nutmegs,  etc.,  '  in  all  parts  and  to  all  nations ',  by  which  the  English 
have  been  forced  to  pay  ^s.  or  6s.  per  lb.  for  nutmegs  and  \is,  or 
13J.  per  lb.  for  mace,  which  before  they  sold  for  less  than  half  that 
price.  This  '  hath  been  indeed  to  the  Dutch  nation  a  mine  of  gold 
and  the  only  support  of  the  Netherlands  East  India  trade,  and 
advanced  them  to  the  greatnesse  wherein  now  they  are,  and  caused 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  203 

them  to  fly  out  in  greater  outrages  then  before.'  In  1622-3,  as  by 
the  book  entitled  [blank '^]  the  Dutch  most  inhumanly  murdered 
several  of  the  English  Company's  servants,  these  wicked  dealings 
being  '  the  only  meanes  of  those  great  losses  which  came  upon  the 
Third  Joynt  Stock.'  In  1621-2  the  English  took  the  Castle  of 
Ormus  and  made  an  agreement  with  the  King  of  Persia  whereby 
they  were  to  have  '  one  moyetie  of  the  customes  of  all  goods  etc., 
exported  and  imported  for  ever '.  Through  the  Dutch  opposing  the 
rights  of  the  English,  which  if  duly  paid  would  have  been  worth 
above  20,000/.  yearly,  the  natives  were  encouraged  to  do  the  like, 
and  they  refusing  to  pay  the  ten  per  cent,  due,  the  English  hardly 
made  one-sixth  part  of  what  they  should.  In  1640  the  late  King 
prevailed  on  the  English  Company  to  accept  80,000/.  (a  sum  far 
short  of  what  was  due),  for  damages  sustained  through  the  Dutch 
up  to  that  year,  with  promise  of  a  good  regulation  of  trade  between 
the  two  Companies  for  the  future.  But  because  of  'the  late 
difference  at  home ',  nothing  was  effected  in  the  matter,  and  since 
the  English  Company  have  received  several  affronts  and  sustained 
many  damages  and  the  Spice  Islands  are  still  withheld  from  them, 
as  will  be  seen  by  the  accounts  delivered  to  the  Dutch  Ambassadors, 
and  *a  growing  somme  hath  arisen  farr  exceeding  the   former'. 

(2j//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  November  3,1652  {Court  Book,  vo\. 
xxiii,  p.  172). 

Thomas  Hopkins  petitioning  for  payment  of  his  wages,  it  is 
remembered  that  he  purloined  certain  goods  and  indulged  in  private 
trade ;  he  is  questioned,  and  not  giving  satisfactory  answers  the 
Court  resolves  to  detain  his  wages  while  inquiries  are  made. 
Nothing  more  to  be  paid  to  the  powdermakers  without  further  order 
from  the  Committee  of  the  Navy.  Warrants  are  signed  for  payment 
to  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  of  10,920/.  10^.  3^/.  for  39,710  rials  57^. 
for  remains  delivered  at  Bantam  to  the  United  Joint  Stock  at  ^s.  6d» 
the  rial,  in  accordance  with  the  account  received  from  thence  ending 
the  31st  December,  1651 ;  also  another  warrant  for  8,081/.  0,3.  <^d. 

^  A  True  Relation  of  the  unjust,  cruel,  and  barbarous  proceedings  against  the  English 
at  Amboyna,  first  printed  in  1624.  A  reprint,  with  an  address  to  Cromwell,  was  issued 
*  by  authoritie '  in  1651. 


5to4  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

for  stores,  etc.,  delivered  by  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  to  the  United 
Joint  Stock  in  England  ;  with  a  third  warrant  for  1,603/.  2s.  M.  for 
interest  on  the  said  8,081/.  2s.  9^.,  with  other  sums  formerly  paid 
and  discounted  until  the  end  of  September,  165a.  Certain 
Committees  are  desired  to  examine  and  price  the  calicoes  at 
Leadenhall  in  readiness  for  the  court  of  sales ;  also  to  examine  the 
goods  belonging  to  Mr.  Greene  brought  home  by  Mr.  Davidge. 
The  Court  orders  that  every  one  buying  goods  shall  himself  be  one 
of  the  securities  for  the  same,  and  if  he  is  a  broker  then  he  is  to 
state  for  whom  he  buys  before  signing  the  bargain.  The  Husband 
being  unable  to  perform  his  duties  through  sickness,  Rilston  is  to  be 
asked  to  see  to  the  accounts  and  to  take  charge  of  the  Customhouse 
warehouses,  for  which  service  he  is  promised  satisfaction.     (1^//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  November  6,  165a  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  174). 

Resolved  that  no  goods  be  sold  by  treaty  before  they  have  passed 
the  candle.  Only  one  bale  of  the  calicoes  belonging  to  Mr.  Greene 
having  arrived  at  the  Company's  warehouse,  this  is  examined  and 
the  Committees  resolve  that  if  the  rest  are  like  it  they  shall  be 
delivered.  Edward  Wood,  on  behalf  of  the  Commissioners  of  the 
Navy,  offers  to  buy  all  the  anchors  and  cordage  at  Sandwich,  Deal, 
and  Margate;  but  these  being  the  property  of  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock  he  is  desired  to  attend  their  next  meeting.     (J  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
AND  THE  Second  General  Voyage,  November  10, 165^^  {Court 
Booky  vol.  xxi,  p.  217). 

A  meeting  of  the  Committee  for  Blackwall  with  the  Victuallers 
of  the  Navy  is  reported,  at  which  the  Committee  offered  the  Yard 
on  an  eleven  years'  repairing  lease  at  430/.  per  annum,  but  the 
Victuallers  refused  to  give  more  than  350/.  per  annum.  Hereupon 
the  Court  orders  that  if  the  Victuallers  do  not  take  a  lease  of  the 
Yard  they  must  pay  at  the  rate  of  200/.  per  annum  for  its  use  since 
last  Michaelmas,  or  they  can  have  it  on  lease  at  400/.  per  annum. 
The  Treasurer  reporting  that  there  are  several  sums  of  money 
owing  by  the  United  Joint  Stock  to  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
a  certain  number  of  Committees  for  each  Stock  are  desired  to 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  205 

meet  and  settle  these  accounts.  The  offer  of  Edward  Wood  on 
behalf  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  Navy  for  the  Company's  stores 
at  Sandwich,  Margate,  and  Deal  is  reported,  but  he  not  appearing 
at  this  court,  as  he  promised,  nothing  is  concluded.  All  stores 
at  the  Customhouse  to  be  sold.  Resolved  that  the  Second  General 
Voyage  shall  let  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  have  the  use  of  what 
money  they  have  in  cash,  instead  of  paying  the  interest  on  the 
1,800/.  formerly  supplied  by  the  Stock  to  the  Voyage.  A  written 
request  from  Humphrey  Weston  to  be  paid  all  that  is  due  to  him 
is  read,  and  the  Committees  resolve  to  stand  to  their  former  resolu- 
tion made  in  October,  1651,  whereby  Weston  was  to  be  paid  120/.  in 
full  of  all  his  demands.  Anthony  Penniston  appearing  to  receive 
all  that  is  due  to  his  late  brother,  Thomas,  the  charges  entered 
in  the  Black  Book  against  the  latter  are  read.  Anthony  declares 
that  he  has  nothing  to  say  in  defence  of  the  same,  but  he  hopes 
that  the  Court  will  think  of  his  brother  as  a  very  deserving  man, 
who  was  President  at  Bantam  and  served  the  Company  in  India 
more  than  twenty  years  ;  he  then  asks  what  satisfaction  the  Court 
requires.  He  is  told  that  if  he  will  nominate  two  or  three  of  the 
Company,  the  Court  will  appoint  a  like  number,  and  to  these 
this  matter  shall  be  wholly  referred  ;  but  they  are  not  to  interfere 
with  the  two  bills  of  exchange  each  for  5,500/.  or  to  have  anything 
to  do  with  them.  Penniston  promises  to  name  the  desired  arbi- 
trators.    (2  //.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  November  12,  1652  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  175). 

Captain  Millett  to  be  paid  1,000/.  upon  account  of  freight  for  the 
Aleppo  Merchant,  and  a  like  sum  to  be  paid  to  the  owners  of  the 
Eagle,  Thomas  Heathly  is  admitted  to  the  freedom  by  service, 
paying  \os,  to  the  poor-box.  Thomas  Hopkins  to  be  paid  all 
wages  and  debts  due  to  him.  The-'  Northward '  accounts  ^  between 
the  United  Joint  Stock  and  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  to  be  perfected 
by  Committees  belonging  to  both  Stocks.  The  bond  of  Joshua 
Blackwell  to  be  given  up  to  his  father.  Captain  Blackwell,  after 
the  latter  has  paid  the  owners  of  the  Love  for  his  son's  passage. 

*  Those  relating  to  Surat  and  its  dependencies. 


ao6  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

Simon  Gray,  who  went  as  a  planter  to  Assada  and  is  now  in 
great  poverty,  is  given  40J.     (|  /.) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  November  la,  165a  (Court 
Book  J  vol.  xxiii,  p.  176). 

Sale  of  pintadoe  quilts,  sugar,  Lahore  and  Sarkhej  indigo,  garbled 
cinnamon,  silk,  cotton  yarn,  garbled  cloves,  garbled  nutmegs,  green 
ginger,  tamarinds,  shellac,  sticklac,  musk,  white  garbled  pepper, 
chintz,  dyed  guzzees,  '  browne  dutties  Dulka ',  *  Gundave '  [i.  e. 
Gandevi]  dutties,  Guinea  stuffs,  broad  and  narrow  tapseiles,  pieces 
of  kersywale,  longcloth,  sallampores,  percallaes,  and  coloured 
ginghams,  with  prices  and  names  of  purchasers.     (5^  //.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  November  17,  1652  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  1 8  a). 

The  owners  of  the  Eagle  to  be  paid  600/.  on  account  of  freight. 
The  late  Thomas  Penniston,  Thomas  Fenn,  and  John  Swanly 
allowed  their  passage  home  gratis  in  the  Anne  by  charter-party, 
but  Charles  Wilde  and  John  Hobart  are  ordered  to  pay  for  theirs. 
William  Hooker,  Samuel  Browne,  and  John  Middleton  are  accepted 
as  security  for  sugar.  The  Court  having  sold  goods,  which  accord- 
ing to  contract  are  to  be  garbled  before  delivery,  and  the  garbler's 
office  being  *  obstructed '  by  the  Lord  Mayor,  certain  Committees 
are  entreated  to  try  to  get  this  obstruction  removed.  Mr.  Penniston 
nominates  three  members  of  the  Company,  and  the  Court  three,  to 
arbitrate  concerning  the  affairs  of  Thomas  Penniston.  The  petition 
of  William  Rainshall,  who  assisted  Calcott  (now  deceased)  for  the 
last  fourteen  months,  praying  for  some  allowance  for  his  services, 
is  referred  for  consideration  until  the  accounts  of  the  late  Husband 
are  made  up.  On  information  that  a  ship  and  goods  are  being 
provided  for  dispatch  to  Surat  by  Captain  Thomas  Steevens, 
Mr.  Teames,  Mr.  Noakes,  and  others,  the  Court,  thinking  this  will 
prejudice  the  Company,  resolves  to  stop  these  proceedings  if 
possible,  and  desires  certain  Committees  to  present  a  petition  this 
afternoon  to  the  Council  of  State,  asking  for  their  help  and  favour 
in  this  matter,     {i-ipp) 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  lo^ 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  November  17, 1652 
{Public  Record  Office:  S.P.  Dom,:  Interregnum,  I.  ^^^  pp.  87-91). 

.  .  .  The  petitions  of  .  .  .  referred  to  the  Committee  for  Foreign 
Affairs.  Also  the  petition  of  Captain  Steevens,  [Nathaniel]  Temms, 
and  [William]  Noke  for  licence  to  send  a  ship  [the  Dove'\  to  the 
East  Indies,  and  that  of  the  East  India  Company  against  such 
licence  ;  to  hear  both  parties  and  report. .  .  . 

A  Court  of  Committees,  November  19,  165:2  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  184). 

The  Deputy  reports  that  he  waited  on  the  Lord  Mayor  ^  about 
the  garbler's  office,  and  that  His  Lordship  told  him  that  the  benefit 
of  that  office  accrues  to  the  Lord  Mayor  by  an  Act  of  Henry  VIII, 
and  that  he  would  erect  an  office  over  against  his  house  and  have 
any  goods  garbled  that  should  be  sent  to  him  for  that  purpose,  and 
protect  them  from  interference.  The  Governor  reports  that  upon 
presentation  of  the  Company's  petition  against  Captain  Steevens 
and  others,  although  the  Captain  and  his  associates  had  only  the 
day  before  received  a  grant  from  the  Council  to  proceed  on  their 
voyage,  they  are  now  stopped  and  the  business  is  referred  to  the 
Committee  for  Foreign  Affairs  ;  hereupon  the  Governor,  with  ten 
other  Committees,  is  entreated  to  attend  their  meeting  next  Monday 
morning.  It  is  resolved  that  they  who  signed  the  invoice  for  the 
Company's  musk,  which  has  been  lost,  shall  make  the  same  good. 
Calicoes  sold  to  Henry  Hampson.  Calicoes  to  be  examined  and 
priced  for  the  next  court  of  sales.  The  powdermakers  to  be  paid 
1,000/.  on  account  of  the  warrant  for  13,000/.  Markham  is  directed 
to  make  up  the  account  of  the  freight  of  the  ships  returned  this 
year.     (i|//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  November  33,  1652  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  186). 

The  Court  orders  that  the  present  Lord  Mayor  shall  have  the 
garbling  of  all  the  Company's  goods.  The  Governor  acquaints  the 
Court  that  the  Company's  representatives  had  a  very  fair  hearing 

1  This  was  Alderman  John  Fowke,  the  Company's  old  antagonist.  A  notice  of  him 
will  be  found  in  the  Dictionary  of  National  Biography, 


ao8  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

from  the  Committee  for  Foreign  Affairs  concerning  the  ship  and 
goods  provided  by  certain  private  men  for  dispatch  to  India,  and 
informed  them  of  the  decision  of  Parliament  that  the  East  India 
trade  is  to  be  carried  on  by  a  Joint  Stock  for  five  years  ;  and  the 
said  Committee  desired  that  this  business  might  be  settled  amicably 
by  the  two  parties  themselves.  Nathaniel  Teames  and  William 
Noakes,  acting  on  behalf  of  Captain  Steevens  and  others,  come  into 
court ;  they  are  told  that  the  Company  will  never  consent  to  their 
proceedings  but  will  oppose  them  to  the  utmost  of  its  power ;  they 
reply  that  they  are  willing  to  relinquish  the  project,  if  the  Company 
will  consent  to  reimburse  them  for  the  charge  of  the  ship,  which 
amounts  to  about  2,800/.,  with  her  cargo  of  cloth,  lead,  and  quick- 
silver, worth  about  3,000/.,  and  engage  the  master,  who  was  taken 
from  other  employment  to  go  on  this  voyage.  They  are  desired 
to  present  an  account  of  all  the  commodities  bought  and  all  other 
matters  to  the  five  Committees  appointed  to  see  to  this  business, 
who  are  given  power  to  act  herein  as  they  shall  see  fit.  The  owners 
of  the  Eagle  to  be  paid  1,000/.  upon  account  of  freight,     (i  p) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  November  ^24,  1652  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  187). 

The  Governor  intimates  that  they  have  been  called  together  by 
desire  of  the  State  to  lower  the  price  of  their  saltpetre,  for  the  State 
*  wonders  the  Company  would  exact  upon  them  at  this  time,  they 
having  strugled  for  the  Companys  rights  with  the  Hollanders, 
which  is  partly  an  occasion  of  their  want  of  the  same '.  The  State 
is  not  compelled  to  give  such  a  price,  for  it  can  obtain  io,oco 
barrels  of  powder  at  4/.  odd  per  barrel.  After  some  discussion  it 
is  resolved  that  the  saltpetre  shall  be  refined  fit  for  powder  and  sold 
at  5/.  per  cwt.,  and  certain  Committees  are  requested  to  report 
these  conditions  to  the  Committee  of  the  Ordnance  and  make  the 
best  terms  they  can  for  payment.^  After  the  rising  of  the  generality, 
the  Committees  remaining  for  the  United  Joint  Stock  order  the 
warrants  for  the  premium  for  assurance  to  be  issued,  and  an  addi- 
tional 1,000/.  to  be  paid  to  the  owners  of  the  Aleppo  Merchant, 
(M) 

*  On  December  lo  the  Council  of  State  reported  an  agreement  with  the  Company  at 
5/.  per  cwt.,  and  this  was  approved  {Commons'  Journals,  vol.  vii,  p.  327), 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  209 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  November  35, 165a  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  189). 

Sale  of  chintz,  sallampores,  '  Harrapore  ^ '  sannoes,  broad  and 
narrow  white  ginghams,  sugar,  and  Malabar  pepper,  with  prices 
and  names  of  purchasers,     (i  J  //.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  November  26, 1652  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  191). 

On  receipt  of  a  letter  with  a  packet  of  letters  from  India  from 
Consul  Riley,  it  appearing  that  the  said  Consul  has  disbursed 
Z?i^'  5-f-  9<^«  in  dispatching  the  Company's  letters  to  and  from  Persia, 
payment  of  this  sum  is  ordered,  with  an  additional  16/.  14s.  ^d.  as  an 
acknowledgement  of  his  care  and  pains  in  the  Company^s  service. 
Mr.  Davidge  and  Mr.  Merry  are  questioned  about  some  musk 
bought  for  the  Company ;  the  former  denies  all  knowledge  of  it, 
but  Merry  presents  a  written  relation  concerning  the  same,  and  it 
is  thought  that  he  should  make  good  the  loss.  Mr.  Davidge 
desiring  that  his  goods  may  be  delivered  to  him,  he  is  told  that 
there  are  certain  accusations  against  him  in  the  Black  Book ;  there- 
fore before  his  request  can  be  complied  with  he  must  find  someone 
to  enter  into  security  with  him  in  a  bond  of  2,000/.  to  submit  to 
whatever  fine  shall  be  imposed  for  his  private  trade  or  other  mis- 
demeanours ;  to  this  he  agrees,  and  John  Robinson  offering  to  stand 
security,  the  Court  entreats  certain  Committees  to  examine  and 
report  on  the  matter.  The  owners  of  the  Anne  to  be  paid  1,000/. 
on  account  of  freight.  A  bill  of  charges  is  presented  by  five  Custom- 
house waiters  who  helped  unlade  the  saltpetre  at  Blackwall,  de- 
manding 3J-.  per  day,  besides  boat-hire,  diet  and  lodging  ;  this  being 
thought  unreasonable,  they  are  offered  15/.  in  full  of  all  demands, 
the  Court  conceiving  that  they  have  been  paid  their  wages  by  the 
State.  The  offer  is  refused ;  whereupon  the  Husband  is  directed 
to  acquaint  the  Commissioners  of  Customs  with  the  facts  and 
desire  them  to  do  as  they  see  fit  therein.     (i|//.) 

1  Hariharpur,  in  Orissa.    An  English  factory  was  established  there  in  1633. 


aio  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees,  December  i,  1652  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  193). 

Richard  Clutterbucke  and  Thomas  Andrews  offer  to  buy  all  the 
Jambi  pepper  returned  this  year  for  I'^d.  per  lb.  at  five  six  months  ; 
but  the  Court  wishing  to  sell  it  for  I'^id.  per  lb.  at  four  six  months, 
no  bargain  is  concluded.  Edward  Wood  buys  all  the  anchors  and 
cordage  at  Sandwich,  Deal,  and  Margate.  Prosecution  for  the 
debt  of  Mr.  Loove  to  be  deferred  until  the  end  of  next  January. 
Morees  and  sallampores  sold  to  Messrs.  Coka^ne  and  Methwold. 

A  Court  of  Committees,  December  3,  165a  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  194). 

William  Hooker  is  allowed  tare  on  sugar.  The  Treasurer 
reports  that  he,  Messrs.  Jennings,  Andrews,  and  Bateman  have  let 
great  part  of  Blackwall  Yard  to  Henry  Johnson,  shipwright  of 
Deptford,  on  behalf  of  the  Company  for  a  term  of  twenty-one  years 
at  200/.  per  annum  from  next  Christmas.  According  to  the 
contract  made  and  signed,  Johnson  is  to  keep  the  wharves,  etc.,  in 
repair,  and  leave  them  so  at  the  expiration  of  his  lease.  An 
inventory  and  valuation  is  to  be  made  of  all  things  requisite  and 
other  moveables  there,  for  which  Johnson  is  to  pay  at  a  fair 
valuation  ;  and  he  is  to  have  the  benefit  of  the  said  docks,  ware- 
houses, etc.,  from  the  date  of  the  contract,  viz.  the  25th  November, 
1652.  Mr.  Holder  requesting  some  calicoes  which  have  been  sent 
to  him  from  the  Coast,  he  is  desired  to  produce  the  invoice  or 
letter  showing  his  right  to  the  same.  A  public  notary  again 
demands  the  Company's  acceptance  of  the  bill  of  exchange  for 
5,500/.  payable  to  Mr.  Penniston ;  this  is  refused,  and  he  is  told 
that  he  can  act  as  he  pleases  in  this  business.  Captain  Ryder  is 
granted  some  allowance  on  the  cinnamon  he  bought,  there  being 
flags,  dust,  and  sweepings  found  mixed  with  it.  A  motion  is  made 
by  the  Governor  and  seconded  by  the  Treasurer  for  some  gratuity 
to  be  given  to  the  Committees,  the  Treasurer  stating  that  he  has 
to  come  to  town  every  week  solely  for  this  business  ;  it  is  resolved 
that  a  general  court  shall  be  called  next  January  to  decide  on  this 


1 


EAST  INDIA  COMPANY  an 

matter.  A  statute  of  bankruptcy  is  ordered  to  be  taken  out 
against  Sir  Thomas  Soame,  Messrs.  Hanson,  Frith,  and  Thetcher, 
but  not  to  be  issued  until  Wednesday.     (2//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  December  8,  1652  i^Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  197). 

Mr.  Methwold   reports   that  some  of  the  late  Farmers  of  the 
Customs  have  met  the  Committees  appointed  to  act  concerning  the 
payment  of  the  great  pepper  debt,  and  the  former  propose  that  the 
Company  should  underwrite  about  one-fourth  part  of  the  said  debt 
in  a  preamble  to  be  provided  for  the  purpose,  when  certain  forest 
lands  shall  be  made  over  to  them  by  an  Act  of  Parliament  at  about 
twelve  years'  purchase,  which  lands  in  the  late  King's  time  were 
considered  *  a  good  penny  worth  at  twenty  yeares  purchase ' ;  but  to 
enable  the  Farmers  to  procure  the  passing  of  the  said  Act  they 
must  show  a  good  subscription  from  men  who  are  able  and  will- 
ing to  advance  100,000/.  upon  the  said  lands  ;  or  if  400,000/.  is 
advanced,  then   800,000/.  worth  of  land  shall   be   promised.     In 
explanation,  the  Deputy  states  that  if  a  man  has  600/.  owing  to 
him,  and  he  advances  a  further  600/.,  he  shall  have  100/.  per  annum 
in  the  aforesaid  lands  for  the  1,200/.,  which  is  at  twelve  years' 
purchase.     After   some  debate  a  copy  of  the   said   preamble   is 
ordered   to   be   procured    and   shown    to   counsel.     Sir   Nicholas 
Crispe  and  Mr.  Toomes,  being  present,  assert  that  the  Deputy  has 
made  a  perfect  relation  of  their  proposition  and  that  the  Company 
can  underwrite  in  the  said  preamble  with  whatever  caution  they 
please.      As   the   proposition   is   to   be   presented   to   Parliament 
to-morrow  morning,  a  general  court  of  all  the  adventurers  in  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stock  is  ordered  to  be  held  this  afternoon,  that  the 
resolution  of  the  generality  may  be  ascertained.    John  and  Cornelius 
Boulin  buy  musk  at  ^'>,s.  per  oz.     Mr.  Prior  to  be  paid  25/  for 
drawing  up  nine  policies  of  assurance.     The  request  of  Mr.  Holder 
to  receive  six  bales  of  silk,  half  of  which  belong  to  John  Lewis,  the 
rest  to  Garrad,  purser  in  the  Aleppo  Merchant,  is  referred  to  two 
Committees  to  examine  and  report  upon.     (i|^.) 


P  % 


2U  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock,  December  8,  1652  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  220). 

The  Governor  declares  that  the  Farmers  of  the  Customs  have 
great  hopes  of  procuring  lands  from  Parliament  to  satisfy  the  debt 
they  and  others  owe  to  the  Company,  and  have  a  preamble  ready 
with  a  subscription  of  30,000/.  and  upwards  underwritten  by  some 
of  their  creditors  since  last  Saturday.  This  subscription  is  to 
advance  ready  money  to  the  amount  of  their  debt,  and  if  Parliament 
grants  their  request,  as  they  hope  it  will  if  the  Farmers  can  produce 
a  subscription  by  able  men  showing  that  they  can  raise  100,000/.  in 
ready  money,  '  which  they  suppose  wilbee  seasonable  at  this  tyme 
to  the  Parliament ',  their  creditors  shall  have  land  at  twelve  years' 
purchase  or  more,  as  they  shall  agree,  for  their  debt  and  money 
advanced.  Sir  Nicholas  Crispe  and  Mr.  Toomes  express  regret 
that  so  little  time  is  given  for  consideration,  and  promise  that,  if  the 
Company  will  let  them  know  of  any  objections  they  have  to  this 
proposition,  these  shall  be  answered  as  fully  as  possible ;  but  they 
add  that,  if  this  opportunity  is  neglected,  no  other  satisfaction  can 
be  offered.  They  further  promise  that  if,  when  the  Act  has  been 
passed  by  Parliament,  it  is  judged  to  be  prejudicial  to  the  Company, 
the  members  'shall  putt  the  role  in  the  fire  themselves'.  The 
Committees  asking  what  security  they  are  to  have  that  a  better 
bargain  will  be  made  for  them  than  for  any  private  man,  the 
Farmers  reply  that  '  it  is  the  late  Kings  debt,  and  that  the  East 
India  Company  had  the  said  late  Kings  currant  consent  that  part 
of  those  forrest  and  chase  lands  should  bee  made  over  to  them  for 
the  said  debt ' ;  therefore  they  desire  the  Company  to  underwrite 
one-fourth  part  of  their  debt  upon  the  aforesaid  conditions.  The 
Treasurer  declares  that  the  credit  of  the  Company  is  good,  and 
Mr.  Bateman  intimates  that  by  the  advice  of  counsel  the  Company 
may  safely  underwrite,  with  a  caution  in  their  subscription  for  it  to 
be  performed  by  a  certain  time.  After  some  debate  the  Secretary 
is  ordered  to  subscribe  for  the  Company  in  the  following  words : 
*  Wee  are  content,  upon  passing  an  Act  of  Parliament  for  settling 
the  said  lands  upon  us  for  payment  and  satisfaction  of  a  debt  of 
25,000/,  part  of  a  greater  summe  oweing  unto  us  by  the  late 
Farmours  of  the  Customes  and  others  (and  offer  25,000/.  in  monys 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  213 

to  bee  advanced),  to  advance  the  said  somme  of  25,000/.  and  accept 
lands  in  satisfaction  for  both  summes,  soe  as  the  rate  for  the  said 
lands  bee  such  as  wee  shall  agree  unto  ;  provided  this  subscription 
shall  not  prejudice  any  proceedings  wee  have  or  may  have  in  law  or 
equity  for  recovery  of  the  debt  due  unto  us  by  the  said  Farmours 
of  the  Customes  and  others,  and  provided  the  said  lands  for  the 
vallue  of  both  summes  above  mentioned  be  settled  as  above  on  or 
before  the  25th  day  of  March  next'  The  Deputy,  Messrs.  Bateman 
and  Edwards  are  desired  to  accompany  and  assist  the  Farmers  in 
the  prosecution  hereof.     (2//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  December  10,  1652  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  199). 

William  and  Edward  Savadge  are  accepted  as  security  for  cloves. 
The  request  of  Captain  Matthew  Wood,  commander  of  the  Welcome, 
for  tare  on  goods  is  referred  to  certain  Committees,  but  the  Court 
orders  that  for  his  stay  at  Plymouth  he  and  all  other  owners  of 
ships  shall  be  allowed  two-thirds  of  the  demurrage  according  to 
their  several  charterparties ;  Wood  is  also  to  be  given  50J.  per 
head  for  thirteen  planters  he  transported  from  Assada  to  India, 
and  to  be  paid  what  he  disbursed  on  his  men  in  looking  to  the 
lighters ;  but  his  request  concerning  freight  is  disallowed.  Captain 
Strong  is  given  50J.  per  head  for  thirty-three  planters  he  trans- 
ported from  Assada  to  Surat.  William  Hooker  is  granted  tare 
on  sugar.  Cardamoms  sold  to  Mr.  Methwold.  The  petition  of 
Adam  Archer  for  allowance  for  thirteen  months'  service  in  India 
is  referred  for  consideration.  Messrs.  Holder  and  Garrad  refer 
themselves  to  the  decision  of  the  Committees  concerning  their  silk 
and  calicoes.     (i|//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  December  17,  1652  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  201). 

Solomon  Hougham,  storekeeper  at  Sandwich,  to  be  paid  ^^l. 
14J.  \od.  in  full  of  salary  and  all  other  charges.  John  Culmer 
to  be  paid  5/.  13^-.  6d.  for  anchors  he  dug  out  of  the  beach.  George 
Foxcraft  and  Nathaniel  Herring  are  accepted  as  security  for 
nutmegs.     Mr.  Thetcher  having  given  security  for  one-half  of  the 


ai4  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

debt  he  and  others  owe,  security  for  the  remainder  is  demanded 
from  and  promised  by  Mr.  Hanson,  who  offers  certain  money  (now 
in  the  Company's  hands)  left  to  his  children  by  one  of  the  Com- 
pany's servants  deceased  at  Bantam,  and  his  bond  for  the  rest  ; 
he  is  to  be  allowed  5J.  the  rial  for  the  said  money.  Captain  Wood 
is  given  100  marks  in  full  of  his  demand  for  freight  lost  in  the  tare 
of  goods,     (lipp) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  December  30,  1652  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  202).     '      , 

The  sum  of  10/.  to  be  given  to  the  widows  of  poor  East  India 
men.  Five  tons  of  saltpetre  to  be  delivered  to  Messrs.  Steeventon 
and  Freeman,  they  to  sign  a  written  agreement  to  be  responsible 
for  the  same  until  security  is  given  for  it  by  the  State.  Certain 
Committees  are  appointed  to  settle  the  freight  of  all  ships  now 
returned,  and  to  examine  Mr.  Davidge's  goods.  After  some  dis- 
pute about  Mr.  Davidge  sealing  a  bond  of  2,000/.  to  submit  to 
whatever  fine  shall  be  imposed  upon  him,  a  letter  is  read  from 
the  President  and  Council  at  Surat,  substantiating  certain  charges 
of  misdemeanours  committed  by  Davidge  at  Agra,  and  the  Com- 
mittees think  that  his  goods  should  be  sold  and  the  proceeds 
retained  until  he  can  clear  himself;  hereupon  Davidge  declares 
that  the  said  charges  are  brought  against  him  by  the  malice  of 
Mr.  Hamersly ;  but  this  does  not  satisfy  the  Committees,  and  he 
is  told  to  consider  and  bring  his  answer  to  the  next  court,     (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  December  22,  1652  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  203). 

Thomas  Thomson,  who  was  entertained  as  master's  mate  in  the 
Assada  Merchant  at  3/.  per  month  and  allowed,  at  his  own  request, 
to  return  in  the  Aleppo  Merchant,  when  her  owners  paid  him  405-. 
per  month,  now  petitions  the  Company  to  make  the  said  40^.  up 
to  3/.  ;  this  is  refused.  Sugar  sold  to  Colonel  Gower  and  Mr. 
Ashurst.  Certain  of  the  Committees  are  desired  to  make  some 
agreement  with  the  powder-makers  for  tare  and  refraction  of  the 
saltpetre  sold  to  the  State.  The  owners  of  the  Eagle  to  be  paid 
3i305^-  4^.  10^.  in  full  of  freight,     (i  p) 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  215 

A  Meeting  of  Committees  to  settle  the  difference  in 

THE  ACCOUNTS  AT  SURAT  BETWEEN  THE  UNITED  JOINT   STOCK 

AND  THE  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  December  2,(1, 1652  {Court  Booky 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  205). 

The  Accountant  produces  two  abstracts  taken  from  the  accounts 
of  both  Stocks,  the  one  from  the  United  Stock's  books  ending 
September  30,  1651,  showing  20,484/.  to  be  due,  the  other  making 
30,246/.  to  be  due  from  the  United  Stock  to  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
by  their  own  accounts  made  up  to  November  30,  1651.  After 
much  debate  it  is  agreed  that  20,000/.  shall  be  paid  by  the  United 
Joint  Stock  to  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  in  part  payment  of  such 
remains  as  were  delivered  over  at  Surat  and  the  subordinate 
factories,  and  that  when  both  Stocks'  accounts  shall  be  adjusted 
and  made  up  to  a  certain  date,  then  what  shall  appear  due  from 
the  one  Stock  to  the  other  shall  be  paid  with  interest,     (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  December  24,  1652  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  206). 

A  warrant  is  ordered  to  be  issued  for  payment  of  20,000/.  by 
the  United  Joint  Stock  to  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  as  agreed  upon 
by  the  Committees  appointed  to  settle  the  accounts  '  to  the  north- 
ward '  between  both  Stocks.  An  additional  i,oco/.  to  be  paid  to 
the  owners  of  the  Welcome  on  account  of  freight.  Mr.  Hanson 
is  granted  a  respite  of  fourteen  days  before  settling  his  account 
with  the  Company.     (J  /.) 

Warrant  of  the  Council  of  State,  December  30,  1652 
{Public  Record  Office:  S.P.  Dom.:  Interregnum,  I.  68,  p.  172). 

For  payment  by  Sir  John  Wollaston  to  the  Treasurer  of  the 
East  India  Company  of  10,000/.  on  account  for  one-third  of  the 
price  of  300  tons  of  saltpetre  delivered  into  the  stores. 

A  Court  of  Committees,  January  5,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  207). 

The  Secretary  is  directed  to  apply  to  the  Commissioners  of  the 
Navy  about  an  anchor  left  at  Margate  thirteen  years  ago  and  taken 
from  thence  to  Chatham  by  order  of  Captain  Petts.     Mr.  Wood  to 


ai6  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

be  requested  to  weigh  off  and  pay  for  the  stores  he  bought  lately 
at  Blackwall.  Mr.  Mann  to  be  allowed  for  silk.  Captain  Hall 
refusing  upon  a  warning  from  Mr.  Andrews  to  leave  the  smith's 
forge  at  Blackwall  Yard,  an  order  for  him  to  do  so  is  to  be  issued 
from  the  Court.  Sugar  sold  to  John  Leigh  and  John  Drafgate  at 
5/.  7^.  the  cwt.  at  three  six  months  from  Candlemas.  Every  ware- 
house-keeper is  ordered  to  make  a  note  of  all  goods  remaining  in  his 
custody  and  of  those  that  are  sold  and  not  delivered.  Anthony  and 
Robert  Penniston  to  be  bound  in  a  bond  of  arbitrament  of  2,000/. 
penalty  to  abide  by  the  decision  of  the  arbitrators  appointed  by 
them  and  the  Company,  the  said  arbitration  to  be  concluded  by  the 
end  of  February  next.  Anthony  Penniston  renews  his  demand  for 
payment  of  the  two  bills  of  exchange,  each  for  5,500/.,  and  is  again 
refused.  John  Thomas  and  Henry  Cowly  are  admitted  to  the 
Company's  almshouse.  The  court  orders  11/.  los,  to  be  remitted 
to  the  owners  of  the  Aleppo  Merchant  for  interest  on  200/.  charged 
to  them,  and  100/.  to  be  deducted  from  their  freight  in  allowance 
for  tare,     (i^  pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  January  14,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  209). 

The  petition  of  the  owners  of  the  Ruth  for  discount  on  their  debt, 
because  of  their  loss  by  tare  and  the  cheapness  of  the  ship's  freight, 
and  also  because  they  spent  40/.  in  entertaining  the  King  of  Jambi, 
is  referred  to  certain  Committees.  The  Second  General  Voyage 
having  debts  in  England  amounting  to  2,147/.  5j.  id,  and  there 
being  700/.  seized  upon  in  India  due  to  the  said  Voyage,  the 
Committees  present  belonging  to  that  Voyage  offer  that,  if  the 
United  Joint  Stock  will  allow  them  13J.  4^/.  in  the  pound  for  all 
debts  in  England,  and  300/.  for  the  700/.  owing  in  India,  they  shall 
have  all  right  and  interest  in  the  said  debts ;  this  is  agreed  to  by 
a  general  erection  of  hands.  The  Committees  for  the  Voyage, 
after  some  consideration,  conceive  it  fitting  that  1,000/.  should  be 
demanded  from  the  adventurers  to  be  divided  between  the  Com- 
mittees, who  have  managed  the  said  Voyage  during  the  five  years  it 
has  continued,  and  the  officers,  as  a  gratuity  for  their  care  and  pains ; 
and  resolve  to  propose  the  same  at  the  next  general  court.  Mr. 
Burnell  to  be  discharged  of  his  engagement  for  part  of  John  Leigh's 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  317 

salary  paid  yearly  to  his  wife.  Captain  Strong's  bond  to  be 
delivered  up.  Maurice  Thomson  to  be  released  from  his  contract 
for  saltpetre.  William  Rainshall,  who  was  employed  by  the  late 
Husband,  is  given  30/.  in  full  of  all  his  demands,     (ij//-) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  January  19,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  311). 

John  Day  is  ordered  to  pay  for  certain  goods  he  bought  and  has 
not  yet  taken  away  from  the  Company's  warehouse.  Thomas 
Burton,  who  has  been  hurt  by  a  chest  of  cinnamon,  is  given  40J. 
from  the  poor-box.  A  paper  from  Mr.  Merry  is  read,  in  which  he 
relates  how  the  President  and  Council  at  Surat  acted  in  discharging 
the  debts  of  Samuel  Eyens  after  his  death  at  Basra  ;  Merry  being 
troubled  about  this  matter  asks  the  Company's  help,  as  it  was  by 
their  commission  he  acted  ;  at  the  suggestion  of  Mr.  Andrews  this 
business  is  referred  to  arbitrators,  two  to  be  chosen  by  Mr.  Ogree, 
administrator  to  the  estate  of  the  late  Samuel  Eyens,  and  two  by 
Merry.  Charles  Harper  to  be  paid  a  legacy  of  80/.  left  to  his  wife 
Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Thomas  Prince,  by  Richard  Wallis.     (i  p) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  January  21,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  111). 

Messrs.  Holder  and  Garrad  to  be  fined  at  the  rate  of  5j-.  per  pound 
for  silk  and  ^s.  the  piece  for  calicoes  now  returned  for  their  account. 
At  the  desire  of  Mr.  Merry,  the  business  relating  to  the  late  Samuel 
Eyens  is  referred  to  six  of  the  Committees,  three  to  act  on  behalf  of 
Mr.  Ogree  and  three  on  behalf  of  Mr.  Merry.  After  some  dispute 
concerning  the  missing  musk  sent  home  for  the  Company's  account, 
the  Court  decides  that  Merry  must  make  satisfaction  for  the  same. 
John  Leigh  and  John  Drafgate  accepted  as  securities  for  sugar. 
Elizabeth  Lumley  to  be  paid  400/.  on  account  of  the  estate  of  her  late 
husband,  Nathaniel  Lumley.  Thomas  Rich  complains  that  he  cannot 
get  the  indigo  he  bought  from  the  Company  some  time  ago ;  he  is 
desired  to  wait  patiently  and  is  promised  that  he  shall  have  no  cause 
for  complaint.  The  request  of  Christopher  Clitherow,  that  his 
brother  Anthony,  as  a  reward  for  his  ability  and  long  service,  may  be 
appointed  accountant  at  Surat,  as  Edward  Peirce,  at  present  holding 
that  post,  intends  to  return  home,  is  referred  to  the  discretion  of  the 


2i8  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

President  and  Council.     John  Leigh  and  John  Drafgate  buy  sugar 
and  are  accepted  as  securities  for  the  same,     (if//.) 

William  Methwold  to  [  ],  January  25,  1653  [Public 

Record  Office:  C  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  60). 

It  is  now  eighteen  years  since  he  was  engaged  in  transactions  for 
a  peace  or  rather  truce  between  the  English  and  Portuguese  in 
East  India.^  At  the  time  he  transmitted  a  copy  of  the  instrument, 
sworn  to  and  signed  by  the  Viceroy  and  himself,  to  the  Company 
in  England,  the  original  remaining  in  India,  bu{  now  after  diligent 
search  among  the  Company's  papers  he  can  only  find  the  clause 
recommended  at  the  time  as  being  the  substance  of  what  was 
then  solemnly  stipulated,  a  copy  of  which  he  encloses.  From  '  a 
memoriall '  he  then  kept  he  gives  the  following  account  of  the 
circumstances  as  recorded  there.  Don  Ferdinando,  the  Viceroy's 
son,  visited  the  President  and  Council  and  was  shown  the  commis- 
sion given  by  the  King  by  which  the  command  and  government  of 
all  ships  and  men  employed  by  any  English  in  East  India  was 
entrusted  to  the  President  and  Council  established  by  the  East 
India  Company,  with  power  to  use  martial  law  in  case  of  need. 
This  commission,  read  by  Padre  Paulo  Reimao,  seemed  to  give 
satisfaction,  but  was  considered  defective  because  it  gave  no  permis- 
sion to  make  peace  or  war,  as  that  granted  by  the  King  of  Spain 
did,  which  was  produced  written  on  paper  and  having  the  seal 
royal  of  Spain  affixed  in  lead.  Reply  was  made  that  the  English 
President  required  no  such  power,  having  no  fort  or  place  upon  the 
shore,  but  that  he  was  warranted  by  his  commission  to  vindicate 
by  every  means  in  his  power  any  injuries  received,  and,  by  the 
Viceroy's  letter  to  Surat,  the  President  and  Council  understood  it 
was  fully  resolved  there  should  be  a  cessation  of  all  hostilities, 
according  to  the  peace  agreed  upon  between  the  Kings  of  England 
and  Spain  in  1630,  and  in  case  either  did  not  approve  of  the  same, 
then  six  months  was  to  be  allowed  to  each  to  withdraw  their  estates 
from  their  opponents'  power.  The  following  day  the  President  and 
his  Council  repaired  to  the  court,  and  Methwold  had  nearly  two 
hours'  conference  with  the  Viceroy,  who  said  in  conclusion  that  he 
knew  well  enough  that  in  the  treaty  of  1604  the  English  were 

^  See  The  English.  Factories  in  India,  1634-36,  p.  89,  etc 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  219 

excluded  from  sailing  to  the  southward  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope 
except  upon  their  own  peril,  *  from  whence  had  ensued  so  much 
hostility  in  India',  and  that  by  the  peace  of  1630  no  further  liberty 
was  granted  to  them ;  yet  in  the  present  instance  he  had  been 
authorized  by  an  especial  warrant  granted  by  the  King  of  Spain  to 
do  whatsoever  he  conceived  to  be  expedient,  and  in  one  point 
honoured  beyond  all  his  predecessors  (without  which  he  would  not 
have  engaged  in  this  treaty),  which  was  that  whatsoever  he  shall 
solemnly  and  publicly  enact  in  India  no  successor  of  his  shall 
infringe  without  express  and  particular  order  from  the  King  of 
Spain.  Calling  for  his  writings,  containing  the  truce  agreed  upon, 
written  in  English  and  Portuguese,  he  signed  both  and  swore  upon 
the  Evangelist  to  observe  them.  Methwold  did  the  same,  'and 
thus  was  this  worke  accomplished,  which  hath  beene  observed  ever 
since  that  time  without  the  least  interruption ',  and  by  which  the 
English  have  reaped  considerable  advantage,  having  upon  all 
occasions  made  use  of  the  Portuguese  ports  and  harbours  for  trade 
and  safety.  On  information  being  received  in  England  of  this 
transaction,  the  advantage  to  the  English  trade  was  thought  to  be 
so  considerable  that  Sir  Walter  Ashton,^  Ambassador  in  Spain, 
was  instructed  to  solicit  its  confirmation  from  the  King;  this  he 
could  never  obtain,  so  that  whilst  Portugal  was  under  Spain's 
dominion  a  connivance  at  the  most  was  the  best  that  could  be  had. 
Methwold  observes  that  the  validity  of  this  peace  or  truce,  as 
agreed  upon  in  the  12th  article  between  Michael  de  Noronha,  Earl 
of  Linhares,  Viceroy  of  Goa,  and  himself  as  President  of  the  English 
in  East  India,  on  the  20th  of  January,  1635,  signifies  little  or 
nothing ;  first,  because  it  opposes  the  peace  of  1630  and  was  never 
admitted  by  the  King  of  Spain,  '  or  if  it  had,  theare  is  now  another 
government  and  Governor  who  was  not  concerned  in  that  treaty  ; ' 
therefore  he  conceives  it  would  be  wise  to  secure  the  commerce  of 
India  by  a  new  article  to  include  '  liberty  of  free  resort  for  trade  or 
repair  to  all  the  ports  and  places  beyond  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope 
which  are  subordinate  to  the  Viceroy  of  Goa,  and  thus  Africa  and 
Asia  will  be  both  included '.  He  approves  of  the  proposition  made 
in  the  said  article  that  commissioners  on  both  sides  should  consider 
and  agree  upon  what  is  further  to  be  demanded  and  granted 
^  Lord  Aston:  see  Court  Minutes,  1635-39,  pp.  90,  139,  etc. 


220  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

concerning  commerce,  for  by  good  experience  he  finds  the  Portuguese 
so  tender  of  their  conquests  and  plantations  that  they  will  transact 
nothing  in  relation  to  them  without  reference  to  such  as  reside  there, 
and  will  hardly  consent  to  any  fortification  being  made  by  the 
English,  saying  that  '  whilest  our  amety  continues  wee  shall  have 
the  benefitt  of  theis  ports  with  all  freedome,  but  if  by  aney  accident 
wee  become  enemyes,  then  permission  for  us  to  fortefy  will  become 
their  great  offence  and  prejudice'.  To  the  13th  and  15th  articles 
Methwold  cannot  say  much,  but  he  affirms  that  the  English  have 
reaped  great  advantage  -by  serving  the  Portuguese  with  the  Com- 
pany's ships ;  they  have  also  enjoyed  safety  for  their  persons, 
houses,  and  all  other  interests  within  the  dominions  of  the  King  of 
Portugal,  with  abundant  demonstration  of  respect  and  friendship. 
Thus  much  Methwold  has  '  hudled  up ',  in  order  not  to  detain  the 
paper  delivered  to  him,  nor  to  return  it  without  some  narrative  of 
the  proceedings  in  India.  To-morrow  he  goes  'a  jorney  into 
Essex,  whearein  I  am  very  much  concerned'.  On  his  return  he 
will  continue  within  call  and  will  readily  attend  the  Council  *  or 
your  commands '.     (^ipp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  January  26,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  214). 

John  Day  is  ordered  to  pay  what  he  owes  by  the  next  court. 
William  Garrett  is  refused  remission  of  freight  on  silk.  Allowance 
having  been  made  to  the  owners  of  the  Ruth  for  entertaining  the 
King  of  Jambi,  for  tare,  and  for  freight  of  damaged  pepper,  they 
are  desired  to  pay  the  100/.  they  still  owe.  Robert  Dicer  buys 
dust  of  Lahore  indigo  at  4^.  dd.  per  lb.  at  three  six  months. 
Ordered  that  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  shall  allow  the  Second 
General  Voyage  for  18,917  lb.  of  pepper,  received  by  the  former, 
at  the  rate  of  \\\d.  per  lb.  Geoffrey  Thomas  transfers  to  Michael 
Davison  600/.  adventure  and   profit  in  the   United   Joint    Stock. 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  Second 
General  Voyage,  January  28, 1653  [Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  222). 

Mr.  Cokayne  announces  that  the  cause  of  their  meeting  is  to  put 
an  end  to  the  Second  General  Voyage ;  that  the  account  now  made 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  2cji 

up  shows  that  there  is  sufficient  for  a  division  of  8/.  loj.  per  cent, 
to  be  made  to  every  adventurer,  besides  a  reserve  of  about  i,ioo/. 
with  which  to  gratify  the  Committees  and  officers.  The  account  is 
read  and  unanimously  approved  ;  and  the  generality  also  signify 
their  approbation  of  all  that  has  been  done  by  the  Committees. 
Sambrooke  presenting  a  written  request  for  a  gratification  for  his 
care  and  pains  in  keeping  the  accounts  for  this  Voyage,  he  is 
referred  and  recommended  to  those  men  who  are  to  distribute  the 
said  1,100/.  in  gratuities  to  the  Committees  and  officers.     (|/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  February  a,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  iji5). 

John  Smith  transfers  to  Maurice  Thomson  \,<xooL  adventure  and 
profits  in  the  United  Joint  Stock.  Some  dispute  arising  concerning 
disposal  of  the  pepper  returned  for  account  of  the  United  Joint 
Stock,  whether  to  divide  or  sell  it,  Mr.  Andrews  intimates  that  he 
and  Mr.  Clutterbucke  have  a  proposal  to  make  about  this  next 
Friday ;  therefore  resolution  is  deferred  until  then.  Messrs.  Farr 
and  Savage  are  granted  allowance  for  time  lost  in  delivery  of  some 
cloves  they  bought.  Captain  Matthew  Wood's  request  for  allowance 
for  freight  is  referred  until  the  goods  he  brought  home  are  weighed 
and  sold,  and  the  Court  orders  that  the  Anne  shall  be  treated  in 
a  like  manner.  The  management  of  everything  concerning  the 
shipping  for  this  year  is  referred  to  the  committee  previously 
appointed  for  this  task,  also  all  private  trade ;  and  cloth  as  private 
trade  is  strictly  prohibited,     (i  /.) 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  February  2, 1653 
(Public  Record  Office :  S.P.Dom.:  Interregnum^  I.  68,  pp.  3^3-^29). 

.  .  .  The  petitions  of  ...  .  and  of  the  East  India  Company, 
referred  to  the  Admiralty  Committee. .  ,  . 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Second  General  Voyage, 
February  4,  1653  (Court  Book,vo\.  xxi,  p.  223). 

On  reading  a  petition  from  the  inhabitants  of  Poplar  praying  for 
some  contribution  towards  the  completion  of  the  chapel  at  that 
place,  the  Committees  agree  to  give  5c/.  for  this  purpose  from  the 


aaa  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

1,100/.  odd  reserved  for  gratuities  to  the  Committees  and  officers  in 
this  Voyage  ;  the  said  sum  to  be  used  in  payment  of  work  to  be 
done  from  this  day  forward.  Messrs.  Cokayne,  Methwold,  Massing- 
berd,  and  Jennings  are  entreated  to  distribute  the  gratuities  to  the 
Committees  and  officers,     dp-) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  February  9,  1653  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  217). 

Messrs.  Andrews  and  Clutterbucke  buy  all  tlje  Jambi  pepper  at 
13^.  per  lb.  at  five  six  months  from  the  ist  of  May  next.  John 
Benthall  presents  a  bill  of  exchange  for  payment  to  Francis 
Hamersly  of  797/.  loj.,  charged  by  the  President  and  Council  at 
Bantam  upon  the  United  Joint  Stock  ;  the  Court  refuses  to  accept 
it,  as  from  a  clause  in  a  letter  now  read  it  appears  that  Hamersly  is 
detained  by  the  natives  until  he  shall  have  paid  his  debts ;  it  is, 
however,  resolved  that,  if  security  from  all  prejudice  be  given,  the 
said  amount  shall  be  paid  with  interest  from  the  time  it  is  due. 
On  information  that  Messrs.  Temms  and  Noke  intend  to  send  some 
quicksilver  and  vermilion  (lately  under  seizure  by  the  State)  to 
India,  Temms  is  questioned  and  declares  he  has  no  such  intention, 
and  in  proof  hereof  desires  that  the  Company  will  take  charge  of  the 
said  goods  until  the  ships  have  gone.  Noke  is  then  questioned  as 
to  his  reported  intention  to  go  to  India  in  the  Dove ;  he  declares 
that  he  is  deeply  interested  in  the  said  ship,  that  he  has  sold  goods 
for  which  he  is  to  be  paid  partly  on  his  going  out  and  the  remainder 
on  his  return,  and  that,  as  there  is  neither  purser  nor  steward  in  the 
said  vessel,  he  is  also  going  for  the  good  of  the  voyage.  He  offers 
to  give  any  security  the  Court  pleases  not  to  prejudice  the  Company 
in  any  way;  whereupon  he  and  Temms  are  ordered  to  give  in 
a  bond  of  3,000/.  penalty,  over  and  above  the  agreement  of  charter- 
party,  and  certain  Committees  are  desired  to  see  to  this.  Merry 
desiring  that  some  settlement  may  be  made  about  the  missing 
musk,  he  is  directed  to  pay  for  all  that  is  wanting  at  the  rate  of  50J. 
per  oz.  at  three  six  months'  discount,  but  is  told  that  every  assistance 
shall  be  afforded  him  for  recovery  of  the  same.     (i|/A) 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  »23 

A  Court  of  Committees,  February  ii,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  219). 

Mr.  Benthall  presents  the  bill  of  exchange  made  payable  to 
Francis  Hamersly  and  offers  to  give  what  security  the  Court 
pleases,  but  the  Court  again  refuses  to  accept  the  bill.  Garble 
and  dust  of  cloves  sold  to  Mr.  Cokayne.  Mr.  Hanson  is  given 
until  Wednesday  to  settle  his  debt.  John  Brett  buys  dust  of  flat 
indigo,  and  he,  George  Brett,  and  Henry  Wooleston  are  accepted 
as  security  for  it.  Messrs.  Looves  and  Vandewall  are  allowed 
abatement  on  silk  they  bought,  some  Mazandran  silk  having  been 
found  with  it.  Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  attend  the 
Commissioners  for  the  monthly  assessment  and  to  endeavour  to  get 
the  8/.  per  month  assessed  the  Company  taken  off.  Thomas  Fenn, 
lately  returned  from  Bantam  in  the  Anne,  desires  to  be  paid  his 
salary  during  the  return  voyage  and  to  be  given  a  gratuity  for 
supplying  the  factory  at  Banjarmassin  for  two  years  with  'zpoo  rials 
of  his  own ;  his  request  is  referred  to  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stock.  Mr.  Temms  petitions  the  Company  to  buy 
his  quicksilver  and  vermilion  at  the  current  price  or  to  allow  him  to 
transport  part  of  the  quicksilver  to  India  ;  this  is  refused,  and  he  is 
told  to  bring  the  said  goods  to  the  Company's  house  according  to 
promise,     (^^pp-) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  February  16,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  111). 

George,  William,  and  Joseph  Vaughan  are  accepted  as  security  for 
indigo.  Temms  having  removed  his  quicksilver  and  vermilion  to 
another  warehouse,  he  is  questioned  concerning  this,  and  the  Court 
directs  that  the  said  goods  be  examined  and  weighed.  Temms  and 
Noke  are  then  asked  about  some  cloth  taken  aboard  the  Dove,  but 
they  deny  all  knowledge  of  it.  The  Husband  is  ordered  to  examine 
a  hoy  which  is  laden  with  provisions  for  the  Dove,  and  to  report  on 
the  same.  At  the  request  of  Mr.  Merry,  a  letter  is  ordered  to  be 
written  to  Surat  to  desire  the  President  and  Council  to  endeavour 
to  procure  the  proceeds  of  the  missing  musk  from  Mr.  Lewis. 
Margaret  Brewin  is  given  2,03.  from  the  poor-box.  The  owners  of 
the  Welcome  are  given  178/.  14$-.  y^.  and  the  owners  of  the  Anne 


aa4  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

5a/.  in  full  of  tare  and  overweight  of  saltpetre.  A  motion  is  made 
to  send  six  yards  of  scarlet  to  the  Governor  of  Diewee  [Diu]  but  no 
resolution  is  come  to,  and  Samuel  Sambrooke  is  directed  to  provide 
six  cases  of  knives  to  be  sent  to  him.     (iJ/A) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  February  18,  1653  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  223). 

On  information  that  forty-two  chests,  belonging  to  Mr.  Temms 
and  supposed  to  contain  quicksilver,  are  filled  with  sand,  Temms 
and  Noke  are  called  into  court ;  the  former  can  say  little  in  excuse 
and  Noke  declares  that  this  does  not  concern  him.  The  Court, 
learning  that  an  aspersion  is  cast  upon  some  of  the  gentlemen 
present  with  regard  to  this  affair,  and  thinking  that  the  generality 
should  be  acquainted  with  it,  orders  a  general  court  of  all  adven- 
turers in  the  United  Joint  Stock  to  be  called  on  Monday  next,  and 
that  the  Dove  be  detained.  Six  yards  of  scarlet  to  be  provided  as 
a  present  for  the  Governor  of  Diu.  Payment  to  the  Lord  Mayor 
for  garbling  certain  goods  is  to  be  deferred,     (i  /.) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  February  21,  1653  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  224). 

William  Cokayne  reports  that  two  or  three  of  the  Company's 
servants  formerly  employed  in  India  provided  a  ship  called  the  Dove 
to  send  to  India  without  the  knowledge  of  the  Company ;  but 
hearing  of  this,  the  Committees  opposed  them  before  a  Committee 
of  the  Council  of  State,  when,  though  they  had  a  very  fair  hearing, 
nothing  was  concluded,  but  the  two  contending  parties  were  advised 
to  settle  this  business  among  themselves.  Accordingly  five  Com- 
mittees were  appointed  to  treat  with  Messrs.  Temms  and  Noke,  the 
principal  owners  of  the  Dove,  and  an  agreement  was  made  that  the 
Company  should  freight  the  said  ship  at  a  certain  rate,  and  the 
owners  and  masters  were  bound  by  charterparty  to  send  neither 
quicksilver,  vermilion,  nor  indeed  anything,  the  Committees  having 
bought  and  paid  for  all  the  commodities  provided  for  the  voyage. 
Since  then  it  having  transpired  that  Noke  intends  to  go  in  the  Dove, 
a  bond  of  2,000/.  penalty  was  taken  from  him  and  Temms  not  to 
act  in  any  way  prejudicial  to  the  Company  or  to  their  trade; 
notwithstanding  which  it  has  been  discovered  that  they  intend  to 


EAST  INDIA  COMPANY  225 

send  out  for  their  own  account  quicksilver  and  vermilion  to  the 
value  of  2,000/.  and  upwards.  Hearing  of  this  the  Court  ordered  the 
said  goods  to  be  brought  to  this  house ;  this  was  done  and  some 
no  chests  sent,  but  fearing  some  wrong  the  Court  ordered  the 
chests  to  be  examined,  when  forty-two  were  found  to  be  filled  with 
sand  and  gravel.  It  is  left  to  this  Court  to  decide  whether  the  Dove 
shall  be  permitted  to  go  to  India  and  Noke  in  her.  Three  papers 
are  read,  one  each  from  Temms  and  Noke,  and  a  joint  one  from 
both,  but  these  giving  no  satisfaction,  it  is  resolved,  after  some 
dispute  and  Mr.  Noke  refusing  to  give  up  the  charterparty  signed 
by  the  Company,  that  as  the  Dove  may  prove  useful  to  the  Company 
she  shall  be  allowed  to  go  and  her  master  in  her,  but  Noke  shall  on 
no  account  be  permitted  to  go,  and  certain  Committees  are  requested 
to  hinder  and  prevent  him.  The  Governor  then  declares  that  the 
Lord  Mayor  demands  payment  for  garbling  some  goods,  but  this 
has  not  been  made  because  of  some  difference  between  His  Lord- 
ship and  the  Common  Council,  and  also  because  payment  for 
garbling  the  same  goods  has  been  demanded  by  Mr.  Jones ; 
hereupon  payment  is  ordered  to  be  made  to  the  Lord  Mayor  on  he 
and  his  son,  John  Fowke,  giving  security  to  save  the  Company 
harmless.  Resolved  that  no  insurance  shall  be  made  on  the 
homeward-bound  ships,  as  every  man  can  insure  his  own  adventure 
privately.     (2J//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  February  23,  1653  {Court  Book^ 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  227). 

By  order  of  the  Committee  of  the  Ordnance,  fifty  tons  of  salt- 
petre are  to  be  delivered  to  Josias  Dewey  in  accordance  with  the 
late  contract.  Noke  petitions  to  be  allowed  to  proceed  to  India, 
asserting  that  he  had  nothing  to  do  with  the  business  of  the  quick- 
silver ;  he  is  told  that  the  order  of  the  general  court  cannot  be 
revoked  by  the  Committees,  but  he  is  given  permission  to  present 
certain  proposals  at  the  next  court,  which  he  hopes  will  give 
satisfaction  to  the  Company.  The  request  of  Giles  Greene,  for 
remission  of  freight  on  damaged  calicoes  brought  home  in  the  Eagle 
for  his  account,  is  referred  to  another  court.  The  owners  of  the 
Anne  are  refused  any  additional  allowance  for  freight.  James  Smith, 
Senior  and  Junior,  are  accepted  as  security  for  indigo.     Mr.  Merry 

S.C.M.    IV  Q 


226  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

inquiring  concerning  certain  papers  connected  with  the  estate  of  the 
late  Samuel  Eyens,  Mr.  Andrews  promises  that  these  shall  all  be 
forthcoming.  Captain  Strange  is  allowed  discount  on  the  indigo  he 
bought,     (i  J  />/>.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  February  25,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  aa8). 

Noke,  while  submitting  to  the  order  of  the  general  court,  desires 
permission  to  proceed  to  India  in  the  Welcome ^h^  being  so  deeply 
engaged  and  also  concerned  in  Mr.  Brittaine's  business.  The 
Committees  think  that  some  service  might  be  done  the  Company 
in  clearing  Brittaine's  debts,  but  fear  that  the  generality  would 
object  to  Noke  going  in  the  Welcome^  as  she  is  to  be  dispeeded  as 
soon  as  the  Dove ;  they  offer  to  call  another  general  court  to  decide 
the  matter,  but  Noke  chooses  rather  to  let  his  design  fall  through. 
He  requests  that  the  bond  for  2,000/.  he  and  Temms  signed  may  be 
given  up,  but  this  is  refused  until  all  the  ships  shall  have  gone. 
Francis  Elloby  to  be  paid  4/.  17^.  \od.  for  taking  letters  to  the  Dov^ 
in  the  Downs.  John  Smith  requesting  satisfaction  for  money  he 
borrowed  for  the  late  Husband,  he  is  promised  that  this  shall,  if 
possible,  be  brought  within  the  compass  of  the  Company's  security. 
(I  A) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  March  2,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  230). 

Mr.  Williams  promises  to  clear  Mr.  Garway's  debt.  Mr. 
Throgmorton  requesting  the  bond  he  gave  for  Thomas  Dethicke 
and  Edward  Rolt,  factors  at  Leghorn,  Sambrooke  and  Markham 
are  directed  to  examine  and  report  on  their  accounts.  On  the 
motion  of  Mr.  Cokayne,  Mr.  Methwold,  *  who  lyeth  very  weake  ',  is 
released  from  his  bargain  for  cardamoms.  Mr.  Chivall  refusing  to 
pay  his  debt,  the  Court  orders  that  he  be  sued  for  it  if  he  does  not 
pay  up  speedily.  Giles  Greene  writing  to  renew  his  request  for 
remission  of  freight  on  damaged  calicoes,  his  son  is  told  that  no 
more  is  demanded  from  his  father  than  the  Company  have  already 
paid.  Thomas  Burton,  one  of  the  Company's  porters,  who  is  very 
ill,  is  given  40J.  from  the  poor-box.     (i  /.) 


EAST  INDIA  COMPANY  327 

A  Court  of  Committees,  March  4,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  231). 

Captain  Ryder  having  paid  for  part  of  the  cardamoms  sold  to 
Mr.  Methwold,  the  same  are  ordered  to  be  delivered  to  him. 
Mr.  Merry  desires  the  Company  to  give  him  some  acknowledge- 
ment that  satisfaction  has  been  received  for  the  missing  musk,  and 
an  order  permitting  him  to  recover  the'  same  when  it  is  found  j  this 
is  promised  on  condition  that  he  signs  a  writing  to  save  the  Com- 
pany harmless  for  the  musk  they  have  received  in  lieu  of  their  own; 
Merry  agreeing  to  this,  certain  Committees  are  desired  to  draw  up 
such  a  writing.  Merry  then  requests  that  his  account  may  be  made 
up,  and  Sambrooke  is  directed  to  do  this.  Decision  is  deferred  on 
his  further  request  for  remission  of  the  50/.  received  by  the  Company 
from  Mr.  Cranmore  for  Gombroon  customs  on  silk  sent  to  him  by 
Merry,  as  that  duty  is  only  payable  on  imported  not  on  exported 
goods,     (i  J  pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  March  9,  1653  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  232). 

Captain  Ryder's  request  for  all  the  exportable  cardamoms  formerly 
sold  to  Mr.  Methwold  is  refused,  unless  he  will  agree  to  take  those 
on  which  no  impost  is  to  be  returned.  Merry  presents  a  writing 
signed  by  William  Methwold,  deceased,  and  attested  by  Thomas 
Blackerby,  transferring  to  Merry  1,000/.  adventure  and  profits  in 
the  United  Joint  Stock  ;  this  is  approved  and  ordered  to  be  entered. 
Merry  is  required  to  enter  into  a  bond  of  1,000/.  to  abide  by  the 
decision  of  those  who  are  appointed  to  settle  the  difference  between 
him  and  Mr.  Ogree ;  and  he  nominates  Richard  Wild  to  act  in  the 
place  of  the  late  Mr.  Methwold.  The  Lord  Mayor  to  be  paid  for 
all  the  goods  he  has  garbled  for  the  Company,  on  giving  a  receipt 
signed  by  himself  and  his  son.  Calicoes  to  be  priced  for  the  court 
of  sales.  The  sum  of  40s.  is  given  from  the  poor-box  towards  the 
burial  of  Thomas  Burton.  No  factors  to  be  cleared  till  the  arrival 
of  the  next  ships  from  India  after  their  return,  with  the  exception 
of  Thomas  Penniston.  Mr.  Cokayne  is  desired  to  take  the  place  of 
the  late  Mr.  Methwold  as  one  of  the  arbitrators  to  settle  the 
difference  between  the  Company  and  Mr.  Penniston.     (ij^.) 


228  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  March  15,  1653 
(Public  Record  Office:  S.P.  Dom. :  Interregnum,  I.  40,  pp.  80-84). 

.  .  .  The  petition  of  the  Governor  and  Company  of  Merchants 
trading  to  the  East  Indies  referred  to  the  Admiralty  Commis- 
sioners. .  .  . 

A  Court  of  Committees,  March  i5,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  234).    ' 

Decision  on  John  Day's  request  for  some  allowance  on  '  brasse 
sheevers  and  coakes  *  is  deferred  until  he  has  paid  for  them.  Certain 
Committees  waiting  upon  the  Council  of  State  concerning  the  first 
payment  for  saltpetre,  they  were  referred  to  the  Committee  of  the 
Admiralty,  the  Committee  for  Inspection,  and  the  Committee  of  the 
Ordnance,  who  told  them  that  the  security  on  Drury  House  ^  is  better 
than  that  on  Goldsmiths'  Hall,  for  on  the  latter  there  is  only  800/.  in 
cash,  but  on  Drury  House  there  is  3,500/.,  and  more  likely  to  come 
in  every  day ;  hereupon  it  is  resolved  that  the  latter  sum  shall  be 
demanded  at  once.  The  Court  resolves  that  the  money  of  all 
adventurers  in  the  United  Stock  who  have  not  paid  in  their  full 
subscriptions,  and  upon  notice  do  not  do  so  by  the  15th  April  next, 
shall  not  be  taken,  but  they  will  have  to  stand  to  the  conditions 
they  signed  in  the  book  of  subscription.  Ten  tons  of  saltpetre  to 
be  delivered  to  Mr.  Pepper.  William  Ash  well  transfers  to  William 
Gostwick  1,000/.  adventure  in  the  United  Stock.  All  adventurers 
in  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  who  have  not  weighed  off  the  pepper 
assigned  to  them  upon  division,  are  desired  to  do  so.     (ij//.) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  March  16, 1653  {Court  Book^ 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  235). 

Sale  of  indigo  skins  and  shirts,  packing  skins,  cotton  wool, 
calico  wrappers,  Malabar  pepper,  light  and  stony  pepper,  scummings 
of  pepper,  white  ginghams,  and  defective  morees,  with  prices  and 
names  of  purchasers.     (|  p.) 

*  See  note  on  p.  234. 


I 


EAST  INDIA  COMPANY  «a9 

A  Court  of  Committees,  March  33,  1653  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  i'>fi)' 

On  information  that  William  Noke  has  gone  to  India  in  the  Dove, 
notwithstanding  the  master  of  that  ship  promised  not  to  receive 
him,  the  Court  orders  notice  to  be  taken  of  the  said  master's  actions 
and  of  his  neglect  of  his  voyage  when  he  had  his  dispatch  and 
a  fair  wind.  The  Consul  at  Aleppo  to  be  desired  to  send  to  the 
Company  all  letters  that  come  to  his  hands  from  India  or  Persia 
from  any  Englishman,  even  if  they  are  directed  to  any  particular 
men.  Ordered  that  if  the  executrix  of  the  late  William  Methwold 
gives  a  discharge  for  the  ^^ol,  paid  on  account  of  cardamoms,  this 
shall  be  put  towards  satisfaction  of  Mr.  Methwold's  debt  to  the  Com- 
pany, and  his  estate  shall  be  wholly  released  from  that  bargain. 
John  Day  is  granted  some  allowance  on  goods  he  bought.  The 
late  Mr.  Methwold  having  been  one  of  the  five  Committees 
appointed  to  look  after  the  shipping  to  be  sent  out  this  year, 
motion  is  made  to  appoint  another  in  his  place ;  but  it  is  generally 
agreed  to  leave  this  business  to  the  four  remaining  Committees, 
who  after  the  departure  of  the  Eagle  are  to  acquaint  the  Court 
with  what  they  have  done.  The  wife  of  Mr.  Terrell,  master  of 
the  Dove,  to  be  paid  the  12/.  formerly  allowed  him  for  primage 
and  average.     {j\pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  March  30,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  %'>y^)* 

Mr.  Edwards,  an  officer  of  the  Customhouse,  desires  to  be  paid 
15/.  borrowed  from  him  for  the  Company's  use  by  their  late 
Husband,  Calcott ;  the  Court  promises  to  endeavour  to  obtain  this 
sum  from  the  security  given  in  by  Calcott.  Richard  Ashurst, 
Thomas  Culling,  and  Thomas  Gower  are  accepted  as  security  for 
sugar.  Merry  declares  that  he  hears  he  is  accused  of  some  ill-car- 
riage in  India  prejudicial  to  the  Company's  affairs,  and  wishes  to 
clear  himself ;  he  is  assured  that  the  Court  knows  nothing  of  this 
and  promised  that  if  he  produces  his  accuser  both  shall  have  a  fair 
hearing ;  meanwhile,  in  order  that  Merry  may  go  into  the  country 
to  recover  his  health,  a  copy  of  the  late  order  of  the  Court  directing 
that  no  factor  is  to  be  cleared  until  the  arrival  of  the  next  ships 


230  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

after  his  return  is  to  be  given  to  him.  Mr.  Lambe,  deputy  of  this 
ward,  asks  to  be  furnished  with  a  h'st  of  those  adventurers  who  have 
stock  in  the  Company  and  live  out  of  town,  in  order  that  they  may 
be  assessed ;  the  Governor  declares  that  he  knows  of  none,  but  if 
any  names  are  given  in  by  the  Common  Council  Sambrooke  shall 
certify  whether  they  are  adventurers.  The  Court  refuses  to  pay 
Mr.  Davidge  his  salary  or  to  let  him  have  his  goods  except  upon 
certain  conditions,  until  further  advice  shall  be  received  from 
Surat.    (iJ/A) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  April  6, 1653  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii, 

A  letter  of  attorney  to  be  given  to  Mr.  Merry  to  enable  him  to 
recover  the  musk  for  which  he  is  charged.  Mr.  Norden  desiring  to 
see  the  Company's  title  to  the  Almshouse  at  Blackwall,  Mr.  Acton 
is  directed  to  show  him  *  what  is  convenient '.  Understanding  from 
^n  order  received  from  the  Commissioners  for  Compounding  that 
Messrs.  Tooke  and  Pusferd  \sic\  have  bought  from  the  State  the 
houses  the  Company  now  has,  payment  of  the  rent  is  ordered  to 
be  made  to  these  two  when  they  have  decided  how  to  divide  it, 
they  having  bought  both  houses  separately.^  Mr.  Hanson  to  be 
requested  to  clear  his  account  as  soon  as  possible.  The  Treasurer 
desiring  to  know  how  to  obtain  the  10,000/.  due  from  the  State  for 
saltpetre,  he  is  told  to  follow  the  directions  of  Mr.  Thomson,  who 
undertook  to  see  to  this  payment.  The  sum  of  125/.  to  be 
demanded  from  the  Victuallers  of  the  Navy  for  half  a  year's  rent 
of  the  slaughter-house  and  other  houses  they  still  have  at  Black- 
wall.     Sugar  sold  to  Mr.  Hooker.     (li//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  April  8, 1653  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii, 
p.  240). 

A  dispute  arises  about  the  dispatch  of  the  Eagle^  it  being  late  in 
the  year  and  fifty  men  being  still  wanted  to  complete  her  number ; 
it  is  at  last  resolved  that  she  shall  go  if  men  can  be  obtained  within 

1  See  the  Calendar  of  the  Committee  for  Compounding,  part  ii,  p.  1625,  which  shows 
that  on  March  23  the  East  India  House  was  sold  to  Edward  Tooke,  and  the  following 
day  a  house  in  Lime  Street  at  the  back  of  the  East  India  House  was  bought  by  John 
Pasford. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  231 

three  or  four  days,  and  to  petition  the  Council  of  State  to  supply 
the  required  number  from  their  ships.  Richard  Davidge's  request 
that  30/.  from  his  salary  may  be  given  towards  building  the  chapel 
at  Poplar  is  consented  to.  Mr.  Hanson  promising  to  rectify  his 
account  and  praying  that  he  and  his  brother,  Mr.  Frith,  may  be 
released  from  prison,  Acton  is  desired  to  withdraw  the  action 
against  them  when  Hanson  has  sealed  a  release  to  the  Company 
for  the  legacy  in  their  hands  due  to  his  children,     (i  /.) 

Warrant  from  the  Council  of  State,  April  8,  1^53 
{Public  Record  Office :  S.  P.  Dom.:  Interregnum,  I.  41,  p.  72). 

For  protection  for  ninety  men  in  the  Eagle,  bound  to  the  East 
Indies  for  saltpetre. 

A  Court  of  Committees,  April  9,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  241). 

Mr.  Cokayne  reports  that  the  Company's  petition  was  read 
yesterday  before  the  Council  of  State,  who  refused  to  supply  the 
number  of  men  required  ;  hereupon  the  Court  resolves  to  detain 
the  Eagle  until  next  September.  Some  of  her  owners,  being 
present,  agree  to  this,  and  promise  that  she  shall  serve  the  Com- 
pany then  upon  the  terms  agreed  upon  now,  and  if  peace  is  con- 
cluded with  the  Dutch,  they  will  leave  it  to  the  Company  to  reduce 
the  rate  of  freight,  if  this  be  thought  fit.  The  Court  orders  half 
the  imprest  to  be  paid  now  and  the  remainder  when  the  ship  goes 
to  India,     (i  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
April  15,  1653  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  224). 

The  Court  wishing  to  purchase  some  land  for  maintenance  of  the 
hospital  at  Blackwall,  it  is  ordered  that  the  land  held  in  trust  for 
William  Garway  be  inspected,  and  if  found  suitable  bought.  The 
request  of  Tomblings  for  a  salary  and  some  gratuity  is  deferred 
until  he  gives  in  an  account  of  what  there  is  remaining  at  Blackwall. 
Bills  of  sale  to  be  sealed  to  those  men  who  have  paid  their  shares 
in  the  William.  Mr.  Throgmorton  desiring  his  bond  given  for  the 
factors  at  Leghorn,  the  same  is  ordered  to  be  looked  out.  Captain 
Swann  to  be  allowed  26/.  13^.  4^.  as  primage  and  average  for  the 


a3»  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

voyage  performed  in  1649,  ^^  ^^  has  not  already  received  it.  The 
Company's  subscription  to  the  propositions  lately  made  by  the 
former  Farmers  of  the  Customs  having  become  void,  a  statute  of 
bankruptcy  is  ordered  to  be  issued  against  them,  but  the  Governor 
is  desired  to  exempt  one^  if  he  sees  cause,  Jeremy  Sambrooke's 
request  for  confirmation  of  his  former  salary  is  refused,  and  the 
Court  resolves  that  nothing  shall  be  done  in  the  matter  until  he  has 
presented   a  balance  of  the   estate   of  the   Fourth  Joint   Stock. 

Captain  John  Prowd  to  the  Admiralty  Committee, 
April  18,  1653  {Public  Record  Office:  S,  P.  Dom,:  Interregnum, 
vol.  L,  no.  111). 

Recommends  his  brother,  Thomas  Prowd,  for  the  command  of  the 
Eagle,  he  having  served  under  Sir  George  Ayscue  and  in  the  East 
India  Company,  and  been  two  voyages  with  him  in  the  Eagle, 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
April  20,  1653  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  226). 

The  Committees  desired  to  take  account  from  Tomblingsof  what 
there  is  remaining  at  Blackwall  report  that  there  are  only  some  fixed 
furnaces,  some  barrels,  which  will  be  bought  by  the  owners  of  the 
William,  and  some  *  old  things '  worth  about  20/.  or  30/.  which  will 
soon  be  disposed  of ;  and  that  they  gave  order  to  Mr.  Johnson  to 
mend  the  sluice  and  wharf,  which  are  decayed.  A  former  warrant 
for  1,500/.  for  imprest  of  the  Eagle  is  ordered  to  be  cancelled  and 
another  is  issued  for  750/.  The  Leghorn  accounts  to  be  examined 
and,  if  found  correct,  then  William  Langhorne's  bond  is  to  be 
delivered  up  to  be  cancelled.  Job  Throgmorton's  bond  is  also  to  be 
given  up,  if  it  is  still  in  the  Company's  keeping.  Sir  Nicholas  Crispe 
declares  his  thankfulness  for  the  Company's  favour  to  him  and 
asserts  that  he  has  tried  to  procure  all  possible  satisfaction  for  the 
great  pepper  debt ;  after  long  debate  the  Court  resolves  to  proceed 
according  to  the  last  order  of  court,  and  certain  Committees  are 
appointed  to  direct  Mr.  Acton  how  to  act  for  recovery  of  the  whole 
debt.     {\\pp.) 

*  N.  C.  is  added,  which  makes  it  dear  that  Sir  Nicholas  Crispe  is  intended. 


EAST  INDIA   COMPANY  2^3 

The  Company  to  Henry  Ryley  [at  Aleppo],  April  2,^,  1653 
(Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  iiio). 

Forwarding  the  copy  of  a  letter  to  Basra,  the  contents  of  which 
they  confirm,  and  desire  compliance  with  what  is  required  therein. 
They  also  send  a  packet  directed  to  the  President  and  Council  at 
Surat,  which  they  beg  may  be  sent  on  with  all  expedition  by  special 
messenger,  failing  the  opportunity  of  forwarding  it  by  caravan  ;  the 
said  packet  is  enclosed  under  cover  to  the  factors  at  Basra,  to  whom 
it  is  to  be  delivered,  or  in  their  absence  to  Padre  Ignatius,  and  from 
thence  dispatched  to  Surat ;  no  opportunity  of  doing  this  is  to  be 
neglected.    (J  p.) 

The  Company  to  John  Holworthy  [at  Marseilles], 
April  1$,  1653  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  311). 

Forwarding  a  packet  of  letters  for  Surat,  enclosed  under  cover  to 
Consul  Ryley  at  Aleppo,  and  desiring  that  they  may  be  dispeeded 
to  him  by  the  first  safe  conveyance,     (i/-) 

The  Company  to  Thomas  Dethick,  Richard  Browne  and 
Company  [at  Leghorn],  April  25,  1653  (Letter  Book,  vol.  i, 

p.  !2II). 

Entreating  them  to  give  present  dispatch  to  the  packet  enclosed, 
which  is  directed  to  their  Consul  at  Aleppo  and  contains  letters  to 
the  President  and  Council  at  Surat.  It  should  be  forwarded  to 
Signor  Paolo  del  Sera  in  Venice.  Next  week  they  intend  to  send 
a  second  packet  to  be  dispeeded  'for  the  bottome'  by  the  first 
shipping  that  offers,  except  it  be  Dutch,  *  whom  we  would  not 
should  finger  our  letters'.  They  enjoin  care,  and  desire  that  no 
opportunity  of  complying  with  their  requests  be  neglected.     (J  /.) 

The  Company  to  Thomas  Dethick,  Richard  Browne  and 
Company  [at  Leghorn],  May  %,  1653  (Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  211). 

Last  week  they  sent  them  a  packet  directed  to  Consul  Ryley  and 
desired  that  it  might  be  forwarded  by  way  of  Venice ;  they  now 
enclose  a  second  packet  to  be  dispeeded  by  the  first  safe  shipping 
bound  for  the  bottom  of  the  Straits,  and  from  thence  to  Consul 
Ryley.    (\p) 


234  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

Warrant  from  the  Council  of  State  to  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  WORSLEY*  and  the  SOLDIERS  AT  DrURY  HOUSE, 
May  3,  1653  (Public  Record  Office :  S.  P.  Dom. :  Interregnum,  1. 69, 
pp.  15-16). 

To  allow  the  East  India  Company  to  carry  away  4,000/.,  part 
of  10,000/.  paid  them  for  300  tons  of  saltpetre. 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
May  5,  1653  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  227). 

The  Court  orders  the  oldest  judgement  to  be  entered  up  against 
Sir  Thomas  Soame,  Messrs.  Hanson,  Thetcher,  and  Frith,  and 
a  defeasance  to  be  sealed  to  pay  what  they  truly  owe  to  the 
Company  and  then  that  they  be  released  from  prison.  On 
information  that  Sir  Nicholas  Crispe  has  satisfied  his  own  debts 
at  loj.  in  the  pound  to  the  import  of  20,000/.  and  has  excluded 
the  Company,  a  statute  of  bankruptcy  is  ordered  to  be  issued 
against  him.  The  Governor  is  desired  to  seal  four  bonds  of  200/. 
each  to  prosecute  Sir  John  Jacob,  Sir  Job  Harby,  Sir  John  Harri- 
son, and  Sir  Nicholas  Crispe  to  a  statute  of  bankruptcy  by  the 
end  of  February,  and  if  it  is  not  done  then,  he  is  promised  what 
counter  security  he  shall  desire,  either  by  depositing  money  with 
him  or  otherwise  for  his  own  indemnity.     (J  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  May  6, 1653  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii, 

p.  24^^). 

Thomas  Andrews  and  Richard  Clutterbucke  are  accepted  as 
security  for  pepper.  Messrs.  Thomson  and  Andrews  are  desired 
to  settle  with  the  powdermakers  for  refraction  and  tare  of  the 
saltpetre  lately  sold  to  the  State.     (^  /.) 

The  Company  to  William  Watson  and  Richard  Bridg- 
MAN  [at  Amsterdam],  May  6,  1653  (Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  212). 

Not  having  had  an  answer  to  their  last  letter  dispeeded  long 
since,  they  enclose  a  copy.  Have  long  expected  to  hear  from  them, 
as  since  Mr.  Whitaker's  departure  they  have  been  accepted  as  the 

*  Worsley  had  commanded  the  soldiers  who,  at  Cromwell's  bidding,  had  ejected  the 
members  of  the  Commons  on  April  20.  Apparently  he  was  now  in  charge  of  Drury 
House,  the  office  of  the  Trustees  for  the  sale  of  delinquents'  estates. 


EAST  INDIA  COMPANY  235 

Company's  correspondents.  Desire  to  be  informed  what  shipping 
the  Dutch  East  India  Company  has  sent  to  the  East,  when  it  left, 
and  any  available  particulars  of  the  instructions  given  to  the  Dutch 
in  those  parts  ;  also  what  shipping  is  expected  to  arrive  from  thence 
this  year.  This  and  any  other  information  that  may  in  any  way 
conduce  to  the  English  Company's  good,  and  be  safely  transmitted 
in  these  dangerous  times,  they  desire  to  be  advised  of  as  often  as 
convenient.     (J  p) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
May  II,  1653  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  228). 

The  Victuallers  of  the  Navy  to  be  requested  to  pay  half  a  year's 
rent,  at  the  rate  of  250/.  per  annum,  for  the  use  of  the  Slaughter- 
house at  Blackwall,  and  also  to  make  satisfaction  for  some  damage 
done  there.  Sir  Nicholas  Crispe  tells  the  Court  that  he  presumes 
the  information  that  he  has  disposed  of  an  estate  to  the  value 
of  20,000/.  to  satisfy  some  particular  men  has  caused  the  Company 
to  proceed  so  rigorously  against  him,  '  the  which  would  bee  a  thing 
of  more  terrour  to  him  then  ever  anything  yett  had  happened  unto 
him,  and  bring  them  noe  nerer  their  desire  then  now  they  are ' ;  he 
asserts  that  the  Lord  General  has  promised  to  use  his  utmost 
endeavours  to  have  the  forest  and  chase  lands  formerly  resolved 
upon  made  over  to  the  Company  in  satisfaction  for  the  Farmers* 
debt  within  six  weeks  or  two  months,  and  if  this  is  not  done  by 
then,  Crispe  declares  he  will  deposit  *  all  hee  hath  in  the  world ', 
and  appeal  to  his  friends,  who  he  hopes  will  furnish  him  with  2,000/. 
or  3,000/.  rather  than  see  him  perish.  Sir  John  Wild,  Richard  Clutter- 
buck,  and  Henry  Archer  acquaint  the  Court  that  the  Farmers  are 
indebted  to  them  also,  and  therefore  they  desire  the  Company  to 
give  them  a  meeting  to  decide  upon  some  course  to  get  in  their 
debt ;  hereupon  the  five  Committees  formerly  appointed  to  see  to 
this  business  are  desired  to  meet  the  said  creditors  at  nine  o'clock 
next  Wednesday  morning  at  the  Company's  house.  Sir  John 
Nulls,  Sir  John  Jacob,  and  Sir  Job  Harby  having  come  to  hear  the 
Company's  resolution  concerning  the  pepper  debt,  they  are  told  of 
the  meeting  to  be  held  by  their  creditors  and  the  Committees. 
The  prosecution  of  Sir  Nicholas  Crispe  is  ordered  to  be  suspended 
until  after  the  said  meeting,    (if//.) 


236  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees,  May  i8,  1653  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  243). 

The  amount  to  be  paid  by  each  Stock  for  the  warehouses  is 
ordered  to  be  settled  without  further  delay.  Sambrooke  is  directed 
to  make  up  Mr.  Penniston  s  account.  Silvester  Briggenshaw,  who 
has  served  the  Company  fifteen  years  in  India,  is  admitted  to  the 
Almshouse  at  Blackwall.     (^/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  May  27,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  244). 

Payment  ordered  to  be  made  to  Mr.  Penniston  of  what  is  due  to 
him  from  the  United  Joint  Stock,  and  600/.  of  what  is  due  to  him 
from  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock.     (J  p) 

Thomas  Green  at  Dover  to  the  Navy  Commissioners, 
May  28,  1653  {Public  Record  Office:  S.P.  Dom.:  Interregnuniy 
vol.  xxxvi,  no.  123). 

...  I  want  orders  to  purchase  some  anchors  and  cables  of  the 
East  India  Company  at  Sandwich.     (2|  pp^ 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
June  3,  1653  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  230). 

Mr.  Penniston,  having  according  to  a  former  order  received  part 
of  the  money  due  to  him,  is  now  to  be  paid  the  remainder,     (i/.) 

The  Company  to  William  Watson  and  Richard  Bridg- 
MAN  [at  Amsterdam],  June  3,  1653  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  213). 

Their  letter  of  the  27th  September  and  other  advices  mentioned 
in  theirs  of  the  23rd  '  currant '  [May  ?]  now  to  hand  have  not  been 
received  ;  and  what  was  imparted  to  '  that  worthy  member  among 
us  whom  you  name  not '  has  long  been  known,  also  what  they  are 
still  labouring  to  perfect,  which  if  it  will  benefit  the  Company  in  any 
way  they  desire  them  to  proceed  with.  They  will  not  bind  them  to 
write  weekly  or  monthly,  as  there  may  not  be  anything  material 
to  advise,  but  require  them  to  do  so  only  when  occasion  shall  arise. 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  337 

Thomas  Greene  at  Dover  to  the  [Navy  Commissioners], 
June  6,  1653  {PMic  Record  Office:  S.P.  Dom.:  Interregnum^ 
vol.  xxxvii,  no.  42). 

I  have  made  a  second  survey  of  the  anchors  belonging  to  the 
East  India  Company  at  Sandwich,  and  enclose  particulars.  .  .  . 
(3//-) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  June  8,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  245). 

Thomas  Andrew  to  be  allowed  the  use  of  half  of  the  Exchange 
Cellar  on  paying  half  the  rent  and  promising  to  make  room  for  the 
Company's  pepper  if  more  comes  back  than  the  other  warehouses 
can  hold.  The  powdermakers  to  be  requested  to  settle  the 
refraction  and  tare  for  the  saltpetre,  as  until  this  is  done  no  more 
will  be  delivered.     (J  p.) 

The  Company  to  Edward  and  Stephen  Wright  and 
Roger  Howe  [at  Genoa],  June  9,  1653  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i, 
p.  213). 

Acknowledge  the  receipt  of  theirs  of  the  21st  ultimo  with  the 
first  bill  on  Thomas  Jennings  for  475/.  sterling,  which  bill  is 
accepted  and  they  doubt  not  will  be  paid.  Note  their  receipt  of 
the  Company's  letter  of  the  14th  April  and  their  intention  to 
comply  with  the  requests  contained  therein,  viz.,  to  send  their 
account  current  and  use  all  diligence  in  the  recovery  of  outstand- 
ing debts ;  the  account  they  hope  to  receive  in  their  next  letter, 
and  they  urge  that  the  recovering  of  the  debts  may  be  carefully 
performed  and  the  business  with  Damigho  concluded.     {\p.) 

Warrant  from  the  Council  of  State  to  the  East  India 
Company,  June  10, 1653  {Public  Record  Office :  S,  P.  Dom. :  Inter- 
regnum, I.  69,  p.  265). 

To  deliver  to  Josias  Dewy,  John  Freeman,  and  John  Semaine, 
powdermakers,  twenty  tons  of  saltpetre  contracted  for  by  the 
Ordnance  Committee. 


238  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

Warrant  from  the  Council  of  State,  June  15,  1653 
(Public  Record  Office :  S.  P.  Dom. :  Interregnum^  vol.  xliv,  no.  115). 

For  payment  by  the  Treasurers  for  the  Additional  Act  for  sale 
of  delinquents'  lands  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  East  India  Company 
of  10,000/.,  the  second  payment  of  one-third  for  300  tons  of  saltpetre 
for  the  State. 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
June  15,  1653  {Court  Booky  vol.  xxi,  p.  231). 

An  order  of  the  26th  May  last  concerning  Mr.  Courteen's  gold  is 
read,  and  certain  Committees  are  desired  to  meet  and  draw  up 
an  answer  to  the  same.  Sir  Nicholas  Crispe  not  performing  his 
promise  to  give  the  Company  reasons  why  they  *  cannott  bring  in 
any  parte  of  the  estate  which  hee  hath  paid  to  his  owne  creditors ', 
the  Committees  appointed  for  this  business  are  directed  to  prosecute 
him,  and  Mr.  Acton  is  ordered  to  issue  a  statute  of  bankruptcy 
against  the  rest  of  the  Farmers  if  they  do  not  give  satisfaction 
within  two  days.  Thomas  Tomblings  is  awarded  50/.  in  full  of 
all  his  demands  for  salary  and  a  gratuity.  Mr.  Hanson  is  granted 
a  further  allowance  of  tare  on  benzoin  and  ordered  to  give  security 
within  a  month   to  pay  his   debt  between  this  and   Christmas. 

The  Company  to  Edward  and  Stephen  Wright  and 
Roger  Howe  [at  Genoa],  June  16,  1653  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i, 
p.  214). 

Acknowledge  the  receipt  of  their  letter  of  the  14th  instant,  in 
which  the  Company's  letter  of  the  25th  April  is  acknowledged. 
Hope  to  receive  in  their  next  the  promised  account  current,  which 
•  urgent  occasions '  prevented  being  sent  this  time.  The  enclosed  bill 
of  exchange  on  Thomas  Jennings  for  3,000  dollars  has  been  presented 
and  accepted,  and  they  doubt  not  but  that  it  will  be  paid  in  due 
time.  They  note  that  the  *silke-men'  not  complying  with  their 
promises  has  occasioned  delay  in  the  remittance  of  the  Company's 
effects,  but  this  they  hope  will  be  remedied  in  a  month  at  the 
furthest.  They  desire  that  Signor  Damigho's  business  may  be 
settled  with  the  rest  of  the  Company's  affairs  and  a   clear   and 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  239 

perfect  account  returned ;  so  that  if  any  occasion  for  employment 
arises  in  the  future  Messrs.  Wright  and  Howe  may  be  given  the 
precedence.     (^/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  June  23, 1653  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii, 
p.  246). 

John  Bathurst  desiring  to  buy  calicoes,  some  of  which  have  not 
been  priced,  certain  Committees  are  requested  to  meet  at  Leaden- 
hall  and  price  and  sell  the  same ;  but  the  Court  resolves  that  no 
more  calicoes  shall  be  sold  by  treaty  before  they  have  been  '  at  the 
candle '.  Savage,  a  grocer,  is  granted  an  allowance  of  30/.  because 
some  cloves  he  bought  were  not  delivered  in  time  for  the  purpose 
for  which  he  bought  them,  though  his  security  had  been  offered  and 
accepted.     (J/-) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and 
the  United  Joint  Stock,  June  29,  1653  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii, 
p.  247). 

Cuttler,  the  former  garbler,  offers  to  pay  ;20o/.  in  settlement  of 
all  differences  ;  but  this  sum  being  far  short  of  what  is  due  to  the 
Company,  Acton  is  directed  to  continue  the  prosecution  against 
him.  Sir  John  Jacob,  Sir  Job  Harby,  and  Sir  Nicholas  Crispe 
announce  the  death  this  morning  of  Sir  John  Nulls,  and  suggest 
that  it  would  be  more  advantageous  to  the  Company  if  instead  of 
continuing  with  the  endeavour  to  make  Sir  John  a  bankrupt  they 
would  try  to  make  '  some  peaceable  discovery  of  his  estate '.  They 
also  declare  that,  if  the  Company  will  accept  from  them  6^.  M.  in 
the  pound,  as  their  other  creditors  have  agreed  to  do,  they,  as  they 
assert,  being  severally  indebted  to  the  Company  in  the  sum  of 
4,000/.  (there  being  eleven  of  them  engaged  for  this  debt),  this  they 
hope  with  the  interest  of  friends  to  be  able  to  pay,  and  afterwards 
they  will  endeavour  to  procure  the  forest  and  chase  lands  and  thus 
make  satisfaction  for  the  remaining  two-thirds  of  their  debt.  The 
Court  disapproves  of  this  proposal,  seeing  that  if  the  debt  is  appor- 
tioned in  the  sum  of  4,000/.  each  to  the  eleven  men  concerned  it 
will  only  amount  to  44,000/.  They  ask  therefore  to  be  treated  as 
the  other  creditors ;  but  the  Knights  reply  that  their  own  debts  are 
'  of  another  nature '  and  request  a  further  respite  of  twenty  days ; 


240  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

this  is  refused.  A  general  court  of  the  adventurers  in  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock  is  ordered  to  be  held  next  Wednesday  afternoon ;  also 
a  general  Court  of  the  adventurers  in  the  Third  Joint  Stock,  at 
which  consideration  is  to  be  had  of  the  differences  between  the 
Company  and  the  Dutch,     (i^//.) 

The  Company  to  Edward  and  Stephen  Wright  and 
Roger  Howe  [at  Genoa],  June  30,  1653  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i, 
p.  ai4). 

Acknowledge  the  receipt  of  their  letter  of  the  i8th  instant,  with 
copy  of  that  of  the  nth  instant,  the  original  of  which  miscarried, 
the  *  Ordinary '  having  been  robbed  of  his  letters  between  their  port 
and  Alessandria.  They  also  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  the  second 
bill  of  exchange  for  3,500  dollars  on  Thomas  Jennings,  and  of  the 
account  current ;  the  latter  has  been  given  to  the  Auditor,  so  they 
forbear  to  remark  on  it  yet.  They  are  sorry  to  hear  of  the  fear 
that  the*  livers'  11,230/.  13^'.  6d.  passed  to  their  credit  in  account 
of  time  may  prove  bad  debts,  and  enjoin  care  and  diligence  that 
this  may  be  avoided ;  also  in  putting  an  end  to  '  that  unlucky 
business  with  Damigho ',  which  by  the  account  appears  already  to 
have  cost  the  Company  dear  ;  therefore  they  entreat  them  to  desire 
the  Secretary  of  State  to  return  his  reference  to  the  Senate,  that 
no  more  time  or  money  be  spent  upon  it.     (^  p^ 

A  General  Court  of  Election  for  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock,  July  6,  1653  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  %2>^, 

Mr.  Cokayne  vacates  his  chair  as  Governor  and  requests  the 
generality  *  to  spare  him,  in  regard  hee  findes  himselfe  very  infirme ' ; 
but  the  Treasurer  declares  that  he  cannot  be  spared,  as  he  knows  so 
well  how  the  Company's  business  stands.  He  is  therefore  nominated 
with  Sir  Jacob  Garrad  and  Alderman  Riccard  and  unanimously 
re-elected  Governor.  The  post  of  Deputy  being  vacant  by  reason 
of  the  death  of  William  Methwold,  Alderman  Riccard,  Thomas 
Andrew,  and  Thomas  Kerridge  are  nominated  to  it,  and  the  choice 
falls  upon  Riccard,  who  is  appointed  Deputy  for  the  ensuing  year. 
John  Massingberd  is  re-elected  Treasurer.  Messrs.  Reynardson, 
Langly,  Gold,  Meggs,  Spurstow,  and  Cokayne  are  chosen  as  the 
six  new  Committees,  and  Messrs.  Ashwell,  Howland,  Churchman, 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  a^i 

Smith,  and  Wyld  retire ;  thus  the  Committees  for  the  ensuing  year 
are :  Sir  Jacob  Garrad,  Alderman  Reynardson,  Rowland  Wilson, 
Thomas  Jennings,  Thomas  Burnell,  Gilbert  Keate,  Thomas  Kerridge, 
Robert  Abdy,  Thomas  and  Daniel  Andrews,  Thomas  Rich,  Thomas 
Hodges,  John  Langly,  John  Oldfeild,  Nicholas  Gould,  James  Mann, 
William  Williams,  William  Meggs,  Anthony  Bateman,  Thomas 
Bludworth,  James  Edwards,  Henry  Spurstow,  Richard  Davies  and 
Thomas  Cokayne.     (i|/A) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  Third 
Joint  Stock,  July  6, 1653  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  237). 

The  Governor  recalls  how  at  a  general  court  held  July  5,  1650, 
Messrs.  Cokayne,  Methwold,  Massingberd,  and  Jennings  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  make  an  agreement  with  some  private 
persons  who  undertook  to  procure  by  legal  means  restitution  from 
the  Dutch  for  the  great  losses  sustained  by  the  Company 
through  them  ;  he  now  declares  that  the  time  limited  for  the  said 
agreement  to  be  concluded  has  expired,  and  therefore  this  meeting 
is  called  to  decide  how  to  proceed.  After  consideration  the  matter 
is  recommended  to  the  care  of  the  following  Committees :  Messrs. 
Cokayne,  Riccard,  Massingberd,  Wilson,  Jennings,  Keate,  Kerridge, 
Thomson,  Langly,  Williams,  Bateman,  Edwards,  Bludworth, 
Thomas  and  Daniel  Andrews,  they  or  any  five  of  them  to  form 
a  committee  and  meet  every  Wednesday  and  Friday  afternoon,  or 
as  occasion  shall  require.  They  are  to  endeavour  to  obtain 
satisfaction  from  the  Dutch  for  the  said  losses,  but  not  to  relinquish 
the  Company's  right  to  the  Island  of  Pulo  Run.  To  defray  any 
charges  or  expenses  that  may  arise,  each  Committee  appointed  is 
to  deposit  10/.,  or  more  if  required,  with  whoever  is  appointed 
treasurer,  and  when  satisfaction  is  obtained  each  man  is  to  be  paid 
double  what  he  so  advances  ;  but  if  satisfaction  is  not  procured, 
then  each  man  must  bear  the  loss  of  whatever  money  he  has 
advanced.  From  the  money  recovered  from  the  Dutch,  the  said 
Committees  are  to  have  a  gratuity  of  three  per  cent,  divided  among 
them,  according  to  each  man's  service  and  attendance.  It  is  also 
resolved  that  the  said  Committees  shall  appoint  a  solicitor  to  help 
look  after  this  business,     (ij//.) 


242  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

A  Meeting  of  the  Committee  for  prosecution  of  the 
Dutch  Business,  July  8,  1653  {Factory  Records,  Java,  vol.  ii, 
part  iv,  p.  219). 

Michael  Dunckine  is  appointed  to  receive  from  each  of  the  fifteen 
Committees  nominated  to  manage  this  business  10/.  yearly,  and  to 
pay  it  out  on  warrants  signed  by  three  of  the  said  Committees. 
He  is  also  to  keep  a  separate  account  of  this  money.  If  any 
Committee  does  not  think  fit  to  pay  the  10/.,  any  other  Committee 
may  do  so  for  him  according  to  the  order  of  .the  general  court  of 
the  6th  instant.  All  are  desired  to  think  of  someone  suitable  to 
act  as  solicitor  for  this  business,  and  it  is  resolved  that  they  shall 
meet  at  three  o'clock  every  Wednesday  and  Friday  afternoon,  or  as 
order  shall  direct,  of  which  Mr.  HoUoway  is  to  give  written  notice 
on  the  Exchange.     (|  /.) 

Proceedings  OF  the  Council  of  State,  July  8, 1653  {Public 
Record  Office :  S.  P.  Dom. :  Interregnum,  I.  70,  pp.  26-30). 

.  .  .  The  Admiralty  Committee  to  consider  of  a  fit  ship  to  ply  at 
Land's  End  to  guard  the  Love,  and  to  bring  into  the  port  of  London 
the  Smyrna  Merchant  and  other  ships  arriving  from  the  East 
Indies.  ...  To  write  to  Captain  Marten  to  ply  with  the  ships  with 
him  as  far  as  the  Lizard  Point,  and  beat  up  and  down  for  a  short 
time,  for  the  safeguarding  of  ships  expected  from  the  East  Indies, 
and  then  to  convoy  the  Smyrna  Merchant,  lately  come  from  thence, 
to  Portsmouth  .  .  .  also  to  supply  the  Bristol  frigate  with  some  of 
the  Sovereigns  company,  for  its  speedy  dispatch  to  Land's  End  for 
the  guarding  of  the  East  India  ships.  .  .  . 

A  Court  of  Committees,  July  9, 1653  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii, 
p.  249). 

Ordered  that  a  letter  be  written  to  Captain  Hurleston,  in  answer 
to  one  received  from  him  on  the  4th  instant,  to  congratulate  him 
upon  his  safe  arrival,  to  thank  him  for  his  care  in  preserving  the 
goods  committed  to  his  custody,  and  to  desire  him  to  remain  at 
Falmouth  until  sufficient  convoy  shall  be  sent  by  the  State  to  bring 
him  into  the  Channel.  The  captain  is  also  to  be  requested  to 
*  breake  noe  bulke  '  nor  allow  any  goods  whatsoever  to  be  delivered 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  243 

out  of  the  Smyrna  Merchant  before  her  arrival  at  the  place  of 
discharge.  This  letter  is  to  be  posted  and  a  copy  to  be  sent  by 
the  convoy  appointed  by  the  State.     (4/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  July  13, 1653  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii, 
p.  350). 

The  cashier  at  Drury  House  refusing  to  pay  any  money  unless 
he  is  given  the  warrant  from  the  Council  of  State,  the  Treasurer  is 
instructed  to  give  up  the  said  warrant,  which  is  made  out  for 
10,000/.,  if  it  is  demanded,  although  the  whole  sum  shall  not  be 
paid.  Benzoin  sold  to  Mr.  Reeves.  Prosecution  of  Mr.  Ferrara 
to  be  forborne  for  a  time  on  his  giving  bail.  Mr.  Gold  to  be 
excused  payment  of  the  30/.  still  due  from  him  for  the  ordnance  he 
bought.  The  powdermakers  refuse  to  accept  the  terms  offered  by 
the  Company  for  refraction  of  saltpetre.  Ordered  that  no  more  of 
the  wages  of  William  West  be  paid  to  any  one.    {j-\pp) 

A  Meeting  of  the  Committees  for  the  Dutch  Business, 
July  13,  1653  {Factory  Records,  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  420). 

Upon  examination  of  the  Dutch  papers  with  the  inventory 
delivered  to  Messrs.  Methwold  and  Thomson,  copies  are  found 
wanting  of  the  following :  A  Relation  of  the  taking  of  the  islands 
of  Lantore  and  Pulo  Run,  Randall  Jesson's  Relation  concerning 
Pulo  Run,  the  Order  of  Parliament  about  the  Dutch,  1643,  and 
the  Remonstrance  about  the  Dutch.  Mr.  Thomson  declaring  that 
these  were  laid  before  the  Council  of  State,  directions  are  given 
for  all  means  to  be  used  to  obtain  them  and  the  rest  of  the  papers 
delivered  to  the  Council.  The  Secretary  is  desired  to  buy  fifty 
of  the  printed  books  concerning  the  business  of  Amboyna  from 
Mr.  Woofe  and  to  give  him  3/.  for  them.  It  is  thought  that 
the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and  the  United  Stock  should  each  con- 
tribute 10/.  towards  obtaining  satisfaction  from  the  Dutch,  which 
if  successfully  accomplished  will  benefit  both,  and  each  Stock  will 
be  given  30/.,  but  if  not  then  they  will  lose  their  10/.     (|/.) 


R  % 


244  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF   THE 

The  Company  to  Edward  and  Stephen  Wright  and 
Roger  Howe  [at  Genoa],  July  14,  1653  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i, 
p.  215). 

Acknowledge  the  receipt  of  their  letter  of  the  2nd  current  with 
the  first  bill  of  exchange  on  Thomas  Jennings  for  2,000  dollars 
in  475/.  sterling,  which  has  been  accepted,  and  they  doubt  not 
will  be  paid.  Report  the  arrival  on  the  3rd  instant  of  the  Smyrna 
Merchant  at  Falmouth  from  Surat,  'who  the  same  morning  was 
encountered  of  the  Lizard  by  two  Dutch  merf  of  warr,  who  con- 
tinued a  dispute  with  her  four  howres,  but  it  pleased  the  Allmighty 
to  bring  her  off  in  safety  with  the  losse  of  two  men  only  and  some 
wounded  ;  her  cargo  we  herewith  send  you.'     (J  p) 

The  Company  to  Thomas  Dethick  and  Richard  Browne 
[at  Leghorn],  July  14,  1653  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  215). 

Have  received  their  letter  of  the  6th  ultimo,  acknowledging  the 
receipt  of  the  Company's  of  the  25th  April  and  2nd  May  and 
the  packets  directed  to  Consul  Ryley,  which  they  note  they  have 
transmitted  to  Signor  Paolo  del  Sera  in  Venice  ;  also  their  inten- 
tion to  send  the  other  packet  by  the  first  opportunity  to  Aleppo. 
Report  the  arrival  on  the  3rd  instant  of  the  Smyrna  Merchant 
at  Falmouth  from  Surat  and  her  encounter  with  two  Dutch  men- 
of-war,  with  whom  she  fought  four  hours  and  only  lost  two  men 
and  had  some  wounded.     They  send  a  list  of  her  cargo.     (J  /.) 

Captain  Roger  Marten  at  Portsmouth  to  Generals 
Blake  and  Monck,  July  14,  1653  {Public  Record  Office:  S.P, 
Dom, :  Interregnum,  vol.  xxxviii,  no.  ^6). 

I  received  your  instructions,  and  since  then  an  express  from  the 
Council  of  State,  to  go  westward  with  the  ships  to  look  for  our 
East  Indiamen.  The  Smyrna  Merchant,  having  arrived  at  Fal- 
mouth, was  engaged  by  two  Dutch  pirates.  If  we  can  meet  with 
the  rest,  we  are  to  convoy  them  to  Portsmouth.  .  .  .  We  shall  lie  off 
the  Lizard,  where  the  rest  of  our  consorts  may  find  me.  .  .  .     (J/.) 


EAST  INDIA   COMPANY  245 

Captain  Thomas  Sparling,  aboard  the  Little  Presi- 
dent, OFF  THE  Lizard,  to  the  Admiralty  Committee, 
July  15,  1653  {Public  Record  Office:  S.P.  Dom.:  Interregnum^ 
vol.  xxxviii,  no.  62). 

After  my  long  lying  here  alone,  on  the  13th  the  Hopewell  pink 
has  joined  me,  and  I  will  use  this  addition  of  strength  to  the  best 
advantage.  I  have  seen  several  small  pirates,  but  at  such  dis- 
advantage that  we  have  not  been  able  to  do  any  good,  only  we 
have  retaken  two  barks  with  coals.  It  is  high  time  the  two 
frigates  appointed  by  the  Generals  arrived,  as  there  are  several 
freebooters  newly  come  upon  the  coast,  carrying  from  fourteen  to 
twenty-four  guns,  besides  the  small  vessels  out  of  Brest,  and  there 
are  four  Dutch  ships  lying  off  Scilly  to  intercept  our  East  Indiamen 
daily  expected  in  the  channel.  I  wish  I  were  in  a  capacity  to  act ; 
the  Generals'  warrant  to  call  ships  to  my  assistance  will  not  do  the 
work  unless  I  could  tell  where  to  find  them.  .  .  .     (i  j//.) 

General  Monck,  aboard  the  Resolution  three  leagues 

SOUTH  OF  the  TeXEL,  TO  THE  ADMIRALTY  COMMITTEE, 
July  20,  i^S?i  {Public  Record  Office:  S.P.  Dom.:  Interregnum, 
vol.  xxxviii,  no.  80). 

.  .  .  Another  ship  or  two  should  be  added  to  the  Bristol  as 
a  convoy  to  the  Love  and  other  East  India  ships  at  Falmouth, 
bound  homewards,  in  regard  of  your  intelligence  by  the  Pearl 
that  there  are  some  Dutch  men-of-war  near  Cadiz.  I  wish  we 
could  spare  three  or  four  frigates  to  scour  the  coast  thereabouts, 
but  hope  those  ships  designed  for  that  station  will  serve  the  turn. 

.  .  .     (3i/A) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  July  20,  1653  (Court  Book,  vol. 
xxiii,  p.  251). 

The  Court  resolves  that  a  pound  shall  be  taken  from  every  bale 
of  saltpetre  as  it  is  weighed  ;  this  shall  be  refined,  and  from  the 
waste  found  allowance  shall  be  made  to  the  powdermakers  in 
proportion  for  the  whole  quantity.  The  Treasurer  reporting  that 
the  Company's  house  is  assessed  at  the  rate  of  160/.  per  annum, 
although  the  rent  is  only  140/.  per  annum,  he  is  directed  to  pay 


246  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

the  said  assessment,  the  Court  thinking  it  will  be  better  to  do  so 
'  then  to  stirr  in  it  *.  William  Gostwick  re-assigns  to  the  Worshipful 
William  Ashwell  500/.  adventure  and  profits  in  the  United  Joint 
Stock ;  Joseph  Prickeman  transfers  to  the  Worshipful  Edmund 
Sleigh  300/.  adventure  and  profits  in  the  same  Stock,  and  George 
Clarke  transfers  to  Geofifrey  Rowland  500/.  adventure  and  profits 
in  the  same  Stock,     (i  /.) 

A  Meeting  of  the  Committees  for  the  Dutch  Business, 
July  ao,  1653  (Factory  Records^  Java^  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  420). 

The  Secretary  is  commanded  to  reprint  500  of  the  old  Amboyna 
books  forthwith.     (J  p) 

Captain  Roger  Marten  in  the  Bristol^  near  Falmouth, 
TO  THE  Admiralty  Committee,  July  21,  1653  {Public  Record 
Office :  S.  P,  Dom. :  Interregnum^  vol.  Ivi,  no.  1 10). 

Has  been  cruising  off  the  Lizard,  and  meeting  the  Dolphin  of 
London,  with  wool  and  iron  from  Bilboa,  convoyed  her  to  Falmouth. 
Has  received  the  pressed  men  from  Captain  Mills  and  will  carry 
them  to  Portsmouth.  Asks  how  long  to  wait  for  the  East  India 
ships. 

Papers  concerning  the  Losses  of  the  East  India  Com- 
pany IN  THE  Indies,  delivered  to  Richard  Swinglehurst, 
July  21,  1653  [Public  Record  Office:  C.  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  61). 

I.  Copies  of  voluntary  confessions  of  divers  Netherlanders  lately 
come  from  the  East  Indies  concerning  the  murder  of  the  English  at 
Amboyna.  2.  Complaints  concerning  the  Islands  of  Pulo  Run, 
Lantore,  the  Moluccas,  Banda  and  Amboyna,  Jakatra,  Bantam, 
Jambi,  Surat  and  Persia.  Complaints  against  John  Peter  Van 
Coen,  and  Peter  de  Carpenteere,  General  for  the  Dutch  in  the  East 
Indies.  3.  Examination  of  Thomas  Violet  by  Secretary  Coke 
touching  the  butchery  at  Amboyna,  March,  1631.  4.  Relation  of 
the  Proceedings  of  the  Netherlands  Agents  at  Amboyna  against 
the  English,  by  an  eye-witness.  5.  Protests  faict  k  Tichfeild  par  S.M. 
de  la  Grande  Bretagne  le  9™®  Septembre,  1625,  touchant  I'afifaire 
d'Amboyna.  6.  Letter  from  Henry  Hawley  to  Thomas  Keightly, 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  247 

January  7,  1623.  7.  Abstract  of  the  trade  to  the  East  Indies  from 
1620  to  1623  inclusive,  according  to  an  order  from  the  Lower  House 
of  Parliament,  March,  1623.  8.  Accounts  of  money  and  goods 
taken  by  the  Dutch  in  India  and  not  restored,  amounting  to 
250,000/.  9.  Reasons  to  prove  the  decay  of  trade  and  want  of 
money  in  the  realm.  10.  Estate  of  the  East  India  trade.  11.  Book 
containing  an  abstract.  12.  Declaration  of  the  losses  sustained  by 
the  English  in  the  East  Indies,  March,  1620.  13.  Sir  Dudley 
Carleton,  Agent  to  the  States,  concerning  the  delivery  of  the  King's 
letters,  October  9, 1629.  i4-  Translation  of  a  letter  from  the  Dutch 
Company  to  the  English  Company,  April  19,  1621,  received  in 
London  April  28.  15.  Petition  to  the  Duke  [of  Buckingham], 
March  8,  1626,  in  Dutch.  16.  Abstract  of  a  letter  from  the  Duke 
of  Buckingham  to  Lord  Conway,  November  14,  1625.  17.  Abstract 
of  Sir  Dudley  Carleton's  memorial  presented  to  the  States  touching 
Pieterson  Coen,  October  19,  1625.  18.  Commissioners  appointed 
by  the  King  for  the  Amboyna  business,  1624.  ^9'  Speeches  by 
Forbes  since  his  coming  to  London,  October  25,  1627.  ^°*  Letter 
from  Sir  Dudley  Carleton  from  the  Hague,  November  J|,  1624. 
21.  'Above  700,000/.  damage  by  the  Dutch.'  22.  Mr.  Misselden's 
answer  to  the  States  concerning  the  money  given  for  release  of  the 
three  Dutch  ships  at  Portsmouth.  23.  Protest  of  King  Charles 
against  Dutch  injustice  in  the  Indies.  24.  Warrant  of  the  Lords 
of  the  Council,  October,  1631,  concerning  divulging  of  the  Amboyna 
books,  read  in  Court,  November  16,  1631.  25.  Remonstrance  of 
wrongs  sustained  by  the  English  East  India  Company  from  the 
Dutch  East  India  Company.  26.  Abstract  of  Sir  Thomas  Roe's  letter 
of  January  y%,  1626.  27.  Petition  to  Parliament  with  the  order  of 
reference  thereupon.  28.  Demonstration  of  the  riches  of  the  East 
India  trade  now  unhappily  in  the  hands  of  the  Dutch,  which  might 
and  ought  to  have  been  ours,  collected  in  Holland  by  Edward 
Misselden,  September  22,  1625.  29.  Collection  of  charges  from 
the  accounts  of  garrison  and  fortification  delivered  to  the  Dutch 
General  in  c^6  Articles,  1622.  30.  Complaints  concerning  the 
Island  of  Pulo  Run.  31.  Mr.  Gonninge's  protest  against  being 
denied  one-third  of  cloves  at  Maquian,  Taffasha,  June  20,  1622. 
32.  The  injustice  of  the  Dutch  against  the  EngHsh  at  Amboyna. 
^^.  Translation  of  the  denial  of  the  Dutch  General  and  Council  to 


348  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

deliver  up  the  Island  of  Pulo  Run.  34.  Yearly  estimate  of  spice 
upon  Pulo  Run.     35.  Wrongs  and  losses  committed  by  the  Dutch. 

36.  Relation  of  the  taking  of  the  Islands  of  Pulo  Run  and  Lantore. 

37.  Abstract  of  the  real  losses  sustained  by  the  Dutch.  38.  Declara- 
tion of  the  proceedings  of  the  Netherlands  East  India  Company 
against  the  English  since  the  treaty  of  1619.  39.  Reasons  why 
the  Dutch  at  Amboyna  had  no  sovereignty  over  the  English. 
40.  Letter  from  the  States  to  the  King  about  Amboyna,  August 
12,  1624.  41.  The  States'  letter  into  the  Indies  concerning  the 
business  of  Amboyna,  December  31,  16214.  4^-  Declaration  by 
the  Lords  States  to  His  Majesty  about  the  Amboyna  business, 
August  23,  1624.  43.  The  Dutch  Project,  delivered  by  Mr.  Secret- 
ary Coke.  44.  Copy  from  Secretary  Coke  of  what  is  required 
by  His  Majesty  from  the  States  concerning  the  business  of 
Amboyna,  delivered  by  the  Lords  to  Mr.  Joachimi  and  Mr.  Catz, 
April  24,  1627.  French.  45.  An  Abstract  of  the  abuses  of  the 
Dutch.  46.  John  Cartwright's  relation  of  the  Amboyna  business 
written  in  1636.  47.  Answer  of  the  States  to  the  business  of 
Amboyna,  December  31,  1629.  French,  with  English  translation. 
48.  Letter  from  Sir  William  Boswell,  October  14,  1642.  49.  Copy 
of  the  1619  treaty  with  the  Dutch  and  explanation  thereof.  50. 
Advice  left  by  General  Coen  with  his  successor,  General  Peter  Car- 
penteere.  51.  Coen's  commission.  52.  Damages  in  the  Endymion^ 
1649.  ^'>,.  Henry  Whitaker's  speech  at  Amsterdam  touching  the 
composition  money  due  by  the  Dutch  Company,  1643.  54.  Protest 
against  Bartholomew  Kuns  delivered  to  him  January  14,  1624-5, 
received  by  Giles  Waterman  February  9,  1624-5.  (2J/A) 

A  Meeting  of  the  Committees  for  the  Dutch  Business, 
July  2a,  1653  {Factory  Records ^  Java^  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  421). 

The  Secretary  is  directed  to  take  only  aoo  books  of  the  last 
edition  concerning  Amboyna.  Resolved  that  when  Mr.  Moyer^ 
shall  have  advised  the  Company  how  to  proceed,  a  petition  shall 

1  Samuel  Moyer  had  just  been  appointed  one  of  the  representatives  of  London  in  the 
Nominated  Parliament,  and  a  member  of  the  Council  of  State  {Commons^  Journals^ 
vol.  vii,  p.  383).  He  was  already  one  of  the  Commissioners  for  Compounding  {ibid., 
p.  348.  Like  Maurice  Thomson,  Moyer  was  a  strong  supporter  of  Cromwell's  adminis- 
tration. At  the  Restoration  he  was  imprisoned,  but  managed  to  secure  his  release  on 
payment  of  500/. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  249 

be  presented  to  Parliament  to  desire  that  care  may  be  taken  that 
reparation  be  made  to  the  Company  by  the  Dutch.     (J  p) 

Petition  from  the  East  India  Company  to  Parliament, 
July  a6,  1653  (Factory  Records,  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  403). 

Having  for  many  years  past  been  humble  suitors  for  redress  and 
reparation  for  many  insupportable  wrongs,  injuries,  damages,  losses 
and  indignities  inflicted  upon  them  by  the  Dutch  Company,  more 
especially  for  the  murder  of  the  English  Agent  and  factors  at 
Amboyna,  and  of  their  people  at  Pulo  Run,  for  all  which  during  the 
reign  of  the  late  King  they  could  never  obtain  any  relief,  and  since 
the  change  of  government  and  the  continuance  of  war  more 
important  affairs  have  hindered  their  solicitation,  the  petitioners 
humbly  pray  that  in  the  impending  transactions  with  the  ambas- 
sadors from  the  United  Provinces  effectual  care  may  be  taken  for 
vindication  of  the  honour  of  the  English  nation,  and  that  they  may 
receive  such  satisfaction  for  their  said  wrongs  (particulars  whereof 
they  are  ready  to  produce  and  justify),  as  is  agreeable  to  justice  and 
equity  ;  and  that  the  islands  of  Pulo  Run  and  Pulo  Ai  may  be 
restored  to  the  Company,  the  rightful  owners.  This  petition  was 
delivered  to  and  approved  by  Mr.  Moyer,  but  not  presented  because 
of  the  departure  of  the  Dutch  Ambassadors.^  It  was  presented  to 
the  Council  of  State  on  December  5,  1653,  and  to  the  Lord 
Protector  on  December  29,  1653,  and  the  latter  gave  'a  gratious 
answere '  to  it.     (i  /.) 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  July  27,  1653 
{Public  Record  Office:  S,  P.  Dom. :  Interregnum,  I.  70,  pp.  1^^5-35). 

.  .  .  To  write  to  Captain  Martin  to  bring  to  the  port  of  London 
the  ship  Smyrna  Merchant  from  the  East  Indies ;  and  that  the 
ship's  company  are  to  come  into  Lee  Road  free  from  being 
impressed.  .  .  . 

Warrant  from  the  Council  of  State  to  Commanders 
of  Ships  and  Press-masters,  July  38,  1653  [Public  Record 
Office:  S.P.  Dom.:  Interregnum,  I.  70,  p.  137). 

To  permit  the  Smyrna  Merchant,  lately  come  from  the  East 
Indies,  to  keep  her  company  on  board  till  she  comes  into  Lee  Road. 

1  Two  of  the  Dutch  commissioners  departed  on  August  3  to  report  their  proceedings. 


a5o  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

The  Company  to  William  Watson  and  Richard  Bridg- 
MAN  [at  Amsterdam],  July  29,  1653  [Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  216). 

Not  having  heard  from  them  for  some  time,  they  request  that 
they  will  write  by  the  first  opportunity  and  meanwhile  ascertain 
everything  possible  concerning  the  estate  of  the  Dutch  East  India 
Company's  affairs  in  the  East  in  relation  to  the  Amboyna  business, 
and  at  other  places,  and  whether  the  difference  between  the  Dutch 
and  the  English  has  broken  out  in  any  act  of  hostility  at  Bantam 
or  elsewhere.  They  hear  it  reported  that  fifteea.Dutch  ships,  some 
from  the  Straits  and  some  from  the  Indies,  have  arrived  at  Bergen 
in  Norway,  and  desire  to  be  advised  concerning  the  same.  Their 
ship  the  East  India  Merchant  expected  this  year  from  Bantam  has 
not  arrived,  and  the  season  being  so  advanced  this  causes  some 
anxiety  ;  therefore  they  desire  them  to  make  diligent  inquiry  about 
her  and  to  gather  what  they  can  concerning  the  Company's  estate 
in  India,  also  to  report  how  the  [Dutch]  Company  'vallue  their 
action  at  present ',  what  ships  they  expect  home  and  intend  to  send 
out,  and  to  be  told  the  price  of  all  sorts  of  East  India  commodities 
that  they  may  be  better  able  to  dispose  of  those  they  may  obtain. 
As  the  times  are  *  soe  full  of  mutabillities  that  hardly  any  day 
passeth  but  produceth  something  new ',  they  request  them  to  write 
once  a  fortnight  or  at  the  furthest  once  a  month,  to  advise  of  all 
that  can  be  communicated  with  safety  and  to  address  themselves  to 
the  whole  Company  and  not  to  any  single  member.     (|  /.) 

Warrant  from  the  Council  of  State  to  the  Commis- 
sioners OF  Customs,  August  3, 1653  (Public  Record  Office :  S.P. 
Bom.:  Interregnuniy  I.  70,  p.  169). 

To  allow  the  East  India  Company  the  customs  due  for  saltpetre 
delivered  by  them  for  the  use  of  the  State. 

A  General  Court  of  Election  for  the  United  Joint 
Stock,  August  5, 1653  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  255). 

Mr.  Cokayne  announces  that  they  have  met  to  elect  Committees 
to  manage  the  business  of  the  United  Joint  Stock  for  the  ensuing 
year.  The  preamble,  to  which  they  all  subscribed,  is  first  read,  also 
the   minutes  of  a  general  court  held  on  the  ist  February,  1650, 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  251 

wherein  it  was  resolved  that  this  Stock  should  not  send  out 
anything  after  Midsummer,  1653,  but  this  being  their  own  resolve 
they  can  revoke  it  at  pleasure,  for  *  the  adventurers  in  this  Stock  are 
the  East  India  Company  and  they  were  of  opinion  not  to  lett  the 
trade  fall '.  Hereupon  one  of  the  adventurers  desires  to  know  what 
the  Company's  debts  are,  and  what  there  is  to  pay  the  same  with, 
also  what  would  remain  for  division  among  the  adventurers.  He  is 
told  that  this  cannot  be  known  until  it  is  ascertained  what  has  been 
returned  in  the  Smyrna  Merchant,  the  East  India  Merchant  and 
the  Love,  but  then  he  or  any  other  adventurer  may  see  the  Com- 
pany's books,  which  have  never  been  denied  to  them.  It  is  next 
debated  whether  to  have  fifteen  or  twenty  Committees,  but  the 
smaller  number  is  decided  upon ;  and  the  Court  then  proceeds  to  make 
a  choice  accordingly.  The  names  of  all  holders  of  1,000/.  stock 
are  read,  and  the  following  men  are  elected :  Sir  Jacob  Garrad, 
Captain  William  Ryder,  Messrs.  Cokayne,  Riccard,  Massingberd, 
Moyer,  Abdy,  Thomson,  Andrews,  Kerridge,  Smith,  Wiche,  Bate- 
man,  Wood,  and  Norris,  and  John  Massingberd  is  elected  Treasurer 
for  the  ensuing  year,     (i  J  pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  August  9,  1653  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  257). 

Dust  of  pepper  sold  to  Henry  Whitaker.  The  Husband  is 
ordered  to  enter  the  Smyrna  Merchant  in  the  Customhouse  and 
to  unlade  her  forthwith.     (J  p.) 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  August  10,  1653 
{Public  Record  Office:  S.P.  Dom.:  Interregnum,  I.   70,  pp.  206- 

10). 

.  .  .  The  Admiralty  Committee  to  appoint  a  convoy  for  bringing 
the  East  India,  Barbadoes,  and  other  merchant  ships  at  Plymouth, 
to  London.  .  .  . 

The  Company  to  Edward  and  Stephen  Wright  and 
Roger  Howe  [at  Genoa],  August  ii,  1653  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i, 
p.  a  16). 

Acknowledge  receipt  of  their  letter  of  the  23rd  ultimo  with  the 
first  bill  of  exchange  on  Thomas  Jennings  for  dollars  2015. 5.  8 


252  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

in  487/.  ctf.  6//.,  and  note  that  it  is  the  advance  of  what  was  in 
cash  for  the  Company's  account.  They  entreat  them,  as  soon 
as  the  courts  of  justice  are  open,  to  try  to  recover  the  outstanding 
debts  and  to  settle  Damigho's  business.  They  state  various  queries 
made  by  the  Auditor  concerning  the  account  current  and  desire 
to  be  satisfied  about  the  same.     (^  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
August  11,  1653  (Court  Book ^  vol.  xxi,  p.  239). 

The  Governor  relates  that  the  Committees  appointed  to  look 
after  the  pepper  debt  have  met  the  late  Farmers  of  the  Customs 
several  times,  and  a  writing  has  been  drawn  up  stating  how  both 
parties  agree  to  get  in  part  of  the  debt ;  this  agreement  between 
the  Company  and  some  of  the  creditors  of  the  late  Farmers  on 
the  one  part,  and  Sir  John  Jacobs,  Sir  Job  Harby,  Sir  Nicholas 
Crispe,  and  Sir  John  Harrison  on  the  other  part,  is  now  brought 
for  the  approval  or  disallowance  of  the  Court ;  hereupon  the  said 
agreement  is  read  twice  and  unanimously  approved,  and  the 
Governor  and  the  said  Committees  are  desired  to  sign  it.     (|  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  August  la,  1653  (Coztrt  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  258). 

Henry  Hampson  having  bought  a  parcel  of  Agra  indigo,  con- 
taining as  he  thought  ten  barrels,  and  finding  in  it  twenty-three, 
the  Court  agrees  that  he  need  only  keep  the  ten.  The  usual 
monthly  payment  is  ordered  to  be  made  to  the  wives  of  the  men 
who  were  taken  in  the  four  ships  by  the  Dutch  in  India.  Colonel 
Gower  and  Messrs.  Ashhurst  and  Cullyn  desiring  to  be  released 
from  their  contract  for  sugar,  which  is  found  to  be  damaged,  the 
Court  offers  to  have  the  matter  settled  by  arbitration,  but  the 
buyers  desire  time  to  consider.  Certain  Committees  are  desired 
to  read  the  letters  and  accounts  returned  from  India  and  to  com- 
pose a  suitable  letter  to  be  sent  in  return.  There  being  usually 
a  good  quantity  of  money  in  the  Company's  house,  and  Spiller 
being  often  away  in  the  country,  Bartholomew  Holloway  is  ordered 
to  lodge  there  in  Spiller's  absence  and  to  see  that  the  three  or 
four  porters  who  watch  do  their  duty.     Certain  Committees  are 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  2^^ 

appointed  to  find  a  suitable  warehouse  for  the  saltpetre  returned 
this  year,  and  to  decide  which  warehouses  shall  be  retained  and 
which  given  up.     (2  pj>.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  August  17,  1653  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  260). 

The  State  wishing  to  buy  the  saltpetre  returned  in  the  Smyrna 
Merchant,  the  Court  announces  that  though  the  price  is  high  in 
Holland  yet  it  only  intends  to  ask  \os.  the  cwt.  more  than  was  ^ 
charged  for  the  last  sold  ;  certain  Committees  are  appointed  to 
treat  with  the  State  about  the  same.  Captain  Hurleston  desiring 
permission  to  hire  a  warehouse  for  his  private  trade  brought  home 
in  the  Smyrna  Merchant  and  offering  to  let  the  Husband  have  one 
key,  the  Customhouse  officer  another,  and  to  keep  a  third  himself, 
he  is  told  that  he  can  do  as  he  likes  in  the  matter,  the  Company 
only  expecting  that  he  will  act  in  accordance  with  his  charter- 
party.  Captain  Ryder  is  given  permission  to  dispose  of  the  pri- 
vate trade  sent  home  in  the  Smyrna  Merchant  by  Captain  Black- 
man,  President  at  Surat,  on  promising  to  give  satisfaction  for 
freight  and  to  pay  whatever  fine  shall  be  imposed.  Duties  allotted 
to  the  Committees  for  the  United  Joint  Stock,  and  the  officers 
appointed  last  year  confirmed  in  their  several  posts  at  the  same 
salaries.  Richard  Swinglehurst  is  given  25/.  for  services  performed 
this  last  year  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock.     (3J//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  August  19,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  ^6^, 

The  Court  having  already  freighted  the  Eagle  for  India,  paid 
750/.  of  her  imprest  and  sent  advice  overland  to  Surat  of  her 
coming,  now  debates  if  it  would  be  better  to  dispatch  the  said  ship 
or  two  smaller  vessels.  Some  are  of  opinion  that  the  Council  of 
State  would  afford  the  Company  some  assistance  to  fetch  home 
their  estate,  while  others  think  it  would  be  well  to  open  a  book 
of  subscription  for  the  dispatch  of  some  men-of-war,  and  that  the 
Portuguese  would  join  with  the  Company  in  India  against  the 
Dutch,  and  'thereby  they  doubt  not  but  to  right  themselves  and 
offend  the  Hollanders  much  '  ;  resolution  herein  is  deferred. 
Colonel  Gower  agreeing  to  submit  to  the  decision  of  arbitrators 


v^ 


a54  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

with  regard  to  the  sugar  he  bought,  this  is  ordered  to  be  examined 
and  some  allowance  made  for  it.     (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  August  36,  1653  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  264). 

On  information  that  the  Eagle  cannot  be  ready  until  the  end  of 
November  or  later,  the  owners  not  knowing  for  certain  when  she 
will  be  free  from  the  State's  service,  it  is  decided  to  freight  two 
ships  of  about  three  hundred  tons  apiece  to  send  in  her  stead.  The 
Court  orders  that  notice  of  this  decision  be  sent  overland  to  Surat, 
and  requests  certain  Committees  to  look  out  for  two  vessels  fit  for 
this  purpose  and  dispatch  them  on  the  best  terms  obtainable. 
The  Committees  then  take  into  consideration  the  proposal  made  at 
the  last  court  to  open  a  book  of  subscription  '  to  sett  forth  ships  of 
warr  against  the  Dutch  by  way  of  reprizall  to  India  etc.  and  they, 
thinking  it  would  be  a  worke  very  acceptable  to  the  State  and  for 
the  honor  of  this  nation,  as  well  as  benefitiall  to  the  undertakers  \ 
resolve  unanimously  to  do  so,  not  doubting  but  that  the  State  will 
*  aford  them  all  the  assistance  that  may  bee '  ;  therefore  the 
Secretary  is  directed  to  draw  up  a  preamble  for  this  purpose.  The 
brothers  of  the  late  Francis  Bretton  desiring  that  his  account  may 
be  made  up,  certain  Committees  are  requested  to  examine  and 
perfect  it.  John  Christian  and  John  Joseph,  two  poor  Armenians, 
are  given  40 j.  from  the  poor-box.     (i  J  pj).) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  August  a6, 1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  266). 

Sale  of  sugar,  cotton  yarn,  musk  new  and  old,  Persian  silk,  quilts 
and  pintadoes,  with  prices  and  names  of  purchasers,     (i  J/A) 

George  Strelly  at  Plymouth  to  Robert  Blackborne, 
Secretary  to  the  Admiralty  Committee,  August  26,  1653 
(Public  Record  Office:  S.  P.  Dom. :  Interregnum^  vol.  xxxix,  no.  79). 

.  .  .  The  coast  is  much  infested  with  rogues ;  three  men-of-war 
lie  in  Mount's  Bay  for  the  East  India  ship,  daily  expected  from 
Newfoundland,  and  other  ships  from  the  southward.  They  chased 
in  a  Virginia  ship  to  St.  Ives,  and  as  she  and  others  cannot  stir  for 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  255 

want  of  a  convoy,  I  beg  you  will  hasten  one  down,  and  some  ships 
to  clear  the  coast  of  those  rogues,  who  are  taking  English  ships 
daily.  .  .  .     {lipp.) 

.  Captain  John  Humphrey,  aboard  the  Nightingale  at 
Plymouth,  to  the  Council  of  State,  September  i,  1653 
{Public  Record  Office :  S,  P.  Dom. :  Interregnum^  vol.  xl,  no.  5). 

.  .  .  Seven  or  eight  Brest  men-of-war  lately  chased  an  English 
merchantman  into  St.  Ives,  and  I  hear  they  are  gone  to  waylay 
our  East  Indiamen  and  other  merchants,     (i  /.) 

The  Company  to  William  Watson  and  Richard  Bridg- 
man  [at  Amsterdam],  September  2,  1653  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i, 
p.  317). 

Thank  them  for  their  letters  of  the  15th,  22nd,  and  27th  ultimo 
and  express  ample  satisfaction  with  the  particulars  given  in  answer 
to  theirs  of  the  29th  July.  Desire  to  be  kept  fully  advised  of  all 
that  is  fitting  their  knowledge  as  occasion  shall  present,     (i/.) 

The  Company  to  Paolo  del  Sera  and  Company  [at 
Venice],  September  2,  1653  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  217). 

Acknowledge  the  receipt  of  theirs  of  the  8th  ultimo,  containing 
congratulations  on  the  arrival  of  the  Smyrna  Merchant  and  good 
wishes  for  the  safety  of  the  other  two  ships  expected.  In  answer 
to  their  desire  to  be  employed  in  selling  any  commodities  the  Com- 
pany may  send  to  their  parts,  the  latter  promise  to  give  them  the 
'  preheminence '  ;  but  not  having  any  considerable  quantity  of 
pepper,  the  commodity  usually  sent,  and  thinking  that  what  they 
have  will  sell  at  a  better  price  at  home  than  abroad,  they  cannot 
at  present  comply  with  their  request,  but  will  bear  it  in  mind  in  the 
future.     (4  A) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  September  2,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  268). 

The  preamble  concerning  the  subscription  to  be  opened  for 
•sending  ships  of  war  to  the  East  Indies  is  read,  and  the  Court 
thinking  that  it  should  be  presented  to  Parliament  and  the  Council 
of  State,  certain  Committees  are  requested  to  perfect  it.     Thomas 


45^  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

Hanson  being  still  indebted  to  the  Company,  and  the  Court  under- 
standing that  by  a  decree  in  the  Prerogative  Court  he  is  to  receive 
a  good  part  of  the  estate  of  the  late  Thomas  Geoffrey  (which  is  now 
in  the  Company's  hands),  it  is  ordered  that  nothing  from  the  said 
estate  be  paid  out.  John  Chivall,  Messrs.  Sattillion  and  Perrymont 
to  be  prosecuted  for  non-payment  for  calicoes  bought  and  delivered. 
Jeremy  Baxter,  Thomas  Langham  and  Peter  Smith  accepted  as 
security  for  silk ;  but  as  the  two  latter  are  unknown  to  the  Com- 
pany, inquiries  are  to  be  made  concerning  them.  Silk  bought  by 
Mr.  Roper  to  be  examined.  Michael  Davison  and  Maurice 
Thomson  accepted  as  security  for  sugar.  Mr.  Collyer  acquaints 
the  Court  that  he  bought  and  paid  for  seventy-six  bales  of  sugar, 
but  finds  that  there  are  only  twenty-six  in  the  warehouse ;  reference 
is  made  to  the  book  of  contracts,  where  it  is  seen  that  Collyer 
bargained  for  the  remainder  of  the  sugar  unsold,  which  being 
twenty-six  bales  he  is  told  that  he  can  have  this  quantity,  and  any 
money  he  has  paid  in  excess  shall  be  returned.  Captain  Hurleston 
to  be  paid  3,200/.  upon  account  of  freight  for  the  Smyrna  Merchant. 
On  report  that  some  quilts  brought  home  in  the  Smyrna  Merchant 
are  damaged,  order  is  given  for  the  bales  to  be  opened  and  the 
good  quilts  brought  to  Leadenhall.  The  petition  of  Mr.  Chambers 
for  satisfaction  for  seven  years'  service  is  referred  for  consideration. 
Stephen  Ballowes'  bill  of  34/.  14J.  for  48  dozen  leather  skins  used  by 
the  late  Mr.  Calcott  in  packing  quicksilver  is  ordered  to  be  paid. 

A  Court  of  Committees,  September  7,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  270  ^). 

Messrs.  Langham,  Baxter,  and  Smith  are  accepted  as  security  for 
silk.  Allowance  is  made  to  Mr.  Roper  for  damaged  silk.  The 
Court  refuses  to  accept  George  Hunt  and  Henry  Newton  as 
security  for  silk  bought  by  Mr.  Pennoyer,  as  in  accordance  with 
a  former  order  no  security  is  to  be  accepted  unless  the  buyer  tenders 
himself  as  well.  The  offer  of  Messrs.  Dycer  and  Foster  to  buy  the 
Lahore  indigo  at  6j.  the  lb.  at  five  six  months  is  refused.  Order  is 
given  for  all  damaged  goods  returned  in  the  Smyrna  Merchant 
to  be  brought  to  Leadenhall.     Calicoes  to  be  examined  and  priced 

*  See  also  a  duplicate  at  f.  38  of  Home  Miscellaneous,  vol.  xl. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  ^57 

for  the  coming  court  of  sales.  Mr.  Collyer  complaining  again 
about  his  bargain  for  sugar,  he  is  granted  6/.  '  for  quietness  sake  and 
to  avoid  sewits  in  law '.  At  the  request  of  Messrs.  Steventon  and 
Deiwy,  powdermakers,  Mr.  Berisford  is  appointed  to  determine 
what  refraction  shall  be  made  on  the  remainder  of  the  Rajapur 
saltpetre.  Mr.  Bretton,  a  minister,  brother  to  the  late  Francis 
Bretton,  and  two  other  of  his  brothers  applying  about  his  estate, 
they  are  told  that  this  business  concerns  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  ; 
therefore  they  must  wait  until  a  court  is  summoned  for  that  Stock. 
Sambrooke  presenting  for  signature  a  warrant  for  payment  of  i,8oo/. 
by  the  United  Joint  Stock  to  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  the  Court 
refuses  to  sign  it  until  the  accounts  between  the  two  Stocks  shall  be 
adjusted  ;  and  hereupon  they  nominate  Messrs.  Moyer,  Thomson, 
Andrews,  Wyche,  Ryder,  Smith  and  Norris  to  act  as  a  committee 
for  this  Stock,  and  resolve  to  call  a  Court  of  Committees  for  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stock  and  entreat  them  to  nominate  seven  of  their 
number  to  act  in  conjunction  with  the  seven  already  named  and 
adjust  the  accounts  between  the  two  Stocks.  The  Court  accepts 
two  bills  of  exchange  signed  by  Mr.  Baker  and  his  Council  at  Fort 
St.  George,  the  one  made  payable  at  sight  to  William  Cokayne,  the 
other  to  William  Ashwell.     {i\pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  September  9,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  271^). 

Morees  sold  to  William  Cokayne.  Signor  Ferdinando  wishing 
to  buy  calicoes,  certain  Committees  are  requested  to  settle  with 
him  about  the  price  and  impost.  Silk  bought  by  Richard  Utbar 
and  Thomas  Langham  to  be  examined  and  some  allowance  to  be 
made  for  what  is  damaged.  A  petition  from  the  officers,  mates 
and  seamen  in  the  Smyrna  Merchant  is  read,  praying  for  remission 
of  freight  on  their  goods  in  the  Company's  custody  and  that  the 
said  goods  may  be  delivered  ;  *  the  Court  returned  them  thankes  for 
their  care  in  bringing  home  the  shipp  by  the  blessing  of  God  in 
safety,  and  in  their  managing  the  fight  against  the  Dutch  shipps 
who  encountred  them  at  the  Lands  End',  but  adds  that  their 
goods  are  not  in  the  Company's  custody,  neither  has  the  Company 
anything  to  do  with  the  freight  of  the  same,  but  the  owners  of  the 
ship  are  expected  to  act  according  to   their  charterparty.     All 


258  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

damaged  goods  returned  in  the  said  ship  to  be  examined.  The 
porters  at  the  Exchange  Cellar  complain  that  they  cannot  live  on 
2od>  a  day,  that  sifting  pepper  is  very  tedious  and  their  other  labour 
very  hard  ;  therefore  they  desire  to  be  allowed  as.  per  day ;  to  this 
the  Court  consents  so  long  as  they  are  at  work,  but  orders  that 
when  they  are  idle  nothing  is  to  be  paid  to  them,     (ij  pp.) 

Petition  of  the  East  India  Company  to  the  Council  of 
State  [September],  1653  {Public  Record  Office:  CO.  77,  vol.  vii, 
no.  62). 

Setting  forth  that  the  Commonwealth  has  suffered  in  honour  and 
reputation,  and  the  petitioners  in  their  estates  lately  and  for  many 
years  have  received  numerous  wrongs,  prejudices,  and  damages 
from  the  Dutch  Company,  to  the  great  dishonour  of  the  State  in 
those  remote  eastern  parts  and  loss  to  the  petitioners  of  some  hun- 
dred thousands  of  pounds.  That  notwithstanding  frequent  solicita- 
tions during  the  last  twenty-nine  years,  they  see  no  likelihood  as 
yet  of  the  honour  of  the  nation  being  vindicated,  or  satisfaction  for 
their  own  losses  procured,  therefore  they  have  resolved  (if  Parlia- 
ment and  the  Council  approve)  to  send  forth  some  ships  of  war  by 
way  of  reprisal  into  the  East  Indies  against  the  Dutch,  and  have 
caused  a  preamble,  hereunto  annexed,  to  be  entered  in  a  book  of 
subscription,  to  invite  all  who  please  to  adventure  in  this  expedition. 
They  pray  the  Council  to  lend  them  five  or  six  of  the  Common- 
wealth's frigates,  and  to  give  order  for  all  ships  and  men  employed 
in  this  expedition  to  be  permitted  to  proceed  without  molestation 
or  pressing,  which  will  encourage  the  adventurers  to  subscribe 
considerable  sums  towards  prosecution  of  this  work.  Signed, 
William  Cokayne.  (In  the  margin  is  written  '  Monday  next  to  bee 
considered.'     ( j  /.) 

Preamble  to  a  Book  of  Subscription  to  be  opened  by  the 
Company,  September  9,  1653  (Public  Record  Office:  C.  O.  yj, 
vol.  vii,  no.  63). 

The  Company  taking  into  consideration  the  many  insupportable 
wrongs,  damages  and  losses  inflicted  upon  them  by  the  Dutch 
Company,  especially  the  murder  of  their  factors  and  servants  at 
Amboyna,  the  seizure  and  detaining  to   this  day  of  their  estate 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  259 

there  and  of  the  spice  islands  of  Pulo  Run  and  Lantore,  the  taking, 
in  1649  upon  the  coast  of  Sumatra,  of  the  ship  Endymion,  detain- 
ing her  goods  and  debarring  the  English  from  trading  there  ever 
since,  the  surprising  and  taking  of  four  of  the  English  Company's 
ships  in  the  Gulf  of  Persia,  seizing  all  the  goods  in  them  and  keep- 
ing in  irons  the  servants  and  factors  aboard,  besides  many  other 
indignities  and  affronts,  all  tending  to  the  great  dishonour  of  the 
English  nation  and  to  the  loss  and  damage  of  the  English  Company, 
the  said  Company  have  resolved,  with  the  consent  and  approval  of 
Parliament  and  the  Council  of  State,  to  dispeed  some  ships  of  war  to 
the  East  Indies  by  way  of  reprisal  against  the  Dutch  Company  by 
sea  and  land,  and  to  divide  the  profit  or  loss  of  this  intended 
expedition  equally  among  the  subscribers  in  proportion  to  their 
stock,  hoping  by  this  means  to  vindicate  the  honour  of  the  English 
nation  and  provide  satisfaction  for  those  of  the  English  Company 
and  others  who  shall  adventure  in  this  design.  To  this  purpose 
they  have  provided  a  book  of  subscription,  in  which  all  who  are 
willing  may  underwrite  what  they  conceive  fitting  for  the  carrying 
out  of  this  design  and  the  dispatch  of  such  ships  as  shall  be  thought 
needful,  according  to  the  sum  subscribed.  Here  follows  the  form 
of  an  undertaking  to  be  signed  by  all  subscribers  to  pay  in  their 
several  sums  to  the  appointed  treasurer  or  his  deputy  in  two  equal 
parts  at  a  time  to  be  named,  the  book  to  remain  open  until  the 
1st  of  November  next  for  all  who  live  within  ten  miles  of  London 
to  underwrite  in,  and  until  the  ist  of  December  for  those  living  at 
a  farther  distance,     (i  A) 

The  Company  to  Henry  Ryley  [at  Aleppo],  September  12, 
1653  (Letter  Book^  vol.  i,  p.  227). 

Acknowledge  the  receipt  of  his  letters  of  the  and  February, 
received  the  i6th  May,  and  of  the  27th  May,  received  the  8th 
August,  with  the  advices  from  Persia,  and  thank  him  for  his  con- 
tinued care.  They  request  him  to  forward  the  packet  enclosed  by 
sotne  trusty  messenger  to  the  factors  at  Basra  and  Ispahan,  or  in 
their  absence  to  Padre  Ignatius,  to  be  sent  on  to  Gombroon,  and  to 
entreat  that  great  care  be  taken  in  this  that  the  letters  may  not  be 
intercepted  by  the  Dutch,  who  will  *  lay  out  for  them '.     (|  /.) 

S  1 


a6o  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

The  Companv  to  Thomas  Dethick,  Richard  Browne 
AND  Company  [at  Leghorn],  September  la,  1653  {Letter  Book^ 
vol.  1,  p.  227). 

Acknowledge  their  letter  of  the  25th  July,  which  arrived  the 
8th  August,  with  the  packet  from  the  factors  in  India.  Thank  them 
for  sending  on  letters  to  and  from  Aleppo.  The  news  received  from 
India  of  the  taking  of  four  of  the  Company's  ships  by  the  Dutch  is 
*  very  unpleasing ',  yet  they  wait  patiently  in  expectation  of  restitu- 
tion before  long.  They  forward  a  packet  for  Consul  Ryley  contain- 
ing advices  for  India,  and  beg  that  it  may  be  sent  on  by  the  first 
safe  conveyance.     (^  /.) 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  September  12, 1653 
(Public  Record  Office :  S.  P.  Dom. :  Interregnum,  I.  70,  pp.  '^^'>r?>^^)' 

.  .  .  The  Admiralty  Committee  ...  to  inquire  whether  the  yard 
and  dock  belonging  to  the  East  India  Company  be  fit  for  the  use  of 
the  navy,  and  if  so,  to  treat  concerning  its  value,  and  report.  .  .  . 

Proceedings  OF  the  Council  of  State,  September  13, 1653 
(Public  Record  Office :  5.  P,  Dom. :  Interregnum^  1. 70,  pp.  367-370). 

.  .  .  The  Admiralty  Committee  to  contract  with  the  East  India 
Company  for  as  much  of  their  saltpetre  as  is  necessary  for  the 
service.  .  .  . 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
September  14,  1653  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  240). 

A  letter  is  read  from  James  Cocks  desiring  the  Company  to  let  him 
have  50/.  for  three  months,  either  on  account  of  his  estate  in  their 
hands  or  by  way  of  a  loan ;  the  Court,  remembering  his  often 
repeated  promise  not  to  ask  for  any  more  until  his  accounts  are 
perfected,  instructs  Mr.  Bagwell,  who  presented  the  letter,  to  tell 
Cocks  that  no  more  money  will  be  given  to  him  until  he  has  made  up 
his  accounts.  Thomas  Bretton,  one  of  the  administrators  of  the  late 
Francis  Bretton,  formerly  President  at  Surat,  desiring  an  account  of 
the  latter's  estate,  he  is  told  that  when  satisfaction  is  made  for 
freight  of  the  goods  Francis  Bretton  caused  to  be  carried  from  port 
to  port  in  the  Company's  ships,  for  the  customs  at  Gombroon,  and 
for  breach  of  his  bond,  an  account  of  his  estate  shall  be  given,  but 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  a6i 

not  before.  The  Governor,  the  Deputy,  the  Treasurer,  Messrs. 
Andrews,  Burnell,  Meggs,  and  Wylde  are  appointed  Committees  for 
the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and  desired  to  meet  an  equal  number  of 
Committees  appointed  for  the  United  Joint  Stock  and  to  adjust  the 
accounts  between  the  said  Stocks,     (i^//.) 

The  Company  to  John  Holworthy  at  Marseilles,  Sep- 
tember 15,  1653  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  ^38). 

Forward  advices  for  India  under  cover  to  Consul  Ryley  and 
request  that  they  may  be  sent  on  by  the  first  safe  conveyance. 
Thank  him  for  this  and  former  services  and  promise  to  reimburse 
all  charges  when  he  pleases  and  to  requite  him  for  his  favours.  (-1  p.) 

The  Company  to  Signor  Paolo  del  Sera  and  Company 
[at  Venice],  September  16,  1653  (Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  1%^). 

Forward  a  packet  of  letters  directed  to  Consul  Ryley  at  Aleppo 
containing  advices  to  India,  which  they  beg  may  be  sent  on  by 
some  speedy  and  safe  conveyance.  Promise  to  reimburse  all  charges 
and  to  make  use  of  them  in  '  a  more  benificiall  employment '  if 
opportunity  shall  present.     (J/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  September  16,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  273). 

Allowance  is  made  to  Messrs.  Utbar,  Langham  and  Mann  for 
damaged  silk.  John  Day  is  released  from  his  bargain  for  calicoes. 
At  the  request  of  John  Leigh,  a  factor  at  Fort  St.  George,  the 
Court  consents  to  allow  his  wife  two-thirds  of  his  salary  yearly. 
Messrs.  Davies  and  Carter,  who  by  order  of  the  late  Committee  of  the 
Ordnance  received  saltpetre  from  the  Company  to  make  into  powder, 
now  complain  that  the  same  is  *  gruff  peeter'  and  demand  some  allow- 
ance on  it ;  they  are  referred  to  certain  Committees,  who  are  directed 
to  act  as  they  see  fit  in  the  matter.  In  view  of  the  approach 
of  the  winter  season,  a  letter  is  ordered  to  be  written  to  Mr.  Madock 
and  another  to  Captain  Brookhaven  to  desire  them  to  send  the 
silk  from  aboard  the  Love  by  land  to  London.  Upon  Mr.  Thomson's 
report  of  what  passed  concerning  the  price  of  the  saltpetre  returned 
in  the  Smyrna  Merchant  between  Major-General  Deborow^  and 
Mr.  Moyer  on  behalf  of  the  State,  and  himself  and  other  Com- 

1  The  well-known  John  Desborough,  brother-in-law  of  Cromwell, 


262  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

mittees  on  behalf  of  the  Company,  the  Court  entreats  those  who  are 
to  go  tomorrow  to  Whitehall  to  see  that  the  saltpetre  is  sold  to  the 
State  at  4/.  i8j.  per  cwt.  at  two  six  months,  payment  to  be  made 
from  the  customs.  Robert  Turbridge  transfers  to  Robert  Black- 
borne  200I.  adventure  and  profits  in  the  United  Joint  Stock. 
Order  is  given  for  the  freight  of  the  Smyrna  Merchant  to  be  made 
up,  and  certain  Committees  are  requested  to  remit  to  the  officers 
and  men  in  that  ship  what  they  see  fit  of  the  fine  imposed  for  private 
trade  returned  in  her.     (2  />/.) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  September  16,  1653  {Court 
Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  280). 

Sale  of  indigo  shirts  and  skins,  nutmegs,  and  nutmeg  skins,  dust 
and  scummings  of  pepper,  Jambi  and  Malabar  pepper,  Sarkhej 
indigo,  calicoes,  packing  wool,  '  narrow  Suratts ',  Guinea  stuffs, 
broad  and  narrow  tapseils,  nicanees,  dimities,  salampores,  *  sannoes 
Adatay  *,  white  ginghams,  morees,  and  fine  longcloth,  with  prices 
and  names  of  purchasers.     (2\  pp^  ^ , 

A  Court  of  Committees,  September  21, 1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  275). 

The  wife  of  John  Leigh  to  be  allowed  30/.  per  annum  from  her 
husband's  salary  from  the  time  she  received  her  last  allowance. 
Lahore  indigo  sold  to  Messrs.  Dycer  and  Foster  at  6s.  ^d.  per  lb. 
at  three  six  months  from  Michaelmas.  The  account  of  the  freight 
of  the  Smyrna  Merchant  to  be  examined  and  reported  on  by 
certain  of  the  Committees ;  also  the  charterparty  of  the  Roebuck, 
with  the  certificates  received  from  India  and  presented  by  her 
owners,  and  the  freight  demanded  by  them.  Alderman  Riccard 
reports  that  the  Committee  of  the  Ordnance  offers  4/.  15^.  per  cwt. 
for  the  saltpetre  returned  in  the  Smyrna  Merchant ;  hereupon  the 
Court,  being  desirous  to  meet  the  State,  gives  direction  for  the  salt- 
petre to  be  offered  at  4/.  17J.  Resolved  that  a  division  of  \os.  per 
cent,  in  money  shall  be  made  to  every  adventurer  in  this  United 
Stock  at  '  AUholand  tyde  next '.  Mr.  Bathurst  offers  to  buy  the 
Lahore  indigo  at  ^s,  per  lb.,  and  another  offer  is  made  for  it  at 
5J.  6d,  per  lb. ;  but  both  are  refused,  as  the  indigo  has  not  yet  been 
put  to  the  candle.     (li//.) 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  263 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Accounts,  September  22, 
1653  {Court  Book ^  vol.  xxiii,  p.  312). 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Committees  appointed  to  adjust  accounts 
between  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and  the  United  Joint  Stock  the 
ledger  of  the  latter  Stock,  kept  at  Fort  St.  George  and  ending  the 
last  of  August,  1651,  with  an  account,  is  presented.  Some  dispute 
arises  as  to  whether  the  powder  and  ammunition  (entered  in  the 
ledger  as  general  stores)  belonging  to  the  Fort  were  bought  with 
the  Fort  by  the  agreement  made  in  England  for  6,000/.,  and  it  is 
resolved  that  an  abatement  of  1,310  pagodas,  3  fanams,  and  3  cash 
shall  be  made  from  the  total,  which  is  23,237  pagodas,  being  the 
account  of  all  general  stores,  except  some  boards,  etc.  which  it  is 
not  thought  fit  to  abate.  An  account  is  also  presented  with  the 
books  from  Bantam,  in  which  the  United  Joint  Stock  is  charged  with 
6,868  rials,  amounting  to  1,888/.  14^.,  out  of  which  Mr.  Thomson 
declares  allowance  must  be  made  for  the  ships  '  not  reigning  ^  when 
the  United  Stocke  comenced  in  India '.  Hereupon  the  letters  and 
books  are  examined  and  it  is  found  that  the  Michael,  Advice  and 
Seaflower  were  not  accepted  by  the  United  Stock ;  therefore  it  is 
resolved  that  repayment  shall  be  made  for  them,  according  to  the 
agreement  in  England,  and  a  warrant  is  ordered  to  be  made  out  for 
1,888/.  i4.y.  due  to  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  and  one  for  426/.  I'js.  6d. 
to  the  United  Joint  Stock  in  payment  for  the  said  three  ships.  The 
Surat  accounts  are  presented,  but  it  being  late  the  Committees 
adjourn,     (^p-) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  September  23,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  ciyy). 

A  bill  of  exchange  signed  by  the  President  and  Council  of  Fort 
St.  George  and  drawn  upon  the  adventurers  in  the  United  Joint 
Stock  for  payment  of  60/.  10s.  at  sight  to  Captain  Brookhaven,  is 
ordered  to  be  met.  Alderman  Chambers  desiring  that  some 
satisfaction  may  be  given  for  the  services  of  his  son,  John,  he  is 
told  that  this  matter  must  be  settled  by  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock. 
An  account  presented  of  the  estate  of  the  late  Isaiah  Joyce,  who 
died  in  India,  is  ordered  to  be  paid  if  approved  by  Messrs.  Andrews 
and  Wyche.     Anthony  Penniston  requests  the  bond  for  1,000  marks 

1  In  existence.     The  term  is  now  obsolete. 


264  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

entered  into  by  his  late  brother,  Thomas,  on  being  entertained  by 
the  Company,  also  another  bond  for  2,000/.  entered  into  *  to  performe 
the  award  with  the  Company ',  in  regard  the  said  award  has  been 
fulfilled  and  the  executors  have  allowed  the  1,000/.  allotted  by  the 
arbitrators  to  the  Company ;  the  Court  consents  to  the  firstnamed 
bond  being  given  up,  but  not  the  other  until  everything  in  this 
matter  is  settled ;  a  copy  of  the  account  of  the  deceased  is  also 
ordered  to  be  given  to  the^  executors.  Fabian  Hopkins,  a  sick 
almsman,  is  given  20.r.  from  the  poor-box.  Henry  Dacres  presents 
a  bill  of  exchange  drawn  upon  the  United  Joint  Stock  by  their 
Agent  at  Bantam,  for  payment  of  831/.  iSs.  id,  at  two  months 
sight ;  hereupon  Dacres'  account  is  read  and  the  Court,  not  believing 
that  the  sum  of  2,300  rials,  therein  stated  to  have  been  paid  to  the 
Queen  of  Jambi  for  custom  for  pepper,  has  really  been  paid, 
suggests  that  this  matter  together  with  several  delinquencies  attri- 
buted to  Dacres  be  submitted  to  arbitration  ;  the  latter  agreeing, 
four  arbitrators  are  chosen  and  Dacres  promises  to  enter  into  a  bond 
of  1,000/.  to  abide  by  their  decision.  The  proposal  of  the  arbitrators 
acting  for  the  Company  and  the  executors  of  the  late  Thomas 
Penniston  that  50/.  out  of  the  fine  imposed  by  them  on  his  estate 
should  be  given  towards  building  the  chapel  at  Blackwall,  the 
United  Joint  Stock  to  allow  one-fourth  of  this  sum  and  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock  the  remainder,  is  referred  to  the  decision  of  the  court 
to  be  summoned  next  Wednesday  for  that  Stock.  The  following 
transfers  of  adventures  in  the  United  Joint  Stock  with  all  profits 
are  approved  and  ordered  to  be  entered :  John  Kendrick  transfers 
to  John  Dethick  1,000/.,  Joseph  Prickman  transfers  to  Gifford 
Bayle  300/.,  Gualter  Frost  transfers  to  Abraham  Babbington  500/., 
William  Wildy  transfers  to  Abraham  Babbington  600/.,  Abraham 
Babbington  transfers  to  William  Pennoyer  600/.  and  to  Richard 
Hill  2,000/.     (2  //.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
September  28,  1653  (Cour^  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  241). 

James  Cocks  renews  his  request  for  50/.  but  is  again  refused ;  to 
his  demand  for  allowance  for  pepper  and  calicoes  put  to  his  account 
and,  according  to  his  assertion,  never  delivered,  it  is  answered  that 
the  warehouse  books  can  prove  that  the  said  goods  were  delivered 


EAST    INDIA   COMPANY  265 

and  by  Cocks's  order ;  and  as  regards  his  further  demand  for  his 
account  which  he  left  with  Sambrooke,  the  Court  orders  a  copy  of 
the  same  to  be  given  to  him.  Alderman  Chambers  and  his  son 
John  come  into  court,  and  the  former  desires  that  the  seven  years' 
good  service  of  his  son  may  be  considered ;  after  reading  all  former 
orders  concerning  this  matter  the  Court,  wishing  to  show  their 
appreciation  of  the  many  friendly  acts  performed  by  the  Alderman 
when  he  was  at  the  Customhouse,  agrees  that  he  shall  only  pay  10/. 
for  his  son's  passage  and  that  all  he  has  disbursed  for  his  diet,  etc. 
shall  be  refunded  to  him.  Mr.  Thomson,  one  of  the  arbitrators 
appointed  to  settle  the  difference  between  the  Company  and  the 
executors  of  the  late  Thomas  Penniston,  relates  how  the  said  arbi- 
trators imposed  a  fine  of  1,000/.  upon  Penniston's  estate,  three- 
fourths  of  which  (as  of  all  other  fines  in  the  like  case)  belong  to  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stock,  the  remaining  one-fourth  to  the  United  Joint 
Stock ;  that  when  the  said  fine  was  imposed  the  arbitrators,  at 
Thomson's  request,  agreed  that  their  three-fourths  of  50/.  out  of  this 
should  go  towards  building  the  church  at  Poplar;  and  this  their 
resolution,  at  Thomson's  desire,  the  Court  now  confirms.  Sir  John 
Jacob,  Sir  Job  Harby,  and  Sir  Nicholas  Crispe  state  that  at  last 
they  have  obtained  the  consent  of  Parliament  for  sale  of  forests, 
lands,  and  chases  for  payment  of  the  late  King's  debts  for  which 
they  stand  engaged  ^ ;  and  so  there  is  no  doubt  now  but  that  the 
Company  and  all  other  creditors  will  be  paid,  with  interest  to 
June  24,  1645  ;  but  in  order  to  obtain  this  payment  their  debts 
must  be  doubled,  when  each  creditor  shall  receive  land  equal  in 
value  to  the  amount  owing  to  him.  At  the  request  of  Sir  John 
Jacob  and  his  colleagues,  seven  Committees  are  nominated,  and 
they,  or  any  four  of  them,  desired  to  meet  the  Farmers  to-morrow 
afternoon  and  go  with  them  to  Westminster  to  attend  the  Com- 
mittee of  Parliament  about  drawing  up  the  Act  for  this  purpose ; 
and  also  to  confer  with  the  Farmers  from  time  to  time  until  the 
whole  business  shall  be  settled,     (^i  //.) 

^  A  petition  from  the  late  Farmers  was  read  in  the  House  on  September  20  and 
referred  to  a  Committee,  which  reported  on  the  23rd  in  favour  of  their  proposals.  These 
were  that  their  claim  of  276,146/.  should  be  recognized;  that  they  and  their  creditors 
should  pay  in  an  equal  amount  in  cash  ;  and  that  then  the  amount  thus  doubled  should 
be  discharged  from  the  proceeds  of  the  crown  lands  {Commons'  Journals,  vol.  vii, 
PP-  321,  323)-   . 


266  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees,  September  30,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  283). 

One-fourth  part  of  the  50/.  which  is  to  be  deducted  from  the  fine 
of  1,000/.  imposed  upon  the  estate  of  the  late  Thomas  Penniston, 
and  to  be  put  towards  building  the  chapel  at  Blackwall,  is  ordered 
to  be  paid  by  the  United  Joint  Stock.  John  Chambers  is  given 
40/.  in  satisfaction  of  his  services  for  the  United  Joint  Stock  and  in 
consideration  of  former  offices  of  courtesy  performed  by  his  father. 
Calicoes  to  be  delivered  to  Henry  Hampson.  Capjtain  Ryder  report- 
ing that  the  Eagle  is  discharged  from  the  State's  service,  the  Court 
desires  him  to  prepare  and  fit  her  for  India  by  the  ist  of  November 
next,  and  orders,  at  the  request  of  the  captain,  that  a  petition  be 
drawn  up  and  presented  to  the  Council  of  State  for  a  warrant  to 
prevent  the  workmen  to  be  employed  in  the  said  ship  from  being 
pressed,  and  to  give  liberty  to  80  seamen  and  30  landmen  to  sail 
her  to  India  and  back.  Alderman  Merry  desires  that  his  account 
may  be  made  up  and  that  he  may  receive  what  is  his  due.  He 
also  presents  a  paper  containing  other  demands;  these  are  read 
and  he  is  told  that  the  Company  also  has  some  demands  to  make 
of  him ;  finally  it  is  agreed  to  refer  his  affairs  to  arbitration  and 
four  Committees  are  appointed,  two  to  act  for  the  Company  and 
two  for  Merry,  and  the  latter  is  promised  that  he  shall  have  notice 
of  the  allegations  made  against  him  after  the  meeting  of  the  arbi- 
trators. 'Sannoes  Addatoy*  sold  to  Thomas  Trotter.  Order  is 
given  for  letters  to  be  written  to  Captain  Brookhaven  and  Captain 
Newport  at  Plymouth  to  desire  them  to  bring  their  ships,  the  Love 
and  the  East  India  Merchant^  into  the  Thames  and  to  take  the  first 
opportunity  to  come  from  thence,  '  noe  enimy  appearing ',  to  the 
Isle  of  Wight  and  remain  there  until  further  notice ;  but  if  they 
shall  meet  with  the  convoy,  then  to  come  directly  to  the  Downs. 
(2 /A) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Accounts,  September  30, 
^^5'i  (Court  Booky  vol.  xxiii,  p.  313). 

It  is  agreed  to  suspend  the  Surat  accounts  until  they  are  perfected 
next  year,  for  by  the  books  there  appears  due  to  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock  not  less  than  30,000/.,  yet  Captain  Blackman  writes  in  a  gen- 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  267 

eral  letter  that  on  paying  the  bill  of  exchange  for  15,000/.  there  will 
be  enough  to  clear  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  in  the  country.  Therefore 
it  is  resolved  to  forbear  payment  of  this  account  till  next  year,  on 
condition  that  if  the  United  Stock  owes  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
more  than  the  20,000/.  already  received,  interest  shall  be  allowed 
for  the  same  from  December  22, 1652,  and  if  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
shall  receive  too  much,  this  shall  be  repaid  with  interest  from  the 
time  of  its  receipt  at  the  rate  of  five  per  cent,  per  annum.  It  is 
also  agreed  that  if  the  books  returned  in  the  Love  do  not  contradict 
the  accounts  already  received,  then  the  total  shall  be  paid.  Mean- 
while any  of  the  Committees  are  at  liberty  to  examine  the  accounts 
for  their  further  satisfaction.     {\  p.) 

Petition  of  the  East  India  Company  to  the  Council  of 
State,  October  3,  1653  {Public  Record  Office :  CO.  "]"],  vol.  vii, 
no.  64). 

The  Eagle  having  served  the  State  for  six  months  in  the  last 
expedition  against  the  Dutch,  and  sustained  great  loss  and  damage 
to  her  cables,  anchors,  masts  and  rigging,  and  being  now  discharged 
from  that  employment,  the  Company  has  resolved  to  repair  and 
send  her  to  the  East  Indies  with  eighty  seamen  and  twenty  land- 
men to  procure  saltpetre  for  the  State,  and  to  bring  home  the 
Company's  estate,  factors  and  servants,  who  otherwise  may  find 
themselves  in  a  very  sad  condition  by  reason  of  '  our  powerfuU 
insulting  enimy  there'.  They  pray  therefore  for  a  warrant  to 
exempt  from  pressing  the  men  to  be  employed  in  repair  of  the  said 
ship  and  those  entertained  for  the  voyage,  which  it  is  conceived  will 
conduce  to  the  service  of  the  State.  Signed^  William  Cokayne, 
Governor,     (i  />.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  October  7,  1653  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  285). 

A  bill  of  exchange  from  Mr.  Madocke  for  260/.  odd  is  ordered 
to  be  paid  to  the  Commissioners  of  Customs,  for  silk  landed  at 
Plymouth.  Mr.  Ashurst  demands  an  allowance  of  20 j.  per  cwt.  for 
sugar  he  bought  and  alleges  to  be  damaged ;  he  is  offered  loj.  per 
cwt.  but  refuses  to  take  it.  A  letter  is  ordered  to  be  written  to  the 
commanders  of  the  Company's  ships  at  Plymouth,  requiring  them 


a68  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

to  sail  from  thence  with  the  convoy  which  is  expected  from  the 
westward,  but  if  the  said  convoy  does  not  arrive  and  there  is  a  fair 
wind  and  *  noe  news  of  any  enimy ',  then  to  come  to  the  Isle  of 
Wight  and  there  await  further  orders,     (i  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  October  14,  1653  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  286). 

Alderman  Riccard  reports  a  contract  made  with  the  Committee 
of  the  Ordnance  for  the  saltpetre  returned  in  the  Smyrna 
Mef chant,  at  4/.  17^.  per  cwt.  at  six  and  six  months  from  June  next. 
Mr.  Edwards  desiring  to  be  paid  the  money  he  lent  to  the  late 
Samuel  Calcott,  he  is  promised  that  speedy  steps  shall  be  taken  for 
its  recovery.  John  Langly  applies  on  behalf  of  himself  and  the  rest 
of  the  owners  of  the  Smyrna  Merchant  for  payment  of  the  re- 
mainder of  her  freight,  and  Captain  Hurleston  presents  a  paper 
containing  some  demands  ;  they  are  both  referred  to  the  Committee 
appointed  to  settle  concerning  the  freight  etc.  of  the  said  ship.  In 
accordance  with  a  warrant  received  from  the  Committee  of  the 
Ordnance,  order  is  given  for  saltpetre  to  be  delivered  to  Messrs. 
Dewey,  Molins  and  Judd,  powdermakers.  Mr.  Ashurst  accepts  the 
loj.  per  cwt.  formerly  offered  to  him  in  allowance  for  damaged 
sugar,  on  being  granted  a  further  allowance  for  tare.  Consul  Riley 
to  be  paid  90/.  15J.,  disbursed  at  Aleppo  for  conveyance  of  the 
Company's  letters  to  and  from  their  factors  in  India,  and  to  be  given 
a  gratuity  of  20/.  for  his  care  in  so  doing.  On  reading  a  letter  from 
the  Coast,  in  which  the  President  complains  that  he  cannot  get  the 
factors'  accounts  from  the  Bay,  the  Court  questions  James  Bridge- 
man,  who  lately  returned  from  thence.  He  asserts  that  before 
leaving  he  gave  in  his  account,  of  which  he  has  a  copy  but  it  is  with 
his  other  papers  in  the  Love ;  he  promises  to  show  this  and  also  to 
give  what  information  shall  be  required  concerning  his  building 
a  ship  in  the  Bay  and  sending  her  to  Surat.  Mr.  Lewis  applying 
for  his  account,  he  is  promised  that  it  shall  be  examined  and 
perfected  ;  and  certain  Committees  are  hereupon  desired  to  examine 
the  accounts  of  all  factors  lately  returned  from  India.  A  letter  to 
be  written  to  the  commanders  of  the  Company's  ships  at  Plymouth 
to  desire  them  to  await  the  order  of  the  State  and  come  with  the 
convoy  appointed.     (2J//.) 


EAST   INDIA  •  COMPANY  269 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
October  19,  1653  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  344). 

Mr.  Bagwell  presents  the  account'of  James  Cocks  and  again  requests 
a  loan  of  50/.  for  him ;  this  is  refused,  and  certain  Committees  are 
entreated  to  examine  the  account  and  settle  this  business,  or  report 
their  opinions.  Acton  reports  a  trial  between  the  Commissioners  of 
Bankruptcy  and  the  Company  before  the  Commissioners  of  the 
Great  Seal  about  the  gold  and  guns  belonging  to  Mr.  Courteen  ;  the 
Commissioners  '  doe  censure  very  faire  for  the  Company '  and  think 
that  no  more  than  the  value  of  the  gold  and  guns  should  be  paid ; 
this  the  Company  has  always  been  ready  to  give  on  receipt  of  a  safe 
discharge,  though  Courteen's  creditors  demand  the  produce  or 
interest  of  the  gold  or  its  value  in  money  in  those  parts  where 
it  was  delivered.  The  Committees  think  it  better  to  refer  the 
matter  to  the  Commissioners  of  the  Great  Seal  than  to  treat  with 
the  Court  of  Bankruptcy  on  such  conditions.  Mr.  Andrews  reports 
that  the  Committees  appointed  have  met  the  Farmers  several  times, 
but  the  latter  still  put  them  off  with  speech  of  an  Act,  which  if  long 
delayed  one  of  their  estates  will  soon  be  out  of  the  Company's 
reach.  The  Committees  still  hold  the  Farmers  to  their  agreement 
of  '  a  noble  in  the  pound  and  the  remainder  in  land  ',  which  they 
pretend  if  they  consent  to  will  hinder  them  from  performing 
anything  by  doubling  so  much  for  themselves.  The  power  given 
to  the  appointed  Committees  to  act  herein  as  they  think  best  is 
again  confirmed,  and  they  are  desired  to  meet  the  Farmers  again. 
Dr.  Pullyn,  executor  to  Thomas  Cooke,  claims  what  is  due  to 
the  latter  ;  and  on  his  agreeing  to  submit  to  whatever  fine  shall  be 
imposed  on  the  estate  for  private  trade,  certain  Committees  are 
desired  to  examine  into  the  matter  and  settle  with  Pullyn.     (2  pp.)  \ 

The  Company  to  Henry  Ryley  [at  Aleppo],  October  20, 
1653  {Letter  Book^  vol.  i,  p.  229). 

In  their  last  of  the  12th  September  they  sent  packets  for  India 
by  way  of  Leghorn,  Marseilles,  and  Venice  ;  since  then  they  have 
received  (on  the  21st  September)  his  letter  of  the  25th  May  sent  on 
by  Mr.  Holworthy  from  Marseilles,  with  another  of  the  4th  August, 
which  arrived  the  loth  instant,  and  with  these  several  letters  from 


27©  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

their  factors  in  the  Indies.  They  have  received  his  account  for 
transmission  of  letters  amounting  to  90/.  15^.  and,  according  to  his 
desire,  have  ordered  the  same  to  be  paid  to  Mr.  William  Williams, 
with  an  additional  20/.  as  a  gratuity  for  his  trouble  and  care.    (^  /.) 

The  Company  to  Edward  and  Stephen  Wright  and 
Roger  Howe  [at  Genoa],  October  20,  1653  {Letter  Book,  \o\.  i, 
p.  229). 

Acknowledge  the  receipt  of  their  letters  of  the  24th  September 
and  8th  October,  containing  answers  to  the  exceptions  made  to 
their  account  current.  Beg  them  to  press  Mr.  Cape  to  'a  con- 
clusion '.  With  regard  to  Damigho,  they  observe  that  the  Secretary 
of  State  has  promised  to  make  his  reference  to  the  Senate  within 
ten  days  at  the  furthest ;  if  he  keeps  his  word  and  an  end  is  put  to 
this  long  protracted  business  the  Company  will  be  glad.  Thank 
them  for  the  prices  given  of  several  commodities.     (J  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  October  21,  1653  (Cozirt  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  288). 

Mary  Bence  transfers  to  Maurice  Thomson  500/.  adventure  and 
profits  in  the  United  Joint  Stock.  Calicoes  sold  to  Peter  Delavere. 
Mr.  Davidge  agreeing  to  give  his  bond  of  2,000/.  penalty  to  submit 
to  whatever  fine  shall  be  imposed  upon  him  for  all  delinquencies, 
he  nominates  two  Committees  and  the  Court  two,  and  these  four 
are  desired  to  settle  his  business  by  the  end  of  November.  Mr.  Lewis 
being  told  that  the  Court's  usual  method  of  settling  with  their 
factors  is  for  the  factor  whose  affairs  are  in  question  to  choose  two 
Committees  and  the  Court  to  choose  two  and  both  sides  to  agree 
to  submit  to  what  these  four  shall  decide,  he  requests  time  for 
consideration.  Colonel  Beale  desiring  on  behalf  of  the  State  to 
hire  part  of  Blackwall  Yard,  he  is  referred  to  the  Committees 
appointed  to  deal  with  this  matter.  Three  Committees  are 
appointed  by  the  Company  and  three  by  the  owners  of  the  Smyrna 
Merchant  to  settle  concerning  the  freight  etc.  of  the  said  vessel, 
and  Mr.  Moyer  is  desired  to  act  as  *  umpire '.  On  the  recommenda- 
tion of  Mr.  Berrisford,  Mary  Thorne,  who  has  lost  two  husbands  in 
the  Company's  service,  is  admitted  to  the  Company's  almshouse ; 
but  order  is  given  that  her  admittance  '  shalbe  noe  president  for 
women  for  the  future '.     (2 J  pp) 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  27] 

Captain  Henry  Hatsell  at  Plymouth  to  the  Admiralty 
Committee,  October  i^i,  1653  {Public  Record  Office :  S.  P.  Dom. : 
Interregnwn^  vol.  Ix,  no.  63). 

Has  stayed  all  ships  bound  eastward  until  further  order.  Here  are 
(besides  the  East  India  ships)  several  vessels  of  great  value  brought 
from  St.  Malo  by  Captain  Sparling,  and  many  others  bound  east 
with  the  first  convoy  and  wind.  ... 

Captain  Henry  Hatsell  at  Plymouth  to  the  Generals 
AT  SEA,  October  24,  1653  {Public  Record  Office:  S.P.  Dom.: 
Interregmim,  vol.  Ix,  no.  83). 

...  A  ship  of  London  lately  arrived  saw  four  great  Dutch  ships 
at  the  mouth  of  the  Channel  who  chased  him,  and  are  supposed  to 
be  those  from  Rochelle.  The  Providence  is  taking  in  fourteen  days' 
provisions,  being  appointed  one  of  the  convoys  for  the  East  India 
and  other  ships  bound  eastward.  ... 

A  Court  of  Committees,  October  36,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  391). 

Thomas  Andrews  buys  300  bags  of  Malabar  pepper  at  ig\d.  per 
lb.  at  three  six  months  from  the  ist  of  December.  A  certificate  is 
read  from  Mr.  Berrisford,  showing  that  1,005  ^t).  of  unrefined  Raja- 
pur  saltpetre  produces  only  444  lb.  when  refined  ;  hereupon  Tom- 
blings  is  ordered  to  make  up  the  account  between  the  State  and  the 
Company  for  the  last  year's  parcel.  Twenty-one  tons  of  saltpetre 
to  be  delivered  to  John  Semaine  and  John  Freeman,  in  accordance 
with  an  order  from  the  Committee  of  the  Ordnance.  Robert 
Dycer  and  Isaac  Foster  are  accepted  as  security  for  indigo.  Mr. 
Lewis  agreeing  to  submit  his  affairs  to  arbitration,  four  Committees 
are  chosen  ;  but  he  wishing  to  be  cleared  in  a  month  and  being  told 
that  nothing  can  be  done  until  further  advice  is  received  from  Persia, 
he  leaves  without  concluding  anything.  Acton  is  directed  to  pro- 
secute Mr.  Toomes  and  Sir  John  Merrick.  Mr.  Davidge  intimates 
his  fear  that  if  he  seals  a  bond  with  the  United  Stock  he  has  no 
assurance  from  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  that  when  the  said  bond  is 
cancelled  he  shall  be  cleared  from  both  Stocks ;  he  is  assured  that 
he  is  bound   to   the  East   India   Company,  which   includes   both 


272  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF   THE 

Stocks ;  he  then  desires  the  bond  he  gave  on  going  out  not  to  in- 
dulge in  private  trade,  but  this  is  refused  until  his  affairs  are  settled. 
A  Court  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  is  ordered  to  be  held  the  first 
Wednesday  in  every  month.     (i|  pp.) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  October  26, 1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  293). 

Sale  of  pintado  quilts,  derebauds,  merculees,  *  Sinda  nassapores  ^ ', 
Guinea  stuffs,  dimities,  longcloth,  morees,  silk,  sugar,  dust  of  Lahore 
indigo,  Malabar  pepper,  and  light  pepper,  with  ^prices  and  names 
of  purchasers.     {^\  pp») 

Captain  Henry  Hatsell  at  Plymouth  to  Robert  Black- 
borne,  October  28, 1653  (Public  Record  Office:  5.  P,  Dom, :  Inter- 
regnum^ vol.  Ix,  no.  IT 6). 

The  East  India  ships  and  others  set  sail  this  day  towards  the 
East,  in  number  upwards  of  forty.  A  great  Dutch  fly  boat  taken  by 
the  Pearl,  and  a  small  pink  laden  with  lemons  taken  by  the  Ruby, 
have  come  in.  There  are  several  Brest  and  other  men-of-war  to- 
wards the  Land's  End  and  mouth  of  the  Channel ;  hopes  our  ships 
have  cleared  them.  ... 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
November  2,  1653  [Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  246). 

Messrs.  Burnell,  Keate,  and  Bateman  are  desired  to  be  present  on 
Saturday  morning  at  eight  o'clock  to  hear  the  trial  between  the 
Company  and  Mr.  Courteen  about  gold  belonging  to  the  latter. 
Dr.  PuUine  renewing  his  request  for  payment  of  the  late  Thomas 
Cooke's  estate,  he  is  told  that  a  fine  of  40/.  has  been  imposed  on  it 
for  private  trade,  freight  and  custom ;  the  Doctor  submitting  to 
this,  the  Court  orders  the  remainder  of  the  said  estate  to  be  paid 
to  him.     (^  p) 

Valentine  Markham  to  the  East  India  Company, 
November  2,  1653  (Home  Miscellaneous,  vol.  xl,  f.  31). 

Recounting  his  services  as  one  of  their  auditors  during  the  past 
thirty-two  years,  and  praying  for  some  assistance  in  his  present  sad 
condition, 'being  thereunto  enforced  by  God's  visitation  and  sickness '. 

*  Piece-goods  from  Nasarpur,  in  Sind. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  2^73 

A  Court  of  Committees,  November  4,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  395). 

Valentine  Markham,  *  who  lyeth  at  present  very  weake  and  sicke', 
is  given  a  gratuity  of  30/.  Silk  sold  to  Henry  Newton.  All  who 
bought  silk  from  the  Company  are  to  be  allowed  16  lb.  per  bale  for 
tare.  Some  rings  left  by  Christopher  Parrott,  a  factor  who  died  at 
Bantam,  to  be  given  to  his  father,  Abraham  Parrott,  and  at  the 
latter's  request  his  son's  account  is  ordered  to  be  examined  and 
made  up.  The  request  of  Thomas  Fenn  to  be  paid  his  salary 
during  his  return  voyage  is  refused,  but  he  is  promised  payment 
of  all  else  due  to  him.  Damaged  cotton  yarn  bought  by  Mr. 
Tutchin  to  be  examined  and  allowance  to  be  made  for  it,  both  for 
damage  and  for  tare.  Messrs.  Steeventon,  Diewy,  Semaine,  Davies^ 
and  Carter,  powdermakers,  request  that  the  refraction  and  charge 
for  refining  the  Rajapur  saltpetre  may  be  settled ;  they  are  shown 
Mr.  Berrisford's  report,  but  are  unwilling  to  agree  to  it,  as  he  only 
charges  two  per  cent,  for  refining  and  they  demand  five  per  cent^ 
Order  is  given  for  so  much  saltpetre  to  be  delivered  to  the  powder- 
makers  as  will  complete  the  first  contract  for  300  tons  made  with 
the  State,     (ij  pp.) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  November  ii,  1653  {Couri  Book,  vol.  xxiii, 
p.  297). 

Mr.  Cokayne  announces  that  he  received  a  paper  from  several 
adventurers  in  this  Stock,  desiring  that  a  general  court  might  be; 
summoned  and  that  until  then  no  more  money  should  be  paid  to 
the  owners  of  the  Smyrna  Merchant^  which  is  the  cause  of  this 
meeting.  Alderman  Chiverton  declares  he  has  been  given  to  under- 
stand that  there  has  been  some  indirect  dealing  about  the  Smyrna, 
Merchant  in  the  breach  of  her  charterparty ;  at  his  desire  this  is 
read  and  Alderman  Sleigh  asks  if  the  covenants  inserted  in  it  have 
been  performed.  He  is  told  that  they  have  not  been  performed, 
and  therefore,  after  many  debates  and  to  avoid  going  to  law,  certain 
of  the  Committees  were  appointed,  some  to  act  for  the  Company 
and  some  for  the  owners  of  the  Smyrna  Merchant,  to  settle  the 
differences  between  the  Company  and  the  owners  of  the  said  ship, 


a74  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

and  Mr.  Moyer  was  desired  to  act  as  umpire  in  the  event  of  their 
not  agreeing.  These  Committees  met  two  or  three  times,  and  those 
chosen  by  the  Company  drew  up  a  charge  showing  where,  in  their 
opinion,  the  charterparty  had  been  violated ;  but  the  Committees 
chosen  by  the  owners  of  the  ship  not  agreeing  to  it,  Mr.  Moyer  was 
applied  to,  and  his  'umpirage'  he  now  delivers  in  writing,  signed 
and  sealed,  to  the  Court.  Hereupon  Moyer  is  asked  by  Sleigh  if 
this  writing  was  drawn  up,  signed  and  sealed  before  he  knew  that 
a  general  court  was  to  be  called,  but  this  Moyer  refuses  to  answer. 
The  charge  drawn  up  by  the  Committees  is  read,  and  after  some 
dispute  it  is  resolved  to  defer  questioning  Captain  Hurleston,  who 
was  commander  in  the  Smyrna  Merchant,  until  the  next  court ;  it 
is  also  resolved  that  Mr.  Moyer's  paper  shall  not  be  read  yet,  and 
so  he  takes  it  back.  One  of  the  generality  then  declares  it  is  reported 
that  some  of  the  Committees  are  concerned  in  the  private  trade 
which  is  of  so  much  prejudice  to  the  Company ;  many,  disliking 
this  aspersion  and  knowing  their  own  innocence,  desire  to  clear 
themselves  by  oath  and  that  the  names  of  those  suspected  should  be 
made  known ;  but  as  the  name  of  the  late  Mr.  Methwold  is  the 
only  one  mentioned  (as  having  private  trade  to  the  value  of  8,000/.), 
this  matter  is  dropped.  Six  more  Committees  are  now  chosen  to 
join  with  those  already  appointed  to  help  investigate  matters  con- 
cerning the  Smyrna  Merchant^  and  when  they  shall  have  done  so 
it  is  resolved  that  another  general  meeting  shall  be  called  and  the 
evidence  of  Captain  Hurleston  taken.  A  motion  is  made  to  divide 
the  pepper,  benzoin,  and  cardamoms,  and  to  pay  off  all  debts  and 
dispeed  no  more  ships  *  untill  there  bee  an  agreement  betweene  us 
and  the  Dutch ' ;  but  in  reply  it  is  urged  that  a  ship  is  already 
freighted  and  her  imprest  money  paid  to  fetch  home  the  Company's 
servants  and  estate  from  India,  by  which  the  Company  will  run  no 
risk.  Resolution  as  to  the  division  of  goods  is  deferred  until  those  in 
the  Love  and  East  India  Merchant  shall  be  warehoused.  Anthony 
and  Robert  Penniston  petition  again  for  payment  of  the  two  bills 
of  exchange,  each  for  5,500/.,  drawn  by  Aaron  Baker  on  this  Stock, 
but  the  Court  refuses  to  pay  them  or  to  alter  the  former  order  made 
concerning  them.     (3J  //.) 


EAST  INDIA   COMPANY  ZJS 

A  Court  of  Committees,  November  i6,  1653  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  301). 

Captain  Ryder  applies  on  behalf  of  the  owners  of  the  Roebuck 
(which  ship  was  taken  lately  in  India  by  the  Dutch),  for  freight  due 
for  her  service;  after  a  large  debate  the  Court  agrees  to  consult 
Dr.  Turner,  and  the  owners  to  consult  Dr.  Walker,  and  these  two 
are  to  be  desired  to  read  the  ship's  charterparty  and  deliver  their 
opinions  in  writing,  and  then  the  owners  agree  to  submit  to  what 
the  Court  shall  please  to  do  in  the  matter.  Order  is  given  for  the 
saltpetre  wanting  to  make  up  the  remainder  of  the  300  tons  of  the 
first  contract  made  with  the  State  to  be  delivered  to  the  powder- 
makers  from  what  came  in  the  Love^  but  before  delivery  the  powder- 
makers  are  to  agree  upon  the  refraction  to  be  made  for  it.  Captain 
Ryder  desiring  to  know  whether  he  shall  proceed  in  preparing  the 
Eagle  for  India,  he  is  requested  to  do  so,  and  certain  Committees 
are  entreated  to  attend  the  Council  of  State  and  endeavour  to  pro- 
cure a  warrant  to  prevent  her  men  from  being  pressed.  Resolution 
as  to  whether  the  other  750/.  formerly  agreed  upon  shall  be  paid  to 
the  owners  of  the  Eagle  towards  her  fitting  is  deferred.  Tare  of  the 
silk  lately  bought  by  Mr.  Newton  to  be  examined.  William  Gost- 
wick,  administrator  to  Thomas  Godfry,  demands  payment  of  1,200/. 
due  to  the  latter's  estate  from  the  Company  ;  but  the  Court,  finding 
that  Thomas  Hanson  is  to  have  a  great  part  of  the  said  estate,  in- 
forms Gostwick  of  Hanson's  debt  and  of  his  promise  to  pay  the  same 
from  the  money  he  hoped  to  receive  from  the  late  Mr.  Godfry's 
estate,  and  adds  that,  when  the  Company  receives  this  promised 
payment,  the  remainder  of  Godfry's  estate  shall  be  given  to  the 
administrator,  but  not  before.     (iJ/A) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  November  18,  1653  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  303). 

The  powdermakers  not  to  be  allowed  above  three  per  cent,  re- 
fraction for  the  saltpetre  out  of  the  Love,  The  second  sum  of  750/. 
formerly  ordered  to  be  advanced  to  the  owners  of  the  Eagle  is  to  be 
paid,  and  any  dispute  arising  in  the  event  of  her  not  going  to  India 
is  to  be  settled  by  arbitration.  The  offer  of  Mr.  Baker,  the  broker, 
to  buy  pepper  is  refused,  this  commodity  not  having  been  put  to 

T  % 


276  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

the  candle.  The  difference  between  the  Company  and  Mr.  Dacres 
to  be  settled  by  Michaelmas,  and  when  the  bond  of  arbitration  is 
sealed,  then  his  bill  of  exchange  is  to  be  accepted,  and  he  is  to  be 
allowed  five  per  cent,  upon  what  is  due  to  him  upon  the  said  bill. 
Abraham  Parrott  to  receive,  as  executor,  what  is  and  hereafter  shall 
appear  to  be  due  to  his  late  son  Christopher.  Captain  Hurleston 
applying  for  payment  of  the  remainder  of  the  freight  of  the  Smyrna 
Merchant,  he  is  told  that  the  matter  has  been  taken  out  of  the 
hands  of  the  Court  of  Committees  and  the  general  court  has  for- 
bidden any  more  money  to  be  paid  on  this  account.  Abraham 
Chamberlaine  complaining  that  the  falling  of  one  of  the  Company's 
chimneys  has  stopped  his  gutter  and  caused  the  water  to  overflow 
into  his  warehouse,  he  is  allowed  15/.  in  satisfaction  for  all  damage. 
He  further  reports  that  a  statute  of  bankruptcy  has  been  issued 
against  Edward  Abbott,  who  has  1,500/.  or  2,000/.  in  the  Company's 
custody,  which  has  been  stopped  for  some  pepper  ;  he  is  referred 
for  this  matter  to  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock,     (ij//.) 

The  Company  to  William  Watson  and  Richard  Bridgman 
[at  Amsterdam],  December  a,  1653  {Letter  Book,wo\.  i,  p.  230). 

Acknowledge  the  receipt  of  various  letters  and  the  enclosure  in  the 
last  of  the  list  of  the  cargoes  of  all  the  ships  the  Dutch  Company 
expects  to  arrive  this  year  from  India.  Thank  them  for  the  list  of 
prices  given  of  several  commodities  and  for  stating  the  time 
appointed  by  the  Dutch  Company  for  sale  of  their  Indian  goods,  in 
which  the  writers  hope  to  precede  rather  than  be  behind  them. 
Desire  to  be  kept  well  informed  of  all  occurrences,  as  occasion  shall 
present.     (\p,) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  December  a,  ■i.6^^\{Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  305). 

The  minutes  of  the  last  general  court  are  read  and  Alderman 
Chiverton  reports  that  he  and  the  rest  of  the  Committees  appointed 
have  met  several  times,  perused  the  charterparty  of  the  Smyrna 
Merchant,  and  drawn  up  and  signed  a  particular  charge  of  the 
breach  of  the  covenants  inserted  therein.  This  charge  is  read,  and 
Alderman  Estwicke  asserts  that  confirmation  has  been  received 
from  several  parts  of  England  of  the  particulars  of  the  said  charge. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  i?77 

One  of  the  generality  then  asks  for  the  captain  of  the  ship  to  be 
called  upon  to  answer  these  particulars,  but  he  not  being  in  the 
house  a  Committee,  who  helped  to  draw  up  the  charge,  declares 
that  the  captain  was  at  one  of  their  meetings  but  would  give  no 
information  about  the  breach  of  the  covenants  and  only  insisted  on 
the  good  service  he  had  done  the  Company.  After  some  dispute 
it  is  decided  to  have  several  copies  made  of  the  charge  and  one  of 
the  same  delivered  to  each  of  the  men  who  signed  the  charterparty, 
and  to  require  satisfaction  from  them  for  the  particular  sums 
demanded,  and  that  they  shall  be  informed  that  an  answer  will  be 
expected  from  them  this  day  sennight,  when  another  general  court 
is  to  be  summoned.  It  is  also  decided  that  no  more  shall  be  paid 
for  freight  to  the  owners  of  the  Smyrna  Merchant  until  this 
difference  between  them  and  the  Company  is  settled.  On  a  motion 
being  made  to  ascertain  if  any  stock  is  to  be  sent  in  the  Eagle  for 
India,  it  is  stated  that  there  is  a  large  quantity  of  cloth  on  hand 
which  must  go,  but  resolution  as  to  whether  anything  else  shall  be 
sent  is  deferred.  A  question  arising  concerning  the  office  of 
garbling,  the  Court  not  being  able  to  sell  '  garbleable '  goods  until 
it  is  known  by  whom  they  are  to  be  garbled,  it  is  decided  to  sell 
such  goods  with  a  caution ;  but  at  the  same  time  it  is  hoped  that 
this  office  will  be  settled  before  the  day  of  sale.  It  is  next  resolved 
to  divide  the  benzoin  and  cardamoms,  and  a  dispute  arising  as  to  the 
division  of  the  pepper,  a  motion  is  made  for  *  the  house '  to  divide 
to  ascertain  the  resolution  of  the  court,  but  many  of  the  generality 
leaving,  no  resolution  can  be  taken ;  so  the  business  is  deferred.  (i|//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  December  6,  1653  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  307). 

Certain  of  the  Committees  are  desired  to  attend  the  Committee 
for  City  Lands  and  inform  them  that  the  Company  is  not  in 
a  position  to  renew  the  lease  at  Leadenhall,  but  is  willing  to  pay  the 
rent  for  another  year.  At  the  request  of  Mr.  Davidge,  his  bonds  are 
ordered  to  be  given  up,  but  mitigation  of  the  fine  imposed  on  him 
is  refused,  also  his  demand  for  salary  during  his  homeward  voyage  ; 
his  account  is  ordered  to  be  made  up  and,  on  his  giving  a  release  to 
the  Company,  all  that  is  due  to  him  to  be  paid.  Henry  Newton 
and  Richard  Hunt  are  accepted  as  security  for  silk.    The  owners  of 


27%  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

the  Love  to  be  paid  4,000/.  upon  account  of  freight.  Half  the  fine 
upon  calicoes  sent  to  Margaret,  wife  of  John  Leigh,  a  factor  at  the 
Coast,  is  taken  off,  they  being  damaged  ;  the  other  half  is  to  be  put 
to  her  husband's  account  Certain  Committees  are  entreated  to  use 
their  discretion  in  ordering  the  delivery  or  detention  of  private  trade 
and  prohibited  goods  brought  home  in  the  Love  and  the  East  India 
Merchant.  The  bond  of  the  late  John  \sic'\  Sandford,  purser  in  the 
Supply^  to  be  given  up.  The  owners  of  the  Eagle  are  desired  to 
prepare  her  for  departure  as  speedily  as  possible,  and  certain  Com- 
mittees are  requested  to  join  with  those  already  appointed  to  see 
about  the  shipping  for  India  and  agree  upon  her  charterparty. 
Other  Committees  are  desired  to  procure  a  letter  from  the  Portu- 
guese ambassador  to  the  Viceroy  of  Goa  for  her  reception.  It  is 
thought  that  a  present  should  be  sent  to  the  Viceroy,  but  nothing  is 
decided  in  the  matter.     (i|  pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
December  7,  1653  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  247). 

The  Court  again  refuses  to  advance  any  money  to  James  Cox 
until  his  account  has  been  made  up  and  settled.  John  Massingberd, 
the  Treasurer,  having  lately  died,  the  Court  does  not  think  it 
necessary  to  appoint  another  to  his  place, '  because  this  Stocke  hath 
noe  more  trade'.  It  therefore  resolves  to  ask  one  or  two  of  the 
United  Stock  to  oversee  and  inspect  the  Treasury  and  to  direct 
Dunckine,  and  orders  that  all  warrants  for  payment  of  money  from 
the  Treasury  be  directed  to  the  latter.  Elizabeth  Ward,  who  left 
300/.  at  interest  with  the  Company  in  September,  165:2,  and  has  not 
renewed  her  bill  since,  now  desiring  to  be  paid  interest  up  to  date, 
the  Court, '  in  regard  she  was  a  woman ',  agrees  to  allow  her  interest  up 
to  last  September,  but  no  longer.  At  the  request  of  Mr.  Chamber- 
laine  at  a  court  for  the  United  Stock,  this  Court  desires  certain 
Committees  to  examine  and  settle  the  account  of  Edward  Abbott, 
against  whom  a  statute  of  bankruptcy  was  formerly  issued.  Alder- 
man Riccard  reports  that  the  Farmers  have  promised  to  make  good 
the  agreement  of  6s.  8d.  in  the  pound,  and  to  pay  at  nine  and  nine 
months,  and  give  security  for  the  rest  upon  the  second  100,000/. 
when  it  is  paid  in ;  and  until  this  is  done  they  are  content  the  statute 
of  bankruptcy  shall  remain  against  them  as  it  now  stands,  and  then 


EAST  INDIA  COMPANY  ii79 

they  will  assign  to  every  man  his  portion  in  land  for  the  other  two- 
thirds  ;  this  business  is  again  referred  to  the  appointed  Committees, 
who  are  desired  to  make  such  a  final  settlement  with  the  Farmers 
as  by  the  advice  of  counsel  and  in  their  own  discretions  they  shall 
see  fit.     (li/A) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Accounts,  December  7, 
1653  (Court  Book^  vol.  xxiii,  p.  313). 

The  Coast  account  is  taken  into  consideration,  and  the  Com- 
mittees agree  that,  as  on  the  22nd  September  last  it  was  resolved 
to  allow  1,310  pagodas  for  the  general  stores  in  the  Fort,  so  now 
the  remainder,  210  pagodas,  shall  also  be  allowed.  The  accounts 
received  by  the  Love  showing  that  the  United  Joint  Stock  is  charged 
with  282/.  135".  6d.  more  than  was  in  account  last  year,  Mr.  Wiche 
asserts  that  this  is  for  '  Pegu  remaines ',  which  are  always  sold  at 
a  loss,  and  he  desires  that  payment  of  this,  which  amounts  to  1,395 
pagodas,  be  forborne  until  next  year.  But  the  Committees,  con- 
sidering that  the  account  has  been  due  since  August,  1652,  resolve 
that  if  the  said  goods  shall  be  sold  hereafter  at  a  loss  this  shall  be 
put  to  the  account  of  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  but  if  otherwise  then 
the  former  valuation  shall  stand  good,  they  being  at  present  taken 
as  rated  in  the  invoice  *  without  appraizement ',  making  the  total  of 
the  account  10,433/.  \is.  iid.  Hereupon  it  is  agreed  that  twelve 
months'  interest,  that  is  521/.  12s.,  shall  be  allowed,  but  no  more,  as 
the  United  Joint  Stock  has  for  the  last  two  months  made  use  of  the 
cash  belonging  to  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  to  '  pay  downe'  their  debt 
at  interest.  Thereupon  the  total,  10,954/.  14s.  Jid.  [sic],  is  signed 
by  Thomas  Andrews  and  Nathaniel  Wiche  for  the  United  Joint 
Stock,  and  by  Alderman  Riccard  and  Alderman  Andrews  for  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stock,  the  rest  of  the  Committees  having  withdrawn 
(according  to  the  order  of  the  Court)  to  leave  an  equal  number  on 
both  sides,    (i  /.)  I 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  December  9,  1653  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  309). 

The  Secretary  reports  that  he  delivered  to  George  Smith,  Thomas 
Pearle,  and  Captain  Hurleston,  the  three  men  who  signed  the 
charterparty  of  the  Smyrna  Merchant^  copies  of  the  charge  of  the 


a8o  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

breach  of  the  covenants  contained  in  it  presented  by  the  Committees 
at  the  last  court.  Captain  Hurleston  now  gives  in  their  answer  to 
the  same.  This  is  read,  and  in  it  the  '  umpirage '  of  Mr.  Moyer  is 
strictly  adhered  to,  and  the  owners  of  the  said  vessel  expect  their 
freight  accordingly.  A  long  dispute  ensues,  and  finally  ten  Com- 
mittees from  the  adventurers  present  are  nominated  and  desired  to 
settle  this  matter  in  an  amicable  way  if  possible,  but  if  not,  then 
to  take  such  course  in  law  as  in  their  own  discretions  and  with  the 
advice  of  counsel  they  shall  think  best.  The  money  needed  for 
the  prosecution  or  defence  of  this  business  is  td  be  provided  from 
the  cash  belonging  to  the  United  Joint  Stock.  A  general  court  is 
ordered  to  be  summoned  to  settle  the  business  of  the  Treasury. 
The  goods  to  be  put  to  sale  by  the  candle  are  decided  upon ;  those 
that  are  '  garbleable '  are  to  be  sold  for  transportation  or,  if  sold  in 
town,  the  purchasers  are  to  garble  them  at  their  own  expense. 
Question  arising  as  to  the  disposal  of  the  pepper,  it  is  resolved  to 
divide  it  to  every  adventurer  in  proportion  at  the  rate  of  twenty-five 
per  cent,  at  i  Sd.  per  lb. ;  it  is  also  resolved  to  divide  the  benzoin 
and  cardamoms  as  far  as  they  will  go,  and  to  desire  the  Court  of 
Committees  to  price  the  same  when  their  goodness  is  known,  {ipp^ 

A  General  Court  of  Adventurers  in  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock,  December  io,  1653  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  249). 

The  Committees  to  whom  the  affairs  of  James  Cox  were  referred 
report  that  they  have  met  several  times,  but  Cox  would  not  appear, 
though  he  was  at  liberty  ;  therefore  they  have  settled  the  business 
as  they  think  fit,  and  now  present  a  paper  containing  details  of  his 
account  and  demands,  and  of  their  decision  concerning  the  same ; 
this  paper  is  read  and  approved  by  the  Court ;  the  Committees  are 
desired  to  sign  it,  and  it  is  ordered  to  be  registered  in  the  court 
book.  By  the  decision  of  the  Committees,  Cox  is  to  be  paid  391/. 
3J.  in  full  of  all  demands,  and  if  this  does  not  content  him  then  in 
their  opinion  he  should  not  be  given  anything  until  the  matter 
is  decided  by  law.  Sir  John  Jacob,  Sir  Job  Harby,  and  Sir  Nicholas 
Crispe  relate  that  they  have  conferred  several  times  with  the 
appointed  Committees  and  now  come  to  inform  the  Court  that 
at  last  they   have  procured   the   desired  Act  of  Deforestation.^ 

*  The  bill  was  introduced  on  October  22,  and  passed  exactly  a  month  later  {Commons* 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  281 

They  remind  the  Court  how  in  December  last  the  Company  under- 
wrote 25,000/.  in  their  preamble,  but  the  amount  required  not  being 
subscribed  in  the  time  limited  all  became  void ;  and  they  now 
desire  the  Company  to  underwrite  a  like  sum  in  a  Joint  Stock. 
They  are  told  that  this  is  impossible,  as  the  Joint  Stock  is  drawing 
to  a  close,  and  to  grant  their  request  'would  bee  a  meanes  to 
prolong  it ' ;  besides,  the  Company  does  not  know  where  or  how  to 
raise  so  rtiuch  money.  The  Farmers,  withdrawing,  this  proposition 
is  put  to  the  question  ;  and  after  much  dispute  all  refuse  to  under- 
write in  a  Joint  Stock,  but  are  willing  to  *  divide  ^very  adventurers 
parte  of  the  debt '  and  give  a  IJst  of  their  names  and  proportions  to 
the  Farmers ;  the  latter  are  recalled  and  told  of  this  decision,  and 
they  request  that  none  engaged  in  the  debt  may  be  excluded,  when 
satisfaction  shall  be  made  for  the  same,  they  having  agreed  that 
what  advantage  or  damage  one  shall  sustain  shall  be  borne  propor- 
tionably  by  all.  This  causes  further  debate ;  but  nothing  is 
concluded,  and  the  business  is  again  referred  to  the  appointed 
Committees;  what  they  have  already  done  is  approved  and 
confirmed,  and  it  is  resolved  to  allow  and  approve  of  their  future 
proceedings  in  the  matter.     (3f  pp^ 

A  Court  of  Committees,  December  14,  1653  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  311). 

Elizabeth  Ward  renewing  her  request  for  additional  interest, 
order  is  given  for  her  300/.  principal  to  be  returned  with  15/. 
interest  for  the  year,  and  Dunckin  is  directed  to  make  her  some 
allowance  for  the  surplus  time  the  Company  h^s  had  the  money, 
but  not  as  interest,  because  of  precedent.  The  owners  of  the  Easl 
India  Merchant  to  be  paid  3,000/.  on  account  of  freight.  The  sum 
of  12/.  to  be  distributed  to  the  widows  of  poor  East  India  men.  A 
fine  upon  calicoes  is  remitted  to  Dorothy  Mordin,  and  one  upon 
benzoin  to  Margaret  Keene.  All  the  spice  in  the  Company's 
possession  to  be  distributed  to  the  Committees  and  officers.  A 
warrant  is  ordered  to  be  signed  for  payrnent  of  10,954/.  14^-.  \\d.  by 
this  Stock  to  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  in  accordance  with  the  Coast 
account  settled  and  signed  by  the  Committees  appointed.     Certain 

Journals,  vol.  vii,  pp.  338,  354).  It  is  printed  at  p.  783  of  Acts  and  Ordinances  of  the 
Interregnum  (vol.  ii). 


28a  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

Committees  are  desired  to  examine  Mr.  Bridgeman's  affairs,  as  order 
has  been  given  that  no  goods  are  to  be  delivered  or  money  paid  to 
him  without  special  order.     (|/.) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  December  14, 1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  314). 

Sale  of  Sarkhej  indigo,  small  and  large  black  jars,  cloves  and  dust 
of  cloves,  nutmegs,  white  pepper,  Bengala  silk,  *  sannoes  Adatayes*, 
white  ginghams,  sallampores,  longcloth,  and  percallaes,  with  prices 
and  names  of  purchasers,     (a^.) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  December  16,  1653  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  316). 

Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  request  the  Commissioners  of 
Customs  to  direct  their  officers  at  the  Customhouse  to  attend 
better  to  their  work,  as  now  they  are  not  there  above  three  hours 
a  day,  which  hinders  the  landing  of  the  Company's  goods  and  causes 
great  expense.  Resolved  that  the  cardamoms  that  are  exportable 
shall  be  divided  at  the  rate  of  3^.  4^/.  per  lb.,  those  that  are  not  at 
3J.  per  lb.,  each  adventurer  to  have  his  proportion  of  both  kinds. 
There  being  three  sorts  of  benzoin,  the  best  is  priced  at  14/.,  the 
second  at  13/.,  and  the  third  at  10/.  per  cwt. ;  these  three  sorts  are 
also  to  be  divided  proportionately  to  the  adventurers,  but  if  any 
man's  adventure  is  too  small  to  admit  of  his  receiving  a  chest  of  each 
sort,  then  he  is  to  join  with  another  or  other  adventurers,  to  prevent 
loss  in  dividing  the  chests.  Mr.  Cokayne  desires  that  someone  may 
be  put  in  charge  of  the  Treasury  and  asserts  that  this  Stock  has 
been  at  no  charge  for  the  same,  only  300/.  drawn  by  the  late 
Mr.  Massingberd  towards  his  salary,  and  that  the  two  cashiers, 
Dunckin  and  Harris,  have  received  no  satisfaction.  The  Court 
allows  the  300/.  and  inquires  who  pays  the  cashiers  their  salaries ; 
reply  is  made  that  Dunckin  has  been  employed  in  the  Treasury 
many  years  as  cashier  and  been  paid  100  marks  per  annum  by  the 
Company,  while  Harris  has  been  employed  a  long  time  as  Dunckin's 
assistant  and  paid  40/.  per  annum  by  the  Treasurer.  The  Court 
hereupon  appoints  Messrs.  Riccard,  Andrew,  and  Bateman,  or  any 
two  of  them,  to  be  a  committee  to  overlook  and  take  care  of  the 
Treasury  and  the  Company's  seal  with  ,the  same  power  as  the 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  383 

Treasurer  had  formerly,  they  to  have  two  keys  of  the  chest  between 
them  and  Dunckin  a  third,  the  latter  and  Harris  to  perform  the 
daily  business  of  the  Treasury  and  the  appointed  Committees  to 
give  Dunckin  such  moneys  as  he  shall  have  occasion  to  disburse, 
and  to  receive  any  surplus  from  him  ;  they  are  also  to  decide  which 
Stock  is  to  bear  the  charge  of  the  Treasury  in  the  past.  A  salary 
of  150/.  per  annum  is  settled  for  one  year  upon  Dunckin,  to  begin 
from  the  time  of  Mr.  Massingberd's  death,  he  to  be  paid  his  former 
salary  of  100  marks  up  to  that  time.  Harris  is  allotted  a  salary  of 
80/.  per  annum  for  one  year  as  assistant  to  Dunckin,  to  be  paid  at 
the  rate  of  40/.  per  annum  from  the  time  he  was  last  paid  to  the 
death  of  Mr.  Massingberd,  this  to  be  deducted  from  the  latter's 
salary  when  that  shall  be  settled.  Resolution  concerning  the  stock 
to  be  sent  in  the  Eagle  is  deferred.  One  of  the  generality  wishing 
to  know  whether  the  adventurers  may  not  have  the  same  liberty  to 
send  ships  to  India  as  private  interlopers,  if  the  Company  decides  to 
dispeed  no  more,  answer  to  this  question  is  deferred ;  but  it  is 
resolved  that,  if  any  private  men  do  send  to  India,  they  shall  give 
some  satisfaction  to  the  Company  first  for  their  privileges  and 
immunities  there,     (aj-^.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  December  ao,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  319). 

The  Committees  appointed  to  examine  Mr.  Bridgeman's  affairs 
report  that  he  has  delivered  no  account  of  his  employment  at  the 
Coast,  that  he  built  an  unserviceable  pinnace  there,  and  also  that 
he  had  a  share  in  sending  two  junks  from  the  Bay  to  Persia.  Here- 
upon Bridgeman  attempts  to  justify  himself,  but  the  Court  not  being 
satisfied  makes  certain  propositions  and  desires  him  to  deposit  1,000/. 
with  the  Company;  Bridgeman  refusing  to  do  this,  resolution 
concerning  him  is  deferred.  William  and  Thomas  Cokayne  are 
accepted  as  security  for  indigo,  and  Richard  and  Thomas  Allen  and 
Nicholas  Alvey  for  cloves.  The  friends  of  Captain  Blackman 
and  Mr.  Baker  are  given  permission  to  send  wine  and  beer  in  the 
Eagle  for  their  homeward  voyage,  and  the  Court  orders  a  division 
to  be  made  in  the  great  cabin  of  the  said  vessel  for  their  better 
accommodation  on  their  homeward  voyage,    (i  /.) 


284  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

A  General  Court  of  Adventurers  in  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock  and  the  United  Joint  Stock,  December  33,  1653 
(Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  320). 

The  Governor  announces  that  the  Committees  chosen  to 
settle  with  the  Farmers  of  the  Customs  have  done  so.  The  agree- 
ment is  now  presented,  read,  and  approved.  The  adventurers 
are  to  have  warrants  for  their  proportion  of  the  ^ebt  and  to 
deliver  the  same  to  the  Farmers,  who  will  then  give  them 
*  ticketts  to  make  it  publicke  faith '.  The  adventurers  present  are 
desired  to  send  for  their  warrants  to-morrow,  and  order  is  given  for 
warrants  to  be  sent  to  all  adventurers  who  are  now  absent.  Messrs. 
Riccard,  Andrew,  and  Bateman  are  requested  to  receive  each 
adventurer's  money,  which  is  to  be  sealed  up  and  signed  with  his 
name  and  left  with  the  said  Committees  to  await  the  first  payment 
according  to  the  Act,  and  if  this  is  not  made  then  the  adventurers 
will  know  from  whom  to  get  back  their  money.  The  Committees 
of  the  Treasury  are  desired  to  take  up  money  at  interest,  or  pay  off, 
to  use  the  Company's  seal,  and  act  in  all  respects  as  formerly 
Treasurers  have  done.  The  Court  resolves  to  send  in  the  Eagle  the 
cloths  provided  for  last  year  with  stock  to  the  value  of  6,000/.,  but 
leaves  it  to  the  discretion  of  the  Committees  what  commodities  to 
provide.  It  is  also  resolved  that  if  any  interlopers  send  out  any 
ships  without  the  consent  of  the  Company  and  the  Company's 
factors  do  them  any  service,  the  said  factors  shall  be  discharged. 
The  executors  of  the  late  Thomas  Penniston  again  petition  for 
payment  of  one  or  both  of  the  bills  of  exchange  charged  on  the 
Company;  but  the  Court  resolves  to  stand  to  its  former  order 
concerning  the  same.  Certain  Committees  to  attend  the  Committee 
of  the  Ordnance,  the  latter  wishing  to  make  a  contract  for  the 
saltpetre  now  in  the  Company's  hands,     (i^//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  December  38,  1653  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  322). 

Mr.  Madocke  to  be  paid  the  balance  of  his  account,  and  in 
consideration  of  his  great  care  with  regard  to  the  three  ships 
arrived  this  year  from  India  he  is  to  be  given  a  piece  of  plate  to  the 
value  of  10/.  or  13/.     Mr.  Taylor,  a  solicitor,  desiring  that  Thomas 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  385 

Hanson  may  be  granted  an  abatement  of  10s.  in  the  pound  on  his 
debt,  he  is  told  that  the  Company  expects  to  receive  i^s.  6d.  in  the 
pound,  according  to  a  former  agreement.  Lead,  quicksilver,  and 
vermilion  to  be  sent  in  the  Eagle  to  India.  '  A  Doctors  opinion ' 
to  be  taken  on  the  chart erparty  of  the  Roebuck,  concerning  the  pay- 
ment for  freight  demanded  by  her  owners.  Allowance  to  Major 
Jeremy  Hartly  for  fresh  provisions  passed,  and  his  account  ordered 
to  be  cleared.  It  is  resolved  that  a  salary  of  350/.  per  annum  shall  be 
accorded  to  the  late  Mr.  Massingberd  as  Treasurer  for  both  Stocks 
from  the  time  he  was  last  paid  up  to  his  death,  the  !23rd  November 
last,  and  that  from  this  date  Mr.  Harris  shall  be  paid  as  before 
agreed  ;  also  that  Mr.  Dunckin  shall  be  paid  by  the  Company  at  the 
rate  of  100  marks  per  annum  from  the  time  he  was  last  paid  to  the 
day  of  Mr.  Massingberd's  death,     (ij//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
December  ^^9,  1653  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  253). 

The  Court  resolves  to  advance  3,450/.  upon  5,000/.,  part  of  John 
Holloway's  adventure  made  over  by  deed  to  the  Company  in  part 
satisfaction  of  his  debt,  according  to  the  Act  for  Deforestation,  being 
part  of  the  debt  and  the  proportion  of  the  said  adventure  ;  and  the 
executors  are  to  be  allowed  no  more  than  the  5,000/.  adventure  is 
worth,  which  is  at  ^s.  per  pound,  as  Mr.  Norris  hath  lately  bought 
it.     (J  A) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  December  30,  1653  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  '^^i'^). 

The  Committee  of  the  Ordnance  wishing  to  contract  for  the 
remainder  of  the  Company's  saltpetrcj  eight  Committees  are 
nominated  to  make  the  desired  contract;  they  are  to  obtain,  if 
possible,  a  higher  price  than  the  last  saltpetre  was  sold  at,  but  '  not  ^ 
to  contend  with  the  State '.  They  are  also  to  endeavour  to  procure 
payment  quickly,  this  parcel  being  much  better  than  the  last  and 
more  than  half  of  it  being  already  refined  to  such  an  extent  that  it 
will  not  require  above  two  or  three  per  cent,  refraction  at  the  most, 
and  the  rough  only  five  or  six  per  cent,  refraction.  The  Committees 
are  to  try  to  sell  it  as  it  stands,  and  to  obtain  an  order  for  the 
powdermakers  to  settle  for  the  two  last  parcels,  and  an  act  to 


1/ 


a86  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

the  Commissioners  of  Customs  for  payment  of  the  last  parcel  sold 
to  the  State.  Debate  ensues  as  to  the  best  way  of  getting  home  the 
Company's  estate  from  the  East  and  of  lessening  the  charge  there. 
It  is  agreed  that, '  if  the  peace  be  suddainely  concluded ',  two  ships 
shall  be  sent  to  the  northward,  two  to  the  southward,  and  one  to  the 
Coast,  but  not  to  trust  to  any  India  shipping.  Mr.  Thomson  desires 
that  fifty  or  sixty  tons  of  saltpetre  may  be  laden  in  the  ships  from 
the  northward,  as  part  of  the  RutKs  stock  has  been  recovered,  but 
further  resolution  is  referred  to  the  general  court  to  be  summoned 
for  this  day  sennight,  by  which  time  it  is  hoped  it  will  be  known 
whether  there  is  to  be  peace  or  not.  Meanwhile  Sambrooke  is 
directed  to  make  up  an  account  of  the  Company's  estate,  shipping 
and  other  remains  in  India,  where  it  is  and  in  what  it  consists,   (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  January  4,  1654  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  '>,^^, 

A  letter  is  read  from  Thomas  Allen  and  Richard  Quiney,  stating 
that  they  are  owners  of  the  Loyalty^  lately  broken  up  at  Balasore, 
and  that  her  commander,  Captain  John  Durson,  has  written  for 
another  ship  to  fetch  home  their  estate,  or  for  some  tonnage  to  be 
taken  in  the  Company's  shipping  ;  they  desire  to  comply  with  this 
request,  but  wish  first  to  notify  the  Company;  they  are  told  to 
apply  to  the  next  general  court.  All  cloth  brought  home  as 
private  trade  to  be  sent  to  the  Company's  warehouse  at  Leaden- 
hall.  Bartholomew  Holloway,  who  was  ordered  to  lodge  in  the 
Company's  house  during  Spiller's  absence,  complains  that  he  was 
obliged  either  to  leave  the  house  or  to  sit  up  all  night,  as  Spiller's 
son-in-law  brought  his  family  and  they  occupied  all  the  beds. 
Spiller  asserts  that  this  was  '  an  accident  onely ',  and  order  is  given 
for  Holloway  to  have  a  bed  in  the  Treasurer's  room,  but  not  to 
bring  any  of  his  children ;  while  Spiller  is  to  be  allowed,  at  his  own 
charge,  to  leave  Lazarus  Weeden  in  his  room.  Spiller  and 
Holloway  are  directed  *to  live  lovingly  togeather  and  lett  there 
bee  noe  heartburning  betweene  them'.  Captain  Brookehaven, 
commander  of  the  Love^  reports  that  five  bales  of  sugar  and  four 
bales  of  saltpetre  are  missing  according  to  invoice ;  he  attributes 
this  to  the  haste  with  which  the  boats  have  to  be  unladen  at  the 
Bay  '  for  feare  of  foule  weather,  which  many  times  is  soe  violent  as 


EAST  INDIA   COMPANY  <iSy 

that  the  boates  while  they  are  unlading  are  ready  to  sincke '.  He 
begs  that  this  may  be  allowed  for  and  the  freight  paid,  or  if  not,  to 
be  told  what  abatement  to  make  in  paying  off  his  men  ;  he  is 
instructed  to  pay  off  his  men  and  to  present  in  writing  any  demands 
he  has  .to  make.  The  sum  of  50/.  to  be  given  to  the  widow  of  the 
late  Mr.  Hartly.  Sugars  in  the  warehouse  to  be  sorted  and  priced, 
and  two  chests  of  benzoin  '  of  an  extraordinary  sort '  to  be  kept  for 
sale  and  not  divided.     i^\pp) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  January  5, 1654  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  327). 

The  Governor  being  absent,  Alderman  Riccard  is  desired  to 
take  the  chair.  Mr.  Norris  announces  that  he  and  some  other 
Committees  attended  the  Committee  of  the  Ordnance  about  the 
saltpetre  returned  in  the  Love,  and  desired  some  security  for 
payment  of  the  last  parcel ;  this  the  Committee  promised  to  give 
and  also  gave  order  for  the  powdermakers  to  settle  the  refraction 
on  the  two  last  parcels  ;  until  this  is  done  no  price  can  be  given  to 
the  State,  as  they  declare  positively  they  will  have  the  saltpetre 
refined.  Certain  Committees  are  entreated  to  settle  this  business. 
The  letter  from  Messrs.  Allen  and  Quiny  concerning  the  dispatch 
of  a  ship  to  India  to  fetch  home  their  remains  there  or  for  tonnage 
to  be  taken  in  the  Company's  shipping  is  read,  but  the  Court 
refuses  *  to  meddle  with  their  busines  '.  Some  dispute  ensues  as 
to  what  shipping  to  send  to  India,  some  thinking  that  sufficient 
has  been  supplied  '  unlesse  there  bee  peace ' ;  but  on  examination 
of  an  abstract  of  the  Company's  estate  there,  others  think  that 
a  ship  of  about  100  tons  should  be  dispeeded  to  the  Coast ; 
resolution  herein  is  deferred  to  the  next  general  court.     {}hpp^ 

The  Levant  Company  to  Mr.  Riley,  Consul  at  Aleppo, 
January  9, 1654  {Public  Record  Office:  S,P.  Dom, :  Interregnum^ 
Levant  Papers,  vol.  iv,  p.  %%q), 

.  .  .  We  beg  you  to  assist  the  East  India  Company,  who  are 
obliged  to  bring  their  silk  overland  from  Persia  by  way  of  Aleppo. 


a88  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

Papers  relating  to  the  Navy,  January  13,  1654  [Public 
Record  Office:  S.  P.  Dom.:  Interregnum,  vol.  Ixxviii,  no.  80). 

Protection  for  the  Allan  \Alum'f\  frigate,  going  to  Balasore  in 
the  East  Indies,  to  give  intelligence,  preserve  trade,  and  bring  home 
saltpetre,  with  twelve  seamen  and  eight  landmen. 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  January  13,  1654  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  329). 

Mr.  Norris  reports  that  the  Commissioners.,  of  the  Ordnance 
have  promised  to  settle  the  payment  for  the  310  tons  of  saltpetre, 
the  last  parcel  sold  to  the  State,  within  a  week.  On  being  told 
that  the  powdermakers  had  not  yet  decided  on  the  refraction  to  be 
made  for  the  last  two  parcels,  the  Commissioners  offer  to  do  it,  if 
both  parties  will  refer  themselves  to  them  ;  this  offer  the  Committees 
refused,  not  having  the  consent  of  the  generality.  They  then 
offered  the  saltpetre  to  the  Commissioners  at  4/.  13J.  per  cwt.  to  be 
taken  as  it  is  at  three  and  three  months,  but  they  want  it  at  4/.  iij. 
per  cwt.  as  it  is.  Hereupon  the  Court  desires  the  Committees  to 
insist  on  their  own  price  and  make  the  best  terms  possible  for 
payment,  and  to  stand  to  Mr.  Berrisford's  award  and  get  him  to  go 
with  them  to  the  Commissioners  about  the  refraction.  After  some 
debate  certain  Committees  are  entreated  to  examine  what  estate  and 
shipping  the  Company  has  in  India  and  where  it  is,  and  if  they  see 
cause  to  send  a  ship  of  about  100  tons  to  the  Coast  to  fetch  part  of 
it  and  some  of  their  servants  home.  Cinnamon  sold  to  Mr.  Baker, 
the  broker,     (ij//.) 

Petition  of  John  Fowke  to  the  Lord  Protector  and  his 
Council,  January  16,  1654  (Public  Record  Office:  C.  O.  77,  vol. 
vii,  no.  6^), 

For  the  service  of  Parliament  and  the  Commonwealth  of  England 
the  petitioner  and  his  numerous  family  have  languished  twenty-five 
years  under  unparalleled  oppressions.  He  was  the  first  merchant 
who,  in  obedience  to  the  vote  of  Parliament,  refused  to  pay  tonnage 
and  poundage  (which  the  India  Company  paid,  and  in  other  ways 
supplied  the  late  King) ;  for  this  his  goods  were  seized  and  detained 
by  the  patentees  and  undersharers  of  the  customs,  some  of  whom 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  389 

were  principal  members  of  the  said  Company.  The  petitioner 
complaining  in  Parliament,  the  Company  took  advantage  of  the 
same,  intending  his  utter  ruin,  as  appears  by  the  report  (annexed)  of 
the  Committee  of  the  Navy,  dated  August  22,  1649,  read  in  Parlia- 
ment February  37,  1652,  and  September  9,  1652.  The  Company 
then  procured  two  decrees  in  Chancery  against  him,  but  these  being 
adjudged  unjust  were  reversed  and  cancelled,  and  his  adventure 
ordered  to  be  restored  with  damages  at  eight  per  cent,  per  annum 
and  100/.  costs  awarded  him  by  the  final  order  made  the  6th  and 
18th  May,  1647,  by  the  Lords  in  Parliament,  and  the  Company  (not 
performing  the  same  before  October  28,  1647)  ordered  to  pay  him 
7,000/.  for  the  proceed  of  his  adventure,  with  damages  and  costs 
since  his  appeal  was  read  in  Parliament  July  8,  1646,  or  stand 
committed  by  the  order  (annexed)  of  October  7,  1647.  When  the 
petitioner  should  have  obtained  execution  of  the  decree  of  May  6, 
1647,  he  was  sent  with  others  from  the  City  to  the  army  and  ordered 
to  continue  there  in  June,  July,  and  August,  1647,  ^o  prevent 
'a  desperate  design  then  in  agitation'.  The  Company,  taking 
advantage  of  his  absence,  obstructed  the  execution  of  the  said  final 
judgement,  contrary  to  the  known  rules  of  justice,  the  cause  of  the 
obstruction  being  the  unlawful  disposing  of  a  great  part  of  the 
money  and  goods  belonging  to  the  petitioner  and  other  adventurers 
in  bribes  and  gratuities,  etc.,  the  usual  practice  of  the  Court  of  Com- 
mittees, especially  when  suits  are  depending  concerning  the  same. 
Since  the  petitioner's  complaint  in  Parliament  many  members  of  the 
late  House  of  Commons  have  become  members  of  the  Company 
and,  being  bribed  or  gratified  by  direction  of  the  Court  of  Commit- 
tees, have  become  parties  with  them.  Thus  the  Company 
petitioned  to  some  of  themselves  and  the  rest  of  the  House  of 
Commons  to  be  absolved  from  paying  the  money  according  to  the 
order  of  October  7,  1647,  and  their  petition  was  referred  and 
proceedings  stayed  for  nearly  three  years,  when  the  order  was  again 
referred  to  a  committee  to  report  how  the  decree  of  the  Lords  might 
be  put  in  execution  and  the  petitioner  have  reparation  for  his 
wrongs.  This  second  committee  delayed  the  matter  for  nearly 
two  years  more  and,  after  hearing  the  Company,  reported  in  Parlia- 
ment on  February  27,  1652,  an  Act  for  the  petitioner's  relief 
against  the  said  Company.     This  Act  was  read  twice  and  referred 

S.C.M.    IV  U 


290  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

with  the  second  petition  of  the  Company  to  a  third  committee,  who 
declared  that  they  did  not  think  fit  to  hear  the  Company  concerning 
that  part  of  the  Lords'  decree  already  executed,  and  ordered  the 
Act  to  be  proceeded  upon  in  part.  Hereupon  the  Company 
pretended  that  the  Lords  were  not  proper  judges  and  endeavoured 
to  obtain  another  hearing,  but  the  petitioner  alleged  that  the  rolls 
and  journals  of  Parliament,  etc.,  show  the  Lords  to  be  proper  judges, 
as  was  set  forth  in  his  last  petition  read  in  Parliament  on  the  15th 
July  and  7th  September,  1652.  On  the  9th  September,  1652,  the 
sufferings  of  the  petitioner  were  referred  to  the* consideration  of  the 
Council  of  State,  who  on  the  a5th  October,  165a,  voted  to  him  and  his 
heirs  lands  to  the  value  of  500/.  per  annum  in  the  forest  of  Waltham, 
and  in  March  last  were  considering  the  awarding  to  him  of 
a  further  sum,  but  the  great  change  in  April  ^  prevented  this.  By 
the  Act  passed  for  sale  of  forest  lands  it  appears  that  the  patentees 
and  undersharers  and  their  assigns  (the  members  of  the  Company 
being  the  chief)  by  whom  the  petitioner  suffered  as  aforesaid,  are  to 
have  great  quantities  of  forest  lands  in  Essex  and  elsewhere ;  and 
that  Mathias  Valentine  is  allowed  in  forest  lands  100/.  per  annum 
for  ever  because  the  former  Parliament  granted  or  intended  to  grant 
it  unto  him.  By  order  of  Parliament  of  June  30,  1645,  by  the  report 
of  February  27,  165a,  and  by  the  vote  of  the  Council  of  State, 
it  appears  that  the  same  Parliament  intended  to  grant  the  petitioner 
his  reparation  out  of  delinquents'  estates  and  in  particular  out  of 
forest  lands  in  Essex,  and  that  the  said  500/.  per  annum  was  voted 
to  the  petitioner  long  before  the  said  Act  passed.  He  therefore 
prays  that  the  said  Act  may  be  amended  and  passed,  according  to 
the  draft  annexed,  and  the  500/.  per  annum,  with  such  addition  as 
shall  be  thought  fit,  confirmed,  or  that  at  least  the  first  of  his 
propositions  may  be  granted,  because  if  the  value  of  the  lands,  etc., 
therein  expressed  be  more  than  his  reparation,  he  is  to  pay  for  it, 
and  if  less  (as  he  humbly  conceives  it  will  be)  he  is  capable  of  such 
"further  satisfaction  as  His  Highness  shall  think  fit.  Signed^ 
John  Fowke.  Referred  to  the  Committee  of  the  Council  for  Forest 
Lands,     (i  /.) 

*  Cromwell's  expulsion  of  the  members  of  the  Long  Parliament  (April  30). 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  agi 

Order  of  Council,  January  i6,  1654  {Public  Record  Office : 
C.  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  6^  i). 

That  the  petition  of  John  Fowke,  Alderman  of  the  city  of 
London,  directed  to  His  Highness,  be  referred  to  the  Committee  of 
the  Council  for  settling  the  Act  for  Forest  Lands  ^,  who  are  to 
consider  and  report  the  whole  state  of  the  matter  with  their 
opinions  of  the  s^me  to  His  Highness  and  Council.  Examined  by 
W.  Jessop,  Clerk  of  the  Council,     (i/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  January  18,  1654  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  331). 

Mr.  Kerridge,  one  of  the  Committees  appointed  to  perfect  the 
charterparty  of  the  Eagle  and  dispeed  her  to  India,  being  often  out 
of  town,  Mr.  Wood  is  appointed  in  his  stead.  Robert  Dycer  and 
Isaac  Foster  are  accepted  as  security  for  indigo.  Sallampores  sold 
to  Mr.  Satillyon.  Mrs.  Lumly  submitting  to  the  Court's  decision  as 
to  the  fine  to  be  imposed  upon  her  late  husband's  estate  for  private 
trade,  etc.,  and  sealing  a  general  release  to  the  Company,  she  is  given 
240/.  of  the  i^qL  8j.  which  appears  due  to  his  account.  The  freight 
of  the  Love  and  of  the  East  India  Merchant  to  be  settled,  and  the 
owners  of  the  latter  vessel  to  be  given  an  additional  1,000/.  on 
account  of  freight.  James  Bridgeman  desiring  that  his  goods  may 
be  delivered,  he  is  told  that  many  objections  have  been  received 
from  India  against  him,  but  if  he  will  deposit  700/.  with  the 
Company  and  enter  into  a  bond  of  1,300/.  penalty  to  stand  to  the 
award  to  be  decided  by  arbitration  in  the  usual  manner,  his  request 
shall  be  complied  with  ;  to  this  he  consents,  and  the  four  arbitrators 
are  named  and  desired  to  finish  this  business  by  the  25th  December 
next,  and  the  Court  orders  that  on  as  much  of  the  said  700/.  as  upon 
determination  of  the  award  shall  appear  due  to  Bridgeman  interest 
shall  be  allowed  at  the  rate  of  five  per  cent,  from  this  day.     (ij//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  January  25,  1654  [Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  332). 

James  Bridgeman  applying  for  his  salary  to  be  settled,  it  having 
been  denied  during  his  homeward  voyage,  and  he  having  sealed 

1  The  document  is  endorsed :  '  Col.  Montagu,  Sir  A.  A.  Cooper,  Col.  Sydenham,  or 
any  two  of  them.' 

U   2 


29a  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

a  bond  of  arbitration  for  1,300/.,  the  Court  orders  his  goods  to  be 
delivered  on  his  paying  100/.  and  leaving  all  money  due  to  him  in 
the  Company's  hands,  and  that  if  when  his  salary  shall  be  settled 
there  shall  appear  due  to  him  above  700/.  he  shall  receive  the 
surplus,  but  if  not  then  he  is  to  make  up  that  sum.  Mr.  Juxon,  an 
adventurer  in  this  United  Stock,  announces  that  'the  State  doth 
resent  it  as  an  ill  omen  that  the  money  was  not  paid  in  which  was 
brought  by  severall  adventurers  for  doubling  about  the  debt  due 
from  the  late  Farmours  of  the  Customes,  and^  desired  that  there 
might  bee  a  right  understanding  betweene  the  State  and  the 
Company,  that  they  might  not  have  the  States  ill  opinion  and  soe 
loose  their  freindshippe ' ;  he  is  told  that  this  does  not  concern  the 
United  Stock  but  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  only,  and  that  the 
adventurers  in  the  latter  shall  be  informed  of  the  same  at  their  next 
meeting.  The  Court  is,  however,  of  opinion  that  a  narrative  of  this 
business  should  be  drawn  up  and  presented  to  the  Secretary  of  State 
to  show  why  the  adventurers  recalled  their  money.  The  collector 
of  the  ward  who  paid  40s.  for  the  last  six  months'  assessment  of  the 
rent  of  the  Company's  house  (then  over  assessed)  is  to  be  repaid,  as 
now  the  assessment  is  not  above  i6d.  more  than  it  should  be. 
Mr.  Thomson  reports  that  saltpetre  has  been  again  offered  to  the 
State  at  4/.  13.$-.  per  cwt.  but  the  Commissioners  refuse  it  at 
that  price,     (i/.) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  January  25, 1654  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  334). 

Sale  of  rough,  small  and  brown  diamonds,  one  table  diamond, 
*  one  carcanett  with  eight  crosse  diamons  and  eight  rose  diamons ', 
cross  diamond  rings,  rock  ruby,  sapphires  and  sapphire  rings,  seal 
rings,  daggers,  sugar,  benzoin,  dust  of  pepper,  *  sannoes  Adataes  ', 
sallampores,  longcloth,  striped  stuffs,  and  fine  cossaes,  with  prices 
and  names  of  purchasers.     (^\pp^ 

A  Court  of  Committees,  January  27,  1654  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  '^'>fi)> 

Alderman  Riccard  takes  the  chair,  in  the  absence  of  the  Governor. 
Messrs.  Andrew,  Thomson,  and  Bateman  are  entreated  to  join  with 
the  Committees  to  be  appointed  by  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  and 


EAST    INDIA  COMPANY  il93 

draw  up  a  narrative  concerning  *  the  late  Farmours  busines  of 
doubling  mony  for  deafforestation  of  forrest  lands '.  Order  is  given 
for  the  Eagle  to  be  dispeeded  to  the  Downs.  Mr.  Merry  informs 
the  Court  that  Mr.  Lewis  acknowledges  having  received  the  musk 
with  which  Merry  is  charged,  and  has  left  1,700  odd  rupees  with 
the  President  and  Council  in  satisfaction  for  it ;  Merry  asks  to  be 
released  from  the  charge  and  that  reparation  be  demanded  from 
Lewis ;  he  is  told  that  the  Court  has  finished  with  the  matter  and 
has  written  to  India  about  it,  but  that  at  his  desire  the  President 
and  Council  shall  be  directed  to  send  the  money  deposited  by 
Lewis  to  Merry,  or  return  it  to  him  in  anything  but  prohibited 
commodities.  Captain  William  East,  William  Trevis,  Robert  and 
Francis  Archer  are  accepted  as  security  for  sugar.  At  the  instance 
of  the  Court,  the  powdermakers  agree  to  accept  eight  per  cent, 
refraction  for  the  saltpetre  returned  in  the  Smyrjta  Merchant.  The 
Committees  report  that  they  have  examined  several  ships  but  found 
none  suitable  for  freighting  under  %oo  tons  ;  it  is  thought  better  to 
freight  than  to  buy  one  of  100  tons,  as  the  natives  will  protect  any 
ship  that  comes  for  trading  purposes ;  but  no  resolution  is  come  to. 
Arthur  Squibb  to  be  paid  60/.,  part  of  the  estate  of  the  late  Colonel 
Robert  Hunt,  on  sealing  a  bond  to  protect  the  Company  from  any 
claims  that  may  hereafter  be  made,     (ij//.) 

Warrant  from  the  Council  of  State,  January  27,  1654 
(Public  Record  Office:  S.  P.Dom.:  Interregnum,  I.  72,  p.  74). 

For  payment  by  the  Commissioners  of  Customs  to  the  East  India 
Company  of  10,670/.  for  saltpetre. 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  January  28, 
1654  {Public  Record  Office:  S.  P.  Dom.:  Interregnum,  I.  75, 
pp.  ^6-^^). 

.  .  .  On  presentation  to  the  Protector  by  the  President  of  an 
ordinance  empowering  the  Commissioners  of  Customs  to  pay 
10,670/.  to  the  treasurers  of  the  East  India  Company,  and  on  his 
consent  thereunto,  the  ordinance  was  passed  for  law.  .  .  . 


294  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

An  Ordinance  for  Payment  of  10,670/.  to  the  East 
India  Company  for  Saltpetre,  January  a8,  1654  {Public 
Record  Office  :  C  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  66). 

The  Committee  of  the  Ordnance  having  contracted,  on  the  13th 
October,  1653,  with  the  Company  for  no  tons  of  refined  saltpetre 
at  the  rate  of  4/.  17^.  the  cwt,  the  whole  amounting  to  10,670/., 
payable  out  of  the  receipts  of  the  customs,  one-half  thereof  to 
be  paid  on  the  20th  of  June  next,  the  other  half  on  the  20th  of 
December  next,  it  is  now  ordained  by  His  Highness  with  the  advice 
and  consent  of  his  Council  that  the  Commissioners  of  Customs 
make  the  said  payments  at  the  times  stated  to  the  Treasurer  of  the 
Company,  whose  receipt  for  the  same  is  to  be  accounted  a  sufficient 
discharge.  Signed,  Henry  Scobell,  Clerk  of  the  Council.  Certified 
by  Edmund  Hurrig  and  Martin  Hildesley  to  be  a  true  copy,     (i  p.) 

Orders  in  Council,  February,  1654  {Public  Record  Office: 
C.  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  67). 

1st  February.  That  the  matter  in  dispute  between  Alderman 
Fowke  and  the  East  India  Company  be  heard  next  Friday  afternoon, 
of  which  notice  is  to  be  given  to  the  Company,  that  they,  or  some  on 
their  behalf,  may  attend.  3rd  February.  Ordered  that  a  copy  of 
Alderman  Fowke's  petition  be  delivered  to  the  East  India  Company, 
who  are  to  return  their  answer  in  writing,  and  both  parties  to  be 
heard  this  day  fortnight.^  4th  February.  Alderman  Fowke  moving 
Sir  Ashley  Cooper  for  liberty  to  state  his  case,  it  was  granted, 
and  the  delivery  of  a  copy  of  his  petition  directed  to  be  forborne, 
loth  February.  A  copy  of  Alderman  Fowke's  case,  delivered  this  day 
to  the  Council,  is  ordered  to  be  given  to  the  East  India  Company, 
who  are  to  prepare  a  written  answer  to  the  same  and  present  it  on 
Tuesday  week,  on  which  day  the  matter  is  appointed  to  be  heard 
by  the  Council,     (i  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
February  i,  1654  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  254). 

The  executor  of  John  Holloway  requests  that  the  account  between 
the  Company  and  his  uncle  may  be  settled  and  anything  remaining 

*  For  another  copy  see  no.  72  of  the  same  series. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  295 

given  to  him ;  this  is  ordered  to  be  done.  Messrs.  Riccard, 
Andrews,  and  Edwards  are  entreated  to  join  with  the  three  Com- 
mittees appointed  by  the  United  Stock  and  draw  up  and  present  to 
the  Secretary  of  State  a  narrative  of  the  Farmers'  business,  *  whereby 
they  hope  to  cleare  themselves  from  the  imputation  cast  upon  them 
upon  that  oecation '.  All  the  cellars  under  Alderman  Langham's 
house  '  coming  out  of  St.  Hellens  ^ ',  are  let  to  Thomas  Andrew  for 
a  year  from  Candlemas  next  at  6s.  Sd.  per  week.  The  Exchange 
Cellar  to  be  examined,  and  the  pepper  there  sifted  and  weighed,  in 
order  to  ascertain  what  will  be  wanting  for  the  division  of  that 
commodity  due  to  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  from  the  United  Joint 
Stock.  Spiller  is  directed  to  inquire  concerning  the  statute  of 
bankruptcy  taken  out  against  Captain  Carleton,  whether  there  is 
any  hope  of  the  Company  receiving  part  of  their  debt,  and  if  so  he 
is  to  pay  the  money  to  the  treasurer  appointed  by  the  commission- 
ers. Messrs.  Hanson  and  Thetcher  to  be  approached  concerning 
their  debt.  Richard  Blundell,  who  has  served  the  Company  in 
India,  to  be  admitted  to  the  Almshouse  at  Poplar,     (il//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  February  3,  1654  (Court  Book,  vol. 
xxiii,  p.  338). 

Tapseiles  sold  to  Mr.  Bathurst.  Mrs.  Massingberd  to  be  freed 
from  the  debt  for  cotton  yarn  bought  by  her  late  husband,  she 
having  sold  it  to  Mr.  Tutchin,  who  is  to  pay  the  Company. 
Mr.  Baker,  the  broker,  to  be  given  a  gratuity  of  10/.  for  his  service 
in  selling  cinnamon.  Albertus  Skinner  petitions  for  the  delivery  of 
several  parcels  of  goods  (some  prohibited)  sent  by  his  brother 
Frederick  ;  the  Court  resolves  that  these  shall  be  examined  first 
and,  being  informed  of  many  misdemeanours  committed  by  the 
said  Frederick  Skinner  at  Bantam,  orders  the  particulars  to  be 
inserted  in  the  Black  Book  and  that  Skinner  must  answer  the  same 
before  he  is  cleared.  Mr.  Thomson  offers  to  send  a  ship  to  the 
Coast  in  which  the  Company  may  lade  what  goods  they  please, 
not  exceeding  200  tons,  and  pay  25/.  per  ton  for  the  coarse  and 
28/.  for  the  fine  goods,  but  neither  impost,  demurrage  or  freight ; 
this  offer  is  approved,  and  certain  Committees  are  desired  to 
examine  the  said  ship  and  report  their  opinion  to  the  next  general 

1  Evidently  part  of  the  Crosby  Hall  premises. 


296  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

court,  when  Mr.  Thomson  shall  be  given  an  answer.  The  State 
still  persisting  in  its  offer  of  4/.  iis.  6d.  per  cwt.  for  saltpetre,  the 
Court  directs  the  Committees  to  treat  and  use  their  discretions 
in  this  matter.  Margaret,  widow  of  George  Brewin,  is  given  20s, 
from  the  poor-box.  Mr.  Rushworth  is  permitted  to  send  a  case 
and  a  barrel  of  Canary  to  John  Lampton  in  the  Eagle.  Mr.  Thom- 
son announces  that  the  Alum  frigate  is  going  to  Balasore  and  that 
the  Company  can  lade  two  or  three  tons  of  fine  goods  in  her  for 
Europe,     {^ipp) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  February  10,  1654  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  340). 

The  Committees  are  again  desired  to  use  their  discretion  with 
regard  to  the  price  of  saltpetre  to  be  sold  to  the  State.  Mr.  Thom- 
son waives  his  offer  concerning  the  ship  he  proposed  to  send  to  the 
Coast,  the  year  being  far  advanced  and  because  a  great  deal  of 
time  would  be  necessary  to  fetch  goods  from  the  Bay.  After  much 
debate,  the  Court  resolves  that  a  ship,  not  exceeding  220  tons  in 
burden,  shall  be  freighted  to  the  Coast  to  fetch  home  part  of  the 
Company's  estate  and  so  lessen  the  charge  in  those  parts,  and  that 
stock  to  the  value  of  i,oco/.  shall  be  sent  in  her.  Hereupon 
Thomas  Andrew  declares  that,  though  he  is  not  against  the 
dispatch  of  such  a  ship,  yet  he  utterly  refuses  to  send  any  part  of 
his  adventure,  or  if  this  is  done  he  will  expect  satisfaction  for  the 
same  if  any  loss  is  incurred  ;  James  Edwards  also  declares  the 
same.  They  are  told  that  the  stock  to  be  sent  out  is  for  the  good 
of  the  voyage  and  to  prevent  any  loss  which  might  accrue  to  the 
Company  if  there  should  not  be  lading  for  the  said  vessel.  Certain 
Committees  are  entreated  to  freight  such  a  ship  and  dispatch  her 
to  the  Coast  with  stock  to  the  value  of  1,000/.     (ij  pp.) 

Alderman  Fowke's  Statement  of  his  Case,  February  10, 
1654  {Public  Record  Office:  C  O.  "]%  vol.  vii,  no.  6%). 

On  July  8,  1646,  he  petitioned  the  Lords  assembled  in  Parlia- 
ment against  the  injustice  of  the  East  India  Company  and  against 
two  decrees  obtained  by  them  in  Chancery  against  his  person  and 
estate  to  the  value  of  7,000/.,  and  prayed  that  the  Company  might 
answer  his  petition  and  show  cause  why  the  said  decrees  should  not 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  397 

be  reversed  and  his  estate  (being  adventures  with  profits  accruing) 
restored,  and  damages  and  costs  allowed  him  for  the  wrong 
sustained.  On  August  ai,  1646,  the  Company  answered  his 
petition,  justified  the  two  decrees,  and  were  heard  by  the  Lords, 
who  on  May  6,  1647,  by  a  final  judgement  adjudged  the  decrees 
unjust,  reversed  them  and  ordered  the  petitioner's  adventures  with 
profits  accruing  to  be  restored  and  paid  with  damages  at  8  per  cent, 
per  annum  and  100/.  costs.  On  May  18,  1647,  the  Commissioners 
of  the  Great  Seal  (the  speakers  of  the  two  Houses  of  Parliament) 
were  required  by  the  Lords  to  cancel  and  make  void  the  two 
decrees  ;  this  was  done  and  thus  the  first  part  of  the  judgement 
executed.  On  July  17,  1647,  the  Company  petitioned  the  Lords 
to  stay  all  further  proceedings;  whereupon  Their  Lordships 
ordered  that  the  petitioner  should  see  and  answer  their  petition, 
which  was  done  and  on  October  7,  1647,  the  Lords  ordered  the 
Company  to  pay  the  petitioner  7,000/.  with  damages  and  costs  or 
else  to  stand  committed  for  contempt.  On  October  aa,  1647,  the 
Company  petitioned  the  House  of  Commons  for  relief  and  stay  of 
all  further  proceedings  ;  this  petition  and  the  order  of  October  7, 
1647,  were  referred  to  a  committee  and  proceedings  stayed  for 
nearly  three  years.  On  June  aa,  1650,  the  petitioner's  petition  and 
the  final  judgement,  decree,  and  order  of  May  6  and  October  7, 
1647,  were  read  in  Parliament  and  the  order  of  October  a  a,  1647, 
was  taken  off,  and  it  was  referred  to  a  second  committee  to  report 
on  the  Thursday  following  how  the  Lords'  decree  might  be  put 
in  execution  (the  second  part  not  executed,  being  contained  in 
the  order  of  October  7,  1647),  and  the  judgement,  decree,  and 
order  formerly  made  in  Parliament  were  now  ratified  and  con- 
firmed by  Parliament  for  the  first  time.  Nevertheless  in  July, 
1650,  the  Company  again  petitioned  Parliament  to  be  allowed 
to  '  rest  quiet '  under  the  two  Chancery  decrees,  or  that  their 
former  petition  might  be  referred  to  the  same  committee  and 
they  heard  upon  the  merits  of  the  cause  before  they  were  con- 
cluded ;  but  their  petition  was  rejected  and  the  judgement,  decree, 
and  order  of  the  Lords  confirmed  by  Parliament  a  second  time.  On 
February  a7,  165a,  the  second  committee,  having  fully  heard  the 
Company  and  their  counsel,  reported  in  Parliament  an  Act,  how 
that  second  part  of  the  judgement  and  order  of  May  6  and  Octo- 


298  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

ber  7,  1647,  for  the  petitioner's  relief  might  be  put  in  execution  ; 
this  Act  was  read  the  first  time  and  then  another  petition  from  the 
Company ;  yet  the  Act,  being  voted  for,  was  read  a  second  time 
and  referred  to  a  third  committee  with  the  Company's  petition ; 
and  thus  the  Lords'  judgement,  decree,  and  order  were  confirmed 
by  Parliament  a  third  time.  On  July  15,  165a,  the  Company  (after 
the  third  committee  had  voted  and  declared  on  three  several  days 
that  they  did  not  think  fit  to  hear  them  to  that  part  of  the  Lords' 
decree  already  executed,  and  ordered  the  Act  to  be  proceeded  upon 
in  part)  again  petitioned  Parliament  to  hear  the  merits  of  their 
cause,  against  which  the  petitioner  made  a  counter  petition  to  be 
enabled  to  receive  the  7,000/.,  damages  and  costs.  Debate  hereon 
was  adjourned  and  the  third  committee  ordered  to  report  their 
proceedings  therein  to  Parliament.  On  September  7,  1652,  the 
debate  was  resumed  and  the  third  committee  ordered  to  consider 
that  part  of  the  Lords'  judgement  and  decree  not  yet  executed,  and 
thus  the  said  decree  and  judgement  was  confirmed  by  Parliament 
a  fourth  time ;  and  since  then  nothing  has  been  done.  The 
premises  being  fully  considered,  the  petitioner  humbly  prays  that 
the  Company  may  not  be  suffered  to  worry  him  any  longer  by 
staying  execution  of  the  Lords*  judgement  and  decree  upon  any 
pretence  whatsoever,  and  that  the  Act  twice  read  may  be  amended 
and  passed  according  to  the  draft  (annexed  to  his  petition  to  His 
Highness),  being  in  pursuance  of  the  final  judgement,  decree,  and 
order  of  the  6th  May  and  7th  October,  1647,  n^ade  by  the  Lords  in 
Parliament  and  confirmed  June  22,  1650,  and  three  several  times 
since.     Signed^  John  Fowke.     (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  February  15, 1654  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  342). 

Order  is  given  for  some  calicoes  sent  to  William  Gurney  by  his 
son  at  the  Coast  to  be  delivered,  the  fine  to  be  charged  to  the  son's 
account ;  for  the  fine  to  be  remitted  on  certain  damaged  calicoes 
and  stuffs  belonging  to  Mr.  Gardner,  chirurgeon  in  the  Love ;  and 
for  the  goods  sent  by  Frederick  Skinner  to  be  delivered  to  their 
owners,  they  to  pay  half  the  fine  according  to  the  penalty  of  the 
charterparty.  George  Gawton,  who  went  out  and  returned  in  the 
Love,  to  be  cleared.     The  owners  of  the  Love  and  the  East  India 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  299 

Merchant  to  be   paid  all  freight  due  to  them.     Sugar   sold   to 
Mr.  Tomblings.     (i  /.) 

Petition  of  Thomas  Allen  and  William  Pennoyer, 
February  20,  1654  {Public  Record  Office :  C.  0.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  69). 

The  Petitioners,  being  engaged  in  the  Indian  trade,  and  having 
prepared  the  Alu7n  frigate  and  other  ships  to  fetch  home  their 
returns,  supply  factors,  bring  back  saltpetre  and  other  goods,  and 
to  preserve  that  trade  for  the  good  of  the  Commonwealth,  pray  that 
order  may  be  given  to  the  Commissioners  of  the  Customs  to  pass 
for  India  (as  usually  by  order  of  Parliament  they  have  freely  done) 
the  sum  of  7,000/.  in  bullion  of  gold  and  silver  or  in  rials  of  eight. 
Signed^  Thomas  Allen.  Referred  to  the  consideration  of  the 
Council.     Endorsed.    Received  April  3,  1654.     (i/.) 

The  Company's  Answer  to  the  Statement  of  Alderman 
FowKE,  February,  1654  {Public  Record  Office :  C.  O.  77,  vol.  vii, 
no.  71  ^). 

They  assert  that  the  Alderman  has  not  stated  his  case  truly, 
either  with  regard  to  the  matter  or  manner  of  the  proceedings,  and 
that  he  has  not  dealt  clearly  with  His  Highness  or  his  Council. 
They  conceive  that,  as  the  matter  in  dispute  is  concerning  a  bargain 
of  saltpetre  made  about  twenty-five  years  ago,  for  which  they  have 
obtained  two  decrees  in  Chancery  against  the  said  Alderman,  one 
made  in  the  seventh,  the  other  in  the  eleventh  year  of  the  late 
King,  for  the  sum  of  1,997/.  17^.,  if  Fowke  is  properly  '  relieveable ' 
it  should  be  by  a  Bill  of  Revenue  in  the  High  Court  of  Chancery, 
or  by  trial  at  the  common  law,  and  not  in  Parliament  or  before  His 
Highness  or  the  Council,  it  being  ever  held  that  no  man  should 
appeal  to  the  supreme  authority  in  any  cause  where  he  may  have 
relief  either  in  law,  or  in  Chancery,  or  in  the  ordinary  course  of 
justice ;  and  the  rather  because  the  said  two  decrees  were  made  so 
long  ago  upon  a  full  and  judicial  hearing  and  no  question  was  then 
raised  of  any  injustice  or  irregularity.  They  further  assert  that 
above  sixteen  years  after  the  two  decrees  had  been  obtained  by 
them  in  Chancery  and  when  the  principal  witnesses  upon  whose 

1  There  is  a  duplicate  under  no.  74. 


300  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

depositions  the  said  decrees  were  grounded  were  dead,  the  Alder- 
man obtained  the  order  from  the  Lords  mentioned  by  him  in  the 
relation  of  his  case,  which  order  was  unjust  and  illegal,  being  made 
against  the  Company  without  the  latter  being  fully  heard  or  the 
proofs  read  upon  which  the  decrees  had  been  made ;  besides  which 
they  demur  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Lords,  it  being  held  erroneous 
for  them  to  proceed  in  any  cause  which  has  not  first  been  submitted 
to  the  House  of  Commons,  who  have  resolved  in  many  former 
cases  of  this  nature  between  parties,  commoners  of  England,  that 
the  House  of  Lords  has  no  power  to  adjudicate  in  such  cases  upon 
petition,  before  the  House  of  Commons  has  been  first  applied  to, 
for  the  latter  can  always  transmit  the  same  to  the  House  of  Lords 
if  they  see  cause.  Therefore  the  Company  maintains  that,  although 
the  decrees  made  in  Chancery  have  been  cancelled  by  order  of  the 
Lords,  the  said  order  is  invalid  and  illegal,  which  can  be  manifested  by 
many  judgements,  precedents,  and  examples  in  the  last  Parliament 
but  one,  and  in  former  Parliaments,  and  that,  notwithstanding  the 
said  cancelling,  the  decrees  do  yet  by  law  stand  in  force.  They 
further  declare  that  after  some  agitation  Parliament  ordered,  on 
February  i'] ^  1652,  the  whole  matter  to  be  examined  by  a  com- 
mittee empowered  to  hear  both  sides  upon  oath  and  to  examine 
papers,  persons,  and  witnesses.  After  some  debate  before  this 
committee  it  was  agreed  that  the  two  decrees  made  in  Chancery 
should  be  read,  although  the  Lords  had  ordered  them  to  be 
cancelled.  Since  this  the  Alderman  has  ceased  his  prosecution 
upon  the  Lords'  order  until  now,  when  he  presents  a  petition  to 
His  Highness  and  his  Council.  In  regard  the  Lords  assumed  an 
irregular  jurisdiction  in  cancelling  the  two  decrees  obtained  in 
Chancery  for  a  just  debt  due  by  the  said  Alderman,  concerning 
which  the  Company  is  ready  to  answer  in  any  course  either  at 
common  law  or  in  Chancery,  they  do  not  consider  the  same  proper 
for  the  consideration  of  the  Council,  and  therefore  they  pray  that  no 
more  trouble  may  be  taken  in  the  matter  and  that  they  may  be 
dismissed  from  further  attendance.  Signed,  William  Cokayne, 
Governor.     E?idorsed.     Delivered  February  2,1,  1654.    (i  /.) 


i 


EAST   INDIA    COMPANY  301 

Notes  of  Proceedings  before  Colonels  Sydenham  and 
Montague  on  Alderman  Fowke's  Case  {Public  Record  Office : 
C.  O.  T],  vol.  vii,  no.  70). 

February  21.  The  East  India  Company's  answer  presented  and 
read,  a  copy  ordered  to  be  given  to  Alderman  Fowke,  and  both 
parties  desired  to  attend  to-morrow  at  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 
February  22.  Both  sides  fully  heard.  The  case  submitted  to  the 
Council,     (i^//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  February  22,  1654  (Court  Booh, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  343). 

In  accordance  with  warrants  received  from  the  Commissioners  of 
the  Ordnance,  saltpetre  is  ordered  to  be  delivered  to  Messrs.  Dewey, 
Molins,  Jarvis  and  Freeman,  powdermakers,  after  tare  for  the  same 
has  been  settled.  Tare  of  cotton  yarn  to  be  examined  and  reported 
on.  Upon  petition  Captain  Brookehaven  is  given  the  promised 
gratuity  of  100/.  for  having  performed  his  duty  faithfully,  with  100 
marks  in  addition  as  a  token  of  the  Company's  favour,     (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  February  24,  1654  (Court  Book^ 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  344). 

The  Committees  report  that  they  have  settled  the  tare  of  salt- 
petre with  the  powdermakers,  and  of  cotton  yarn  with  Mr.  Tutchin. 
Calicoes  sold  to  Mr.  Satillion.     (J  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
March  i,  1654  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  256). 

Mr.  Blackerby  is  requested  to  pay  the  500/.  owing  by  the  late 
Mr.  Methwold  for  a  legacy  left  by  Mr.  Fremlin  to  the  Hospital 
at  Blackwall ;  he  agrees  to  do  so  on  receiving  15/.  discount ;  this 
the  Court  consents  to  pay,  and  the  Secretary  is  directed  to  give 
Blackerby  an  'assumsett^ '  of  I2d.  to  deliver  the  said  500/.  within 
fourteen  days  upon  penalty  of  800/.  Mr.  Blackborne,  secretary 
to  the  Commissioners  of  the  Navy,  is  given  a  gratuity  of  4/.,  and 
Mr.  Hooker,  clerk  to  the  Commissioners  of  the  Ordnance,  a  gratuity 
of  40s.  for  civility  in  dispatching  the  Company's  business.     Salt- 

*  An  assumpsit^  or  undertaking  (either  verbal  or  in  writing,  not  sealed)  founded  upon 
a  consideration. 


302  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

petre  to  be  delivered  to  Daniel  Judd  and  Samuel  Davies,  in 
obedience  to  an  order  from  the  Commissioners  of  the  Ordnance. 
Jeremy  Sambrooke  requesting  that  his  former  salary  of  253/.  6s.  Sd. 
may  be  confirmed,  or  that  he  may  be  given  a  gratuity  for  his 
expenses  in  keeping  two  servants,  he  is  granted  50/.  from  this 
Stock  until  the  next  meeting  of  the  United  Joint  Stock,     (i/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  March  3,  1654  (Cour^  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  345). 

The  request  of  Mr.  Edwards  for  allowance  <3f  tare  on  ginger  is 
referred  to  certain  Committees.  Order  is  given  for  the  owners 
of  the  Love  to  be  paid  for  the  passages  of  all  who  came  from 
Surat  except  Mr.  Scividall  ^,  for  whom  Mr.  Cokayne  is  to  pay, 
and  Mr.  Noake,  who  is  to  pay  for  his  own.  The  sum  of  150/. 
to  be  imprested  to  Captain  Jarvis  Russell  for  the  ship  Katherine, 
lately  freighted  for  the  Coast.     (^  /.) 

The  Company  to  Henry  Ryley  at  Aleppo,  March  6,  1654 
{Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  24a). 

On  the  1 2th  of  last  September  they  sent  him  a  packet  directed 
to  Basra,  with  letters  to  Surat  and  Persia  enclosed,  giving  order 
for  a  considerable  quantity  of  Persia  silk  to  be  provided  in  Ghilan, 
etc.,  half  whereof  to  be  sent  overland  to  Aleppo,  the  rest  to  Spencer 
Bretton  at  Smyrna.  Ryley  is  desired  to  dispeed  the  silk  sent  to 
him  by  the  first  safe  English  ship,  and  to  give  those  who  accom- 
pany it  from  Persia  such  good  accommodation  '  as  may  stand 
with  the  qualitie  of  their  persons ' ;  to  forward  the  silk  in  the  same 
condition  in  which  it  arrives  at  Aleppo,  but  if  any  of  the  hair 
clothes  or  wiappers  are  defective  to  have  them  repaired.     (|/.) 

The  Company  to  Spencer  Bretton  [at  Smyrna],  March  6, 
1654  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  243). 

Requesting  him  to  forward  the  Persia  silk  sent  to  him  by  the 
first  'good  and  defencible'  English  ship  returning  home.  He  is 
not  to  undo  or  repack  the  bales  unless  the  cases  are  defective, 
and  then  to  have  them  repaired.     (|  /.) 

*  Henry  Sivedall,  who  was  allowed  in  January,  1649,  to  go  to  India  as  a  private 
individual  (see  the  previous  volume,  pp.  313,  317). 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  303 

A  Court  of  Committees,  March  8,  1654  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  346). 

Saltpetre  to  be  delivered  to  John  Semaine.  Richard  Battson, 
part-owner  of  the  Little  William,  to  be  paid  750/.  according  to 
a  Chancery  decree  made  in  the  last  Hilary  term.  Captain  Ryder 
announces  that  the  Katherine,  burden  about  ijoo  tons,  and  com- 
manded by  Jarvis  Russell,  has  been  freighted  at  20/.  per  ton  for 
coarse  goods  and  23/.  per  ton  for  fine  goods ;  that  '  if  there  bee 
noe  peace '  she  is  not  to  proceed,  but  to  keep  the  150/.  already 
imprested,  and  if  she  does  go,  then  that  sum  is  to  be  made  up  to 
700/.  imprest ;  all  other  conditions  to  be  according  to  the  charter- 
party  of  other  vessels.  Jeremy  Sambrooke  desiring  that  his 
former  salary  may  be  confirmed,  he  is  given  50/.  as  a  gratuity 
in  full  of  all  demands  up  to  the  present,  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock 
having  gratified  him  in  a  similar  manner.  The  Court  orders 
a  division  of  16/.  ^s.  in  money  to  be  made  to  every  adventurer 
in  the  United  Joint  Stock  within  a  month,     (i  p.) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  March  8,  1654  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  347). 

Sale  of  Jambi  pepper,  cardamoms,  benzoin,  silk,  sugar,  and  long- 
cloth,  with  prices  and  names  of  purchasers.     (J/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  March  10,  1654  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  348). 

The  owners  of  the  Smyrna  Merchant  present  an  award  made 
by  Messrs.  Avery,  Jolliffe,  Mico,  and  Cranley,  arbitrators,  whereby 
the  Company  is  to  pay  3,800/.  in  full  of  all  freight ;  the  matter 
is  referred  to  the  general  court  to  be  held  to-morrow.  The  busi- 
ness of  one  Stock  being  sometimes  enacted  in  a  court  for  the  other 
Stock,  order  is  given  that  any  order  for  the  one  Stock  shall  be 
added  to  the  last  court  for  that  Stock,  confirmed  at  the  next 
court,  and  entered  into  the  proper  books.  The  sum  of  1,000/.  to 
be  sent  to  the  Coast  is  ordered  to  be  invested  in  commodities 
suitable  for  that  part.  Saltpetre  to  be  delivered  to  Daniel  Judd 
and  Samuel  Davies.     (i  /.) 


304  COURT   MINUTES,    ETC.,   OF  THE 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  March  ii,  1654  {^Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  349). 

Alderman  Chiverton  reports  that  the  owners  of  the  Smyrna 
Merchant  have  presented  an  award  decided  upon  by  arbitration, 
whereby  the  Company  is  to  pay  3,800/.  in  full  of  freight  to  the 
owners  of  the  said  ship,  but  he  adds  this  award  was  made  in  the 
absence  of  the  Committees  chosen  by  the  Company  and  before 
they  were  fully  heard,  and  was  granted  upon  an  abstract  of  freight 
not  examined  by  any  Committees  and  not  eyen  signed  by  the 
auditor ;  notwithstanding  this,  the  sum  is  ordered  to  be  paid  in 
accordance  with  the  Company's  bond  to  stand  by  the  arbitrament ; 
but  it  is  resolved  that,  when  the  account  is  examined,  and  if  any 
error  is  found,  deduction  shall  be  made  for  the  same,  the  Court 
being  very  sensible  of  the  partiality  shown  in  this  matter,     (i/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  March  15,  1654  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  350). 

A  warrant  is  ordered  to  be  signed  for  payment  of  3,790/.  to  the 
owners  of  the  Smyrna  Merchant  in  full  of  freight  and  all  other 
demands.  Sarah  Kennett,  whose  husband  died  in  the  Love^  is 
granted  remission  of  freight  on  cloth.  The  owners  of  the  Roebuck 
to  be  paid  600/.  for  services  performed  up  to  the  time  she  was 
taken  by  the  Dutch.  A  court  of  Committees  to  be  held  for  this 
Stock  every  Friday  morning  only.     (^  /.) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  March  ii,  1654  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  351). 

The  Governor  announces  that  they  have  met  together  to  decide 
upon  an  answer  to  a  bill  presented  in  Chancery  by  the  executors  of 
the  late  Thomas  Penniston  against  himself  and  other  Committees 
for  non-payment  of  two  bills  of  exchange  each  for  5,500/. ;  the 
Court,  on  being  informed  that  money  and  cloves  have  been  received 
for  the  one  bill,  but  only  pepper  for  the  other,  requests  certain  of 
the  Committees  to  treat  with  the  executors  and  use  their  own 
discretion  in  settling  this  matter.  Some  desiring  to  know  if  the 
freemen  of  the  Company  may  not  have  the  same  liberty  as  private 
men,  who  are  not  free,  to  send  ships  to  India,  they  are  told  that 


I 


EAST    INDIA   COMPANY  305 

this  court  has  no  power  to  give  permission  to  any  private  persons 
to  trade  to  India,  and  that  those  doing  so  act  at  their  own  peril. 
The  votes  of  Parliament  are  read  concerning  carrying  on  the  trade 
by  a  Joint  Stock,  and  a  motion  is  made  for  all  to  consider  by  the 
next  meeting  how  best  to  carry  it  on  for  the  good  of  the  nation , 
*  that  it  may  not  bee  lost  to  the  Dutch,  this  Stocke  being  expired.' 
(14//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  March  31,  1654  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  '>i^^). 

The  owners  of  the  Katherine  apply  concerning  their  charterparty  ; 
they  are  referred  until  the  return  to  town  of  Captain  Ryder,  who 
treated  with  them  in  the  first  case.  The  waterside  porters  employed 
in  taking  up  the  Company's  goods  at  the  Customhouse  petition  for 
the  Company's  favour,  they  having  *  lett  fall  out  of  their  sling  one 
bale  of  saltpeeter  worth  5/. ' ;  they  are  ordered  to  pay  3/.  towards 
this  loss  and  then  to  be  paid  all  money  due  to  them.     (|/.) 

The  Company  to  William  Watson  and  Richard  Bridg- 
MAN  [at  Amsterdam],  March  31,  1654  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i, 
p.  244). 

Acknowledge  the  receipt  of  three  letters,  telling  of  the  sale  of  the 
Dutch  Company's  East  India  commodities  and  their  value.  Thank 
them  for  these  and  other  particulars  given,  and  desire  to  be  kept 
informed  of  all  that  concerns  the  East  India  trade.     {\  p-) 

Order  in  Council,  April  6,  1654  {Public  Record  Office: 
C.  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  69  II). 

The  petition  of  Thomas  Allen  and  William  Pennoyer,  etc.,  con- 
cerning the  exportation  of  bullion  to  India,  directed  to  the  Lord 
Protector  and  by  him  referred  to  the  Council,  is  ordered  to  be 
referred  to  the  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty  and  Navy,  who  are 
to  consider  the  same  and  report  their  opinion  to  the  Council. 
Examined  by  William  Jessop,  Clerk  of  the  Council.     (J  />.) 


3o6  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

The  Company  to  William  Watson  and  Richard  Bridg- 
MAN  [at  Amsterdam],  April  7,  1654  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i, 
p.  244). 

Inform  them  that  a  peace  has  been  concluded  between  England 
and  Holland  ;  also  that  the  Company  are  fitting  out  some  ships  for 
India  and  desire  Messrs.  Watson  and  Bridgman  to  procure  and 
remit  two  certificates  from  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty  or  from  the 
Bewinthebbers  of  the  Dutch  East  India  Company  directed  to  their 
General  and  Council  in  the  East  Indies,  or  to  any  of  them,  and  to 
all  commanders  and  officers  of  ships,  ordering  tHem,  because  of  the 
said  peace,  not  to  act  in  any  hostile  manner  against  the  persons, 
estates,  or  ships  in  the  service  of  and  belonging  to  the  English 
Company,  but  to  afford  them  *  all  friendly  and  amiable  respects '  ; 
and  the  English  Company  will  give  the  same  directions  to  all  under 
their  charge  or  command.  These  certificates  the  Company  intend 
to  send  in  their  ships  now  to  be  dispeeded  to  India,  so  that  if  they 
meet  with  any  Dutch  vessels  on  the  way  they  may  be  treated  in 
a  friendly  and  courteous  manner.     (^A) 

Report  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty 
touching  the  Exportation  of  Bullion,  April  8,  1654  {Public 
Record  Office:  C.  O,  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  69  I). 

On  consideration  of  the  reference  of  the  Council  touching  the 
petition  of  Thomas  Allen  and  William  Pennoyer,  the  Commissioners 
report  they  find  by  two  orders  of  Parliament  of  February  5,  1651, 
and  January  14,  1652,  that  the  East  India  Company  were  permitted 
to  transport  foreign  coin  and  bullion,  in  the  one  the  sum  of  50,000/. 
and  in  the  other  of  25,000/.  ;  that  they  know  nothing  to  hinder  the 
request  of  the  petitioners  being  granted  to  the  value  of  7,000/. 
Examined  by  Robert  Blackborne,  Secretary.  Endorsed,  Received 
and  read  September  11,  1654.     (J/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  April  12,  1654  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  o^si). 

Elizabeth  Cartwright  petitioning  to  be  allowed  7/.  \os,  for  six 
months'  interest  on  300/.,  the  Court  orders  that  she  be  given 
3/.  \^s,  in  full  of  all  interest.  William  Cuttler  is  appointed  garbler 
to  the  Company,  he  to  give  a  bond  to  protect  it  from  Alderman 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  307 

Fowke  and  others.  Pepper  being  wanted  for  the  division  for  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stock,  the  said  Stock  is  to  be  allowed  for  the  same  at 
the  rate  of  ly^d.  per  lb.  at  six  and  six  months  from  the  ist  of  this 
present  month.    (^/.) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock,  April  19,  1654  {Counf  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  o^^y). 

Calicoes  sold  to  Mr.  Bathurst.  Mr.  Acton  reports  that  Mr. 
Northy,  steward  of  the  manor  of  Stepney,  tells  him  that  the  present 
lords  of  that  manor  are  willing  to  enfranchise  the  Company's  estate 
there  for  a  reasonable  consideration.  Acton  is  directed  not  to 
move  in  the  matter  yet,  but  when  next  Mr.  Northy  broaches  the 
subject  to  inquire  who  are  the  present  lords  of  the  manor.  Mr. 
Andrews  acquaints  the  Court  that  some  of  the  storehouses  at 
Blackwall  are  let  to  the  State  at  50/.  per  annum,  the  docks  and 
part  of  the  yard  to  Mr.  Johnson  at  188/.  per  annum,  and  a  little 
slip  of  ground  behind  the  smith's  forge  to  Mr.  Tomlings  for  3/.  per 
annum  ;  at  the  Court's  desire  he  promises  to  dispose  of  the  rest  as 
speedily  as  possible.  A  messenger  comes  from  the  Commissioners 
of  Bankruptcy  with  a  decree  of  Chancery  under  the  broad  seal, 
ordering  the  Company  to  pay  4,547/.  for  the  gold  and  guns  received 
at  the  Coast  belonging  to  Mr.  Courteen ;  but  out  of  this  Mr.  Bate- 
son  is  to  be  paid  750/.  and  the  Company  314/.  9^.  5^.  for  money 
disbursed  for  Mr.  Courteen's  account,  so  that  the  sum  to  be  paid 
to  the  Commissioners  is  3,582/.  loi".  yd. ;  Mr.  Acton  desiring  that 
payment  may  be  stayed  until  it  is  known  what  Mr.  Kenniston  is 
going  to  do,  the  messenger  is  told  that  he  shall  receive  an  answer 
at  the  end  of  term.  There  being  500/.  due  from  the  State  to  the 
Company  for  Algier  duty,  the  offer  of  a  friend  of  the  Governor 
to  get  this  paid  on  receipt  of  a  commission  of  2,s.  in  the  pound  is 
willingly  accepted,     (ij//.) 

A  Meeting  of  the  Committees  for  the  Dutch  Business, 
April  iio,  1654  {Factory  Records,  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  431). 

Resolved  to  consider  of  an  able  solicitor  to  follow  the  Dutch 
business,  and  of  some  fit  and  able  merchants  to  treat  with  the  Dutch, 
but  only  four  Committees  being  present,  it  is  agreed  to  meet  next 
Wednesday  afternoon.     (J/.) 

X  % 


3o8  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees,  April  ai,  1654  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  354). 

Payment  ordered  to  be  made  for  a  bale  of  silk  sold  by  the 
Company,  it  being  part  of  the  Ruth's  stock  consigned  to  Mr.  Thom- 
son in  the  S^nyrna  Merchant,  Robert  Doughty  applying  for  his 
salary,  a  general  letter  from  Bantam  is  read  in  which  he  is  accused 
of  some  delinquency ;  therefore  certain  Committees  are  desired  to 
examine  and  report  on  his  affairs,  and  the  sannoes  he  asked  to  have 
delivered  are  ordered  to  be  taken  to  the  Coihpany's  warehouse, 
there  to  remain  until  further  notice.  The  owners  of  the  Katherine 
asking  for  an  additional  200/.  upon  account  of  imprest,  and  that  this 
sum,  if  the  ship  is  not  employed  by  the  Company,  may  be  allowed, 
because  '  they  lye  at  great  charge  and  it  being  past  the  time  they 
agreed  for ',  they  are  advised  to  seal  their  charterparty  and  hasten 
the  ship  to  the  Downs,  and  promised  that  if  she  is  detained  there, 
allowance  shall  be  made  to  them  for  all  charges  during  the  time ; 
nothing  is  concluded.  Lancelot  Johnson  requests  that  his  son, 
who  is  a  factor  in  India,  may  be  continued  in  that  employment  ; 
he  is  told  that  if  the  Company's  trade  still  goes  on  there,  his  son 
shall  be  considered  as  soon  as  any  other,     (i  p) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  April  2,4, 1654  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  ^^^). 

An  order  is  presented  from  Lisle  Long,  secretary  to  the  Lord 
Protector,  requiring  the  Company  to  pay  the  two  bills  of  exchange, 
each  for  5,500/.,  to  the  executors  of  the  late  Thomas  Penniston,  or 
to  give  reason  for  not  doing  so  ;  hereupon  the  Committees  formerly 
appointed  to  attend  to  this  matter  are  desired  to  treat  with  the 
executors  and  to  draw  up  an  answer  to  their  case  for  presentation 
to  His  Highness.  The  owners  of  the  Katherine  awaiting  the  Court's 
decision  as  to  the  dispatch  of  their  vessel,  the  Court,  opining  that 
'  there  would  bee  a  publication  of  peace  on  Wednesday  next  ^ ', 
defers  its  resolution,     (ip-) 

*  The  peace  was  proclaimed  in  London  on  April  26. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  309 

A  Meeting  of  the  Committees  for  the  Dutch  Business, 
April  26,  1654  {Factory  Records,  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  422). 

A  petition  is  drawn  up  to  the  Lord  Protector  praying  for  direction 
concerning  the  men  the  Company  shall  choose  to  treat  about  their 
losses  with  the  Dutch  ;  and  each  Committee  is  desired  to  write 
down  the  names  of  able  men  he  knows,  not  interested  in  the 
Company,  out  of  whom  four  can  be  chosen.     (J  /.) 

Petition  of  the  Company  to  the  Lord  Protector,  April, 
1654  {Factory  Records,  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  404). 

They  humbly  acknowledge  the  pious  care  shown  by  His  Highness 
in  the  conclusion  of  the  late  treaty  of  peace  with  the  Dutch  with 
regard  to  satisfaction  to  be  obtained  for  the  many  wrongs  and  great 
damages  sustained  by  this  Company  in  India.  Being  generally 
informed  (but  not  having  seen  the  articles  they  cannot  vouch  for  the 
truth  hereof)  that  they  are  limited  to  a  short  time  to  formulate  their 
demands,  and  that  the  Dutch  have  already  deputed  commissioners 
to  join  with  others  of  this  nation,  they  pray  that  His  Highness  will 
signify  his  pleasure  as  to  the  course  they  shall  take  for  accom- 
modation of  this  business,  they  being  ready  to  follow  his  directions 
herein.     Delivered  to  Mr.  Lisle  Longy  April  Oi^j,  1654.     (J/.) 

Report  of  the  Committee  on  Alderman  Fowke's  Case, 
April  26,  1654  {Public  Record  Office :  C.  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  ']^). 

They  find  that  the  Alderman's  petition  consists  of  two  parts. 
The  first  concerns  the  bargain  [for  saltpetre]  between  him  and  the 
East  India  Company,  touching  which  several  decrees  have  passed 
in  Chancery  on  behalf  of  the  said  Company,  which  were  afterwards 
reversed  in  the  late  House  of  Peers  in  1647  and  the  Company 
ordered  to  pay  the  petitioner  7,000/.  (the  principal  in  question  with 
the  profits  accruing),  besides  damages  and  costs.  The  Company 
petitioned  the  House  of  Commons  several  times  to  annul  this 
judgement,  and  several  proceedings  took  place  in  Parliament 
touching  the  same,  although  part  of  the  judgement  of  the  Lords 
was  executed.  In  1651  an  Act  was  prepared  and  twice  read  for 
settling  the  residue,  yet  as  the  Act  stood  committed  and  the  part 
not  executed  stood  referred  when  Parliament  dissolved  in  1653,  the 


3IO  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

committee  opines  that  that  part  of  the  petition  should  not  be  pro- 
ceeded with  by  the  Council,  but  reserved  for  the  judgement  of 
Parliament  on  the  petitioner  making  application.  The  second 
part  of  the  petition  concerns  reparation  for  sufferings  sustained  in 
the  third  year  of  the  late  King  when  the  petitioner's  goods  were 
seized  and  detained  for  his  refusal  to  pay  tonnage  and  poundage  in 
obedience  to  a  vote  or  declaration  of  Parliament.  This  was  referred 
by  an  order  of  Parliament  of  January  i8,  1647,  to  the  consideration 
of  the  Commissioners  of  the  Navy,  who  estimated  the  petitioner's 
damages  and  losses  at  27,615/.,  viz.  5,827/.  for  gt)ods  seized,  9,788/. 
for  interest  on  the  same  for  twenty-one  years,  and  12,000/.  for  loss 
of  his  trade  at  six  per  cent,  for  twelve  years.  This  was  referred  by 
Parliament  to  the  Council  of  State,  who  by  an  order  of  October 
25,  1652,  declared  their  opinion  that  500/.  per  annum  should  be 
settled  upon  the  petitioner  and  his  heirs  in  the  Forest  of  Waltham 
in  Essex.  This  the  Committee  conceives  fit  to  be  made  good  and 
offers  the  same  as  their  opinion  with  submission  to  the  wisdom  of 
the  Council.  The  petitioner's  demand  for  a  further  allowance,  the 
committee  leaves  to  the  consideration  of  the  Council.  Endorsed. 
Read  and  agreed  May  9,  1654,     (i^//.) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  April  28,  1654  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  2,^^), 

The  owners  of  the  Katherine  being  desired  to  seal  their  charter- 
party  and  to  let  the  ship  proceed  on  her  voyage,  they  declare  that 
it  is  late  in  the  year  and  therefore  doubtful  if  the  voyage  can  be 
made,  and  that  as  the  Company  refuses  to  employ  the  said  ship  for 
six  months,  or  to  suffer  the  owners  to  do  so  if  she  should  not  be 
able  to  gain  the  Coast  in  due  time,  and  the  date  agreed  upon 
having  passed,  they  consider  themselves  released  from  their  former 
agreement.  Several  captains  and  able  seamen  giving  it  as  their 
opinion  that  the  voyage  is  feasible  and  might  be  made  even  a  month 
later,  the  Court,  after  much  dispute,  resolves  to  hold  the  owners  to 
their  agreement.  Captain  Russell  desires  time  to  confer  with  his 
co-owners,  and  certain  Committees  are  entreated  to  receive  their 
answer  this  afternoon  and  to  keep  them  to  their  agreement,  which 
if  they  refuse  to  stand  to,  then  to  use  their  discretions  what  course 
to  take  to  recover  any  loss  that  may  be  sustained  by  the  ship  not 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  311 

going.     Special  notice  is  ordered  to  be  given  of  a  general  court  to 
be  held  to  consider  how  to  carry  on  the  East  India  trade,     (i  J  pp) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  May  2,  1654  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  357). 

The  Committees  appointed  to  confer  with  the  owners  of  the 
Katherine  report  that  the  latter  refuse  to  allow  their  ship  to 
proceed  on  the  former  conditions,  as  she  has  no  '  salvo  conducto ' 
and  the  time  of  year  is  so  far  spent ;  the  Committees  protested 
against  the  loss  that  might  accrue  to  the  Company  by  this  decision. 
Hereupon  some  declare  that  there  is  a  further  agreement  between 
the  Lord  Protector  and  the  Dutch  ambassadors  for  all  hostilities  to 
cease  from  the  4th  instant,  and  that  the  desired  port '  is  on  this  side 
the  line '.  Captain  Russell  announces  that,  if  he  is  given  a  salvo 
conducto  under  the  ambassadors'  hands,  and  allowed  5/.  per  day  for 
the  time  he  has  to  wait  for  the  same,  he  will  seal  his  charterparty 
and  proceed  on  the  voyage,  but  that  none  of  the  other  owners  will 
seal  with  him.  He  is  requested  to  do  this  forthwith  and  to  go  to 
the  Downs,  the  Court  agreeing  to  allow  him  5/.  per  day  and  desiring 
the  Committees  to  meet  him,  see  the  charterparty  sealed,  and  do  all 
possible  to  further  his  dispatch.  Decision  as  to  what  shipping  to 
send  to  Bantam  to  fetch  home  the  Company's  estate  remaining  in 
those  parts  is  referred  to  the  Court  of  Committees  to  resolve  upon, 
after  assurance  has  been  received  that  all  hostilities  between  the 
English  and  Dutch  shall  cease  from  the  4th  instant,     (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
May  3,  1654  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  !258). 

Cuttler,  the  late  garbler,  offers  to  refer  the  difference  concerning 
700/.  between  himself  and  the  Company  to  indifferent  arbitration, 
but  the  Court  advises  him  to  deposit  the  said  sum  and  refer 
himself  to  the  Company  ;  he  agrees  to  give  them  security  for  400/., 
his  bond  for  payment  of  the  remaining  300/.,  and  to  submit  to  the 
decision  of  the  Committees  as  to  what  part  of  the  latter  sum  he 
shall  pay ;  hereupon  certain  Committees  are  desired  to  approve  and 
receive  the  said  security.  Jean,  widow  of  the  late  Thomas  Prowd, 
requests  to  be  paid  the  125/.  detained  from  her  late  husband's  wages 
by  the  Company  to  save  them  harmless  from  any  deniands  for  500 


3ia  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

rials  belonging  to  the  Malayans  and  charged  by  Mr.  Baker  oiT 
Mr.  Prowd,  who  on  his  death-bed  utterly  denied  having  received 
any  part  of  it ;  this  matter  is  referred  to  the  next  court.    ( j  p) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  May  5, 1654  {Cotirt  Book,  vol.  xxiii, 

p.  35^)' 

Thomas  Bretton,  who  returned  lately  from  Surat,  applying  for 
wages  and  debts  due  to  him,  certain  Committees  are  desired  to 
examine  and  report  upon  his  affairs.  The  Court  resolving  that 
a  ship  shall  be  sent  at  once  to  Bantam,  the  following  vessels  are 
named  :  the  Love,  master,  Captain  Jurden,  the  Merchants'  Delight, 
master,  Captain  Harman,  each  of  these  400  tons  burden  and  to  be 
freighted  at  18/.  per  ton :  the  William,  master,  Captain  Curtis, 
burden  450  tons,  the  Aleppo  Merchant,  master.  Captain  Millet, 
Junior,  burden  360  tons,  the  East  India  Merchant,  master,  Captain 
Newport,  burden  350  tons,  the  three  last  to  be  freighted  at  1 7/.  per 
ton.  Captain  Bayly  is  questioned  as  to  the  sufficiency  of  the 
William ;  he  declares  that  she  is  a  sound  ship  and  could  be  ready 
by  the  end  of  the  month.  The  Court  then  desires  Captain  Prowd, 
Messrs.  Gee,  Steevens,  Johnson  and  Roach  to  examine  and  report 
on  the  said  vessels.  Sarah  Stannard  is  granted  remission  of  the 
fine  on  some  calicoes  returned  in  the  Love,     (i  /.) 

The  Company  to  William  Watson  and  Richard  Bridg- 
MAN  [at  Amsterdam],  May  5,  1654  (Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  245). 

Acknowledge  the  receipt  of  their  letters  of  the  24th  April  and 
1st  and  8th  of  May,  telling  of  their  unsuccessful  endeavours  to 
obtain  the  two  certificates  desired  from  the  Dutch  East  India 
Company,  the  Court  of  Admiralty,  or  the  States  of  the  Hague. 
They  do  not  attribute  any  lack  of  service  to  Messrs.  Watson  and 
Bridgman  for  this  want  of  success,  but  desire  them  to  discontinue 
their  endeavours,  as  a  peace  has  been  concluded  between  the  two 
nations  and  was  proclaimed  in  England  on  the  26th  ultimo,  whereby 
all  acts  of  hostility  are  to  cease  and  all  reprisals  made  after  the 
4th  instant  are  to  be  restored  with  damages.     (|/.) 


EAST    INDIA   COMPANY  313 

A  Meeting  of  the  Committees  for  the  Dutch  Business, 
May  6,  1654 1  {Factory  Records^  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  43:2). 

Resolved  that  six-ninths  of  what  shall  be  recovered  from  the 
Dutch  shall  be  assigned  to  the  Third  Joint  Stock,  two-ninths  to  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stock,  and  one-ninth  to  the  adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  to  whom  also  the  islands  are  to  be  assigned.  Those 
men  who  are  to  act  as  arbitrators  to  be  nominated  at  a  meeting  to 
be  held  next  Monday  morning.    (J/.) 

The  Company  to  Thomas  Dethick,  Richard  Browne, 
AND  Company  [at  Leghorn],  May  8,1654  (Letter  Book,  vol.  i, 
p.  250)- 

Enclose  a  packet  directed  to  Consul  Ryley  at  Aleppo,  con- 
taining advices  to  India  with  news  of  the  good  tidings  of  the 
conclusion  of  peace  between  England  and  Holland,  and  request  that 
they  may  be  forwarded  to  him  by  the  first  opportunity.     (J/.) 

The  Company  to  Henry  Ryley  [at  Aleppo],  May  8,  1654 
{Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  ^50). 

Desire  him  to  forward  by  an  express  messenger  their  letters 
to  India,  containing  information  of  the  peace  concluded  between 
England  and  Holland,     (i/.) 

The  Company  to  John  Holworthy  [at  Marseilles], 
May  8,  1654  (Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  251). 

Request  him  to  forward  their  letters  for  India,  which  contain, 
amongst  other  things,  tidings  of  the  peace  concluded  between 
England  and  Holland,  to  Consul  Ryley  at  Aleppo  by  the  first 
safe  conveyance  that  shall  offer.     (J/.) 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  May  9,  \6^\{Public 
Record  Office :  S.  P.  Dom,:  Interregnum,  I.  75,  pp.  281-86). 

.  .  .  The  report  from  the  Committee  on  the  petition  of  Alderman 
John  Fowke  agreed  with,  and  land  to  be  set  out  in  Waltham  Forest, 
Essex,  belonging  to  the  State,  of  500/.  yearly  value,  and  settled 

^  Meetings  were  also  held  on  the  8th  and  9th  (twice),  but  only  the  names  of  those 
present  are  recorded,  the  proceedings  being  evidently  kept  secret. 


314  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC..   OF   THE 

on  him  and  his  heirs  for  ever.  The  Council  leaves  him  to  seek 
satisfaction  from  Parliament  for  his  sufferings  mentioned,  and  for 
the  matter  in  difference  between  him  and  the  East  India  Com- 
pany. ... 

A  General  Court  of  the  Freemen  and  Adventurers 
TO  consider  how  to  carry  on  the  East  India  Trade, 
May  io,  1654  {Court  Book^  vol.  xxiii,  p.  362). 

The  Governor,  observing  that  so  few  are  present,  inquires  if 
they  shall  proceed  in  a  business  of  'soe  publique  a  concernment'. 
In  reply  it  is  stated  that,  if  nothing  is  resolved  upon,  yet  it  is 
necessary  to  debate  this  matter  and  to  appoint  a  committee  to 
draw  up  some  form  or  model  of  the  most  advantageous  way  in 
which  to  carry  on  the  trade,  whether  by  a  joint  stock,  or  *  in 
a  regliment  according  to  the  Turkey  Company ',  or  in  some  other 
way,  as  this  business  will  depend  upon  the  success  of  the  resti- 
tution from  the  Dutch  and  the  delivery  of  the  Spice  Islands. 
Debate  ensues,  and  some  advocate  the  formation  of  another  joint 
stock,  while  others  are  against  it ;  yet  all  agree  in  their  desire  to 
proceed  with  the  trade  and  keep  it  from  falling  into  the  hands 
of  the  Dutch,  which  cannot  be  done  without  *  the  countenance  and 
assistance  of  our  superiours,  the  which  hath  bine  the  foundation  of 
the  Hollanders  trade  '.  Finally  twenty -two  .  Committees,  or  any 
eleven  of  them,  with  as  many  of  the  generality  as  please,  are 
entreated  to  meet  every  Thursday  morning,  at  eight  o'clock  to 
consult  and  draw  up  a  form  how  to  carry  on  this  trade  in  safety 
and  with  the  best  hope  of  profit  to  the  nation,  which  form  is  to 
be  presented  to  the  general  court  within  a  month.  The  Governor 
then  announces  that  according  to  their  former  resolution  a  ship 
is  now  to  be  freighted  to  Bantam  ;  he  names  the  five  that  have 
been  offered,  and  the  court  decides  upon  the  East  India  Merchant 
as  the  fittest  for  the  purpose,  she  to  be  at  Gravesend  by  the 
20th  June,  and  to  be  paid  imprest,  demurrage,  primage  and  average 
according  to  her  last  charterparty.  Captain  Newport  accepts  these 
conditions,  and  the  court  further  resolves  to  send  in  her  1,000/.  in 
money  or  in  such  commodities  as  shall  be  thought  best,     (ij//.) 


EAST   INDIA    COMPANY  ^i^ 

A  Meeting  of  the  Committees  for  the  Dutch  Business, 
May  io,  1654  {Factory  Records^  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  423). 

Mr.  Thomas  Kendall  and  Alderman  William  Thomson  are 
thought  fit  men  to  treat  as  merchants  with  the  Dutch,  and 
Dr.  Exton  and  Dr.  Turner  as  civilians.^      (|  /.) 

A  Meeting  of  the  Committees  for  the  Dutch  Business, 
May  II,  1654  ^  [Factory  Records,  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  423). 

The  above  mentioned  names  are  to  be  presented  in  these  terms  : 
The  East  India,  Muscovia,  and  Greenland  Companies,  together 
with  the  Traders  to  Brazil,  humbly  nominate  to  His  Highness 
and  his  honourable  Council  Drs.  Exton  and  Turner,  civilians, 
and  Messrs.  Thomson  and  Kendall,  merchants,  as  commissioners 
to  meet  the  Dutch  commissioners  upon  the  1 8th  instant,  according 
to  the  30th  article  of  the  peace,     (i/.) 

The  Company  to  Signor  Paolo  del  Sera  and  Company 
[at  Venice],  May  \%,  1654  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  251). 

Desire  them  to  transmit  the  enclosed  letters  for  India  to  Consul 
Ryley  at  Aleppo  by  the  first  safe  conveyance.     (J/.) 

The  Company  to  Jarvaies  Russell,  May  13,  1654  [Letter 
Book,vo\.  i,  p.  252). 

The  Dutch  ambassadors  have  been  applied  to  for  their  pass  : 
they  profess  themselves  willing  to  do  anything  to  preserve  the 
peace  and  union  of  both  nations  according  to  the  articles  of  peace 
(a  copy  of  which  Russell  has  with  him),  and  these  are  of  more 
value  than  any  certificate  and  must  be  made  good  by  both  nations. 
If  what  Russell  desires  were  permitted,  the  Dutch  say  it  would  dis- 
honour their  masters ;  it  has  never  been  granted  to  any  man.^ 
The  printed  proclamation  will  be  more  effectual  than  any  cer- 
tificate. Send  a  certificate  from  the  public  notary,  signed  by 
several  Dutch  merchants,  which  will  be  a  sure  notice  of  the  peace. 

^  Used  in  the  old  sense  of  a  practitioner  or  student  of  civil  law. 

*  Another  meeting  was  held  the  same  afternoon,  followed  by  others  on  the  12th  and 
17th,  but  only  the  names  of  those  present  are  given. 

'  See  a  letter  from  the  Dutch  ambassador  to  the  States- General  of  this  date,  printed  in 
Thurloe's  State  Papers  (vol.  ii,  p.  282). 


3i6  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

They  hope  Russell  will  avail  himself  of  the  first  fair  wind  to  set 
out  on  his  voyage.     Signed  by  Maurice  Thomson  only.    {\p.) 

An  Account  of  the  Particular  Losses  sustained  by  the 
English  in  the  East  Indies  through  the  Proceedings  of 
THE  Netherlands  Company  since  the  Treaty  of  i6ari,  May, 
1654  (Factory  Records ^  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  405). 

I.  March  20,  1622.  The  Dutch  put  wrongly  to  the  English 
account  one-third  part  of  the  charges  of  the  first  year  in  the 
Moluccas,  Banda  and  Amboyna  when  the  English  were  partners 
with  the  Dutch  in  the  trade  there,  viz.  one-third  of  the  charge  of 
'the  gallihorne,  tingans^,  schooles,  hospitalls,  guifts',  and  other 
exorbitancies  to  which  the  English  ought  not  to  have  con- 
tributed ;  also  one-third  part  of  the  wages  of  soldiers  and  others, 
paid  in  cloth  and  apparel  at  excessive  rates,  viz.  40,000  rials. 
2.  March  20,  1622.  The  English  paid  24,650  rials,  or  one-third 
part,  towards  the  building  and  repair  of  the  forts  in  the  Moluccas, 
Banda  and  Amboyna,  where  they  have  enjoyed  trade  for  one  year 
only,  whereas  these  reparations  will  last  for  many  years  ;  therefore 
three-quarters  at  least  of  this  sum  they  claim  should  be  restored, 
viz.  18^488  rials.  3.  March  20,  1622.  For  customs  of  cloves  and 
other  exactions  taken  by  the  Dutch  in  the  Moluccas  and  Amboyna 
contrary  to  the  treaty,  1,106  rials.  4.  June  20,  1622.  For  re- 
payment of  money  disbursed  on  account  of  charges  and  spices 
in  the  second  year,  when  the  English  hoped  to  have  continued 
partners  with  the  Dutch  in  the  trade  of  the  aforesaid  islands,  but 
the  latter  by  their  oppression  and  exorbitancies  'brought  us  to 
a  demurre ',  until  the  cruelties  perpetrated  at  Pulo  Run  and 
Amboyna  caused  '  our  utter  exterpation '  from  the  spice  trade, 
2fi,^6^  rials.  5.  The  English  paid  in  the  first  year  in  the  Moluccas, 
Banda  and  Amboyna  in  household  expenses,  house  rents,  general 
charges,  gifts,  and  merchandise,  23,507  rials,  two-thirds  of  which 
they  claim  from  the  Dutch  Company,  viz.  15,671  rials.  6.  August 
25,  1622.  The  Dutch  by  depopulating  and  wasting  the  island 
of  Pulo  Run  caused  the  English  to  lose  all  the  money  owing  to 

*  In  the  Award  this  word  is  explained  as  equivalent  to  the  Latin  scapha,  a  skiff  or 
sailing-boat.  It  is  perhaps  the  Malay  tambang,  now  used  to  denote  a  ferry-boat.  *  Galli- 
horne '  seems  to  be  the  Dutch  galjoen,  meaning  a  large  vessel. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  317 

them  by  the  '  orankaies '  and  other  natives,  for  which  they  claim 
5,725  rials.  7.  For  twenty-one  slaves  belonging  to  the  English 
but  violently  taken  by  the  Dutch  from  the  Fort  Nelacca  on 
Pulo  Run,  a,ioo  rials.  8.  For  detaining  'our  one-third  part  of 
400  slaves  and  other  goods ',  and  all  prize  goods  taken  by  the 
tingans,  for  which  the  English  had  formerly  been  compelled  to 
pay  their  usual  share,  10,975  ^^^^s-  9-  September,  162a.  For 
goods  forcibly  taken  out  of  the  English  houses  at  Jakatra,  in 
execution  of  an  unjust  sentence  on  behalf  of  some  Chinese,  16,182 
rials.  10.  February  20,  1623.  Money  seized  by  the  Dutch  on  the 
occasion  of  the  '  cruell  murther '  at  Amboyna,  30,058  rials.  11.  Feb- 
ruary 20,  1623.  For  payment  for  sundry  houses,  warehouses,  etc., 
which  the  English  built  at  the  Moluccas  and  Banda  and  from 
whence  they  are  expelled,  4,266  rials.  12.  For  customs  and 
other  exactions  paid  at  Jakatra  contrary  to  the  treaty,  4,775  rials. 
13.  April,  1627.  For  Japan  silver  forcibly  taken  out  of  the  English 
warehouses  at  Jakatra  in  execution  of  an  unjust  sentence  in  the 
case  of  Gio  Maria  Moretti,  an  Italian,  7,242  rials.  14.  Paid  by 
Richard  Welden,  the  English  Agent  at  Bantam,  for  the  release  from 
prison  of  Dawkes,  who  had  been  almost  starved,  50  rials.  15.  For 
payment  for  powder  taken  from  the  said  Agent  and  used  at  feasts 
held  by  the  Governor,  2,000  rials.  Total,  1953603  rials,  or  48,900/. 
sterling.  Delivered  to  the  Commissioners  May  17,  1654,  and  again 
on  May  29,  1654.     ('^^ipp.) 

A  Further  Demand  of  the  East  India  Company,  May  17, 
1654  (Factory  Records,  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  412). 

The  present  adventurers  in  the  United  Joint  Stock  demand 
satisfaction  for  four  ships  illegally  taken  from  them  in  the  Gulf  of 
Persia  about  February,  1653  ;  and  though  this  happened  after  the 
time  limited  in  the  Articles  for  restitution,  yet  it  is  thought  that 
satisfaction  should  be  made,  as  the  said  ships  were  taken  by  private 
persons  without  lawful  authority  or  commission  and  the  damage 
amounts  to  at  least  100,000/.  Signed,  R.S.,  Secretary  to  the  East 
India  Company.     Delivered  to  the  Commissioners  May  17.  1654. 

a  A) 


3i8  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

Answer  of  the  Dutch  Company  to  the  Demands  of  the 
English  Company  presented  to  the  Ambassadors  of  the 
States-General  of  the  United  Provinces  in  England 
{Factory  Records,  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  395). 

I.  By  the  treaty  of  1619  the  English  were  bound  to  contribute 
towards  the  maintenance  of  the  places,  forts  and  garrisons  in  the 
Moluccas,  Amboyna  and  Banda,  and  therefore  to  'the  gallies, 
tingans,  schooles  and  hospitalles '  there,  and  this  was  also  decreed 
by  the  Council  of  Defence  in  1620;  so  that  their  demands  con- 
cerning the  same  are  without  any  reason.  1.  By  the  same  treaty 
it  was  agreed  that  the  English  should  pay  one-third  towards  the 
repair  and  maintenance  of  the  forts  in  the  Moluccas,  Banda  and 
Amboyna  ;  this  can  also  be  proved  by  the  resolution  of  the  Council 
of  Defence  of  December  21,  i6ao.  3.  The  Dutch  as  well  as  the 
English  were  bound  to  pay  customs  in  the  Moluccas  and  Banda  to 
the  King  of  Ternate ;  therefore  the  English  have  no  claim  upon 
them  for  these.  4.  The  English  themselves  desired  to  remove 
their  people  and  goods  from  the  Moluccas,  Banda  and  Amboyna 
(as  appears  by  a  resolution  of  the  Council  of  Defence  of  January  ao, 
1620)  and  to  transport  them  in  the  Dutch  ships,  alleging  that  they 
could  not  continue  to  trade  in  such  places  without  greater  assistance. 
By  '  manifest  reckonings '  it  is  also  shown  that  their  *  ministers ' 
have  received  from  the  Dutch  Company  their  *  contingent  portion ' 
of  the  fruits  grown  there,  as  appears  by  the  original  quittances 
of  the  English  themselves,  and  therefore  it  cannot  be  proved  that 
the  Dutch  have  either  oppressed  or  wronged  them.  5.  The  English 
have  far  less  ground  for  this  demand,  for  each  Company  was  bound 
to  bear  the  private  charges  of  the  household,  and  house  rents  of 
merchants  and  other  servants  belonging  to  the  trade,  also  the 
charge  of  their  own  particular  merchandise ;  which  charges  the 
Dutch  have  always  separated  from  the  general  charges  and  borne 
themselves,  according  to  the  resolve  of  the  Council  of  Defence  in 
the  1 8th  article.  6.  The  Dutch  cannot  conceive  any  reason  why 
they  should  be  charged  with  other  people's  debts,  the  equity  of  the 
said  debts  not  even  appearing  or  that  the  Dutch  have  received  any 
profit  from  them.  7.  The  English  took  the  said  twenty-one  slaves 
from  the  Dutch,  who  had  previously  captured  the  barge  in  which 


I 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  319 

they  came ;  and  being  informed  of  this,  the  Dutch  Governor  in 
Banda  commanded  that  the  said  slaves  should  be  fetched  from  the 
English  house ;  therefore  the  English  have  no  reason  to  lay  the 
faults  of  their  own  people  upon  the  Dutch  or  to  claim  as  a  legal 
prize  what  has  been  unlawfully  seized.  8.  To  this  claim  the  Dutch 
reply  that  after  the  great  expedition  in  Banda  in  1621,  sustained  by 
the  Dutch  Company  alone,  '  noe  new  conquest  of  such  a  notable 
party  of  people '  can  be  accomplished  by  the  ordinary  methods  of 
war.  9.  In  this  the  English  unreasonably  charge  the  Dutch  Com- 
pany with  what  they  brought  upon  themselves  *by  their  unjust 
dealings  with  their  own  ministers  by  way  of  justice  '.  The  Dutch 
did  not  receive  a  penny  of  the  money  claimed,  but  justice  was 
administered  *  in  the  name  of  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords,  the 
States  Generall  of  the  United  Provinces  *  as  it  is  to  all  who  live 
under  their  jurisdiction.  10.  The  Dutch  openly  deny  having  taken 
or  kept  anything  belonging  to  the  English,  but  on  the  contrary 
they  had  an  inventory  made  for  their  benefit  and  sent  it  to 
Batavia  to  the  English  President  there,  and  it  was  delivered  by  the 
magistrate  at  Batavia  to  the  EngHsh  lodging.  11.  The  Dutch 
assert  that  they  never  meddled  with  or  took  any  profit  from  the 
English,  neither  did  they  expel  them  from  their  houses,  irj. 
Batavia  has  as  good  a  right  to  take  customs  as  other  '  kingdomes 
or  free  States  ' ;  besides  it  is  little  enough  for  the  English  to  pay 
for  the  nine  years  they  remained  at  Batavia,  the  Dutch  Company 
having  spent  some  millions  to  maintain  and  defend  that  place  as 
well  for  the  English  as  for  other  inhabitants,  and  the  English 
enjoying  their  trade  and  commerce  as  freely  as  the  Dutch.  13.  If 
goods  were  taken  from  the  English  by  the  justices  of  Batavia  for 
satisfaction  of  some  inhabitants,  who  in  body  and  goods  were 
grievously  injured  by  the  English,  this  does  not  concern  the  Dutch 
Company,  who  did  not  profit  by  it ;  and  it  is  only  reasonable  that 
whosoever  commits  a  fault  should  pay  for  it,  and  that  he  who  has 
been  wronged  should  receive  justice,  which  cannot  be  denied  to 
those  who  live  where  it  is  administered.  14.  Concerning  the  imprison- 
ment of  Dawkes,  he  called  the  Lieutenant  of  the  Fort  of  Nassau 
a  rogue,  and  for  this  he  was  arrested,  detained  seven  days,  ordered 
to  acknowledge  his  fault  and  to  pay  twenty-five  rials,  but  he 
refusing  and  speaking  scornfully  of  the  Governor  and  Council  he 


320  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

was  detained  another  ten  days,  again  ordered  to  confess,  and  fined 
another  twenty-five  rials,  and  '  after  satisfaction  of  his  condemna- 
tion '  he  was  released.  15.  The  English  being  bound  to  pay  one- 
third  of  all  charges,  they  should  do  so  for  this  powder,  which  was 
used  by  the  officers  entrusted  by  the  Dutch  with  the  defence  of 
those  parts ;  these  officers  are  fully  trusted  by  the  Dutch,  who 
therefore  stand  to  lose  more  than  the  English.     (4J  pp) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  May  19,  1654  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii, 
p.  360). 

Thomas  Bretton  renewing  his  request  for  payment  of  what  is  due 
to  him,  he  is  told  that  he  must  give  a  bond  of  500/.  to  stand  by  the 
decision  to  be  arrived  at  by  arbitration  in  the  usual  manner,  con- 
cerning his  private  trade  and  other  delinquencies ;  he  ofifers  to 
engage  his  wages  to  abide  by  the  judgement  of  the  whole  Court, 
but  will  give  no  bond.  The  Court,  having  heard  of  some  mis- 
demeanours committed  by  Frederick  Skinner,  their  Agent  at  Bantam, 
gives  order  for  him  to  return  in  the  £ast  India  Merchant.  John, 
son  of  Alderman  Fowke,  the  late  Garbler,  demands  payment  for  the 
garbling  of  spices  done  by  his  father  last  October  ;  but  the  Court, 
on  information  of  an  order  from  the  Court  of  Aldermen  to  the 
contrary,  defers  answering  him  until  the  next  meeting,     (i/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  May  26,  1654  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  361). 

Order  is  given  for  payment  to  be  made  to  Alderman  Fowke  for 
all  garbling  done,  on  he  and  his  son  signing  a  paper  to  protect  the 
Company  from  any  others  who  shall  demand  payment  for  the  same. 
Mr.  Chaworth  on  paying  his  debt  is  to  be  allowed  interest  and 
charges  thereon  and  to  be  given  a  receipt  and  his  bill,  but  if  he 
desires  a  general  discharge,  then  he  and  Mr.  Anfosse  must  give  one 
also.  The  petition  of  Bartholomew  Holloway  for  an  increase  of 
salary  is  referred  until  Mr.  Spiller  returns  to  town.  Thomas 
Bretton  offering  to  engage  his  wages  and  all  that  is  due  to  him  to 
stand  to  the  award  of  the  whole  court,  in  witness  hereof  he  is  given 
an  assumpsit  of  6d.  by  the  Governor,  and  certain  Committees  are 
requested  to  examine  and  report  on  his  business,     (i  p.) 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  321 

A  Meeting  of  the  Committees  for  the  Dutch  Business, 
May  27,  1654^  {Factory  Records^  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  424). 

Messrs.  Keate  and  Kerridge  are  requested  to  desire  the  Commis- 
sioners to  appoint  their  hour  of  meeting  on  Tuesday  next  at  the 
Guildhall,  and  the  Secretary  to  write  to  the  Dutch  Commissioners 
and  inform  them  of  the  hour  appointed.     {\  p.) 

The  Claims  of  the  English  Company  for  Losses  sus- 
tained IN  THE  East  Indies  and  South  Seas  by  the  Pro- 
ceedings OF  THE  Dutch  Company,  May,  1654  ^  {Factory 
Records,  Java^  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  408). 

I.  The  English  Company  demands  satisfaction  for  the  losses 
set  forth  in  fifteen  articles  hereunto  annexed  \see  p.  317],  viz. 
48,900/.  155.  3.  For  the  fruits  of  the  island  of  Pulo  Run,  this 
island  producing  yearly  about  238,00015.  of  nutmegs,  and  about 
6o,oco  lb.  of  mace,  of  which  the  English  ought  to  have  one-third 
part,  which,  reckoning  the  nutmegs  at  \'2,d.  per  lb.  and  the  mace 
at  IS,  per  lb.  amounts  to  5,966/.  13^'.  4^?.  yearly,  and  for  eighteen 
years,  up  to  1639,  the  time  agreed  upon  in  the  treaty,  to  107,390/. 
3.  For  all  the  fruits  of  Pulo  Run  from  1639  to  1654  at  the  same 
rate,  after  which  time  they  are  to  belong  wholly  to  the  English, 
viz.  for  nutmegs  238,000  lb.  and  mace  60,000  lb.,  which  amounts 
to  17,900/.  per  annum,  and  for  fifteen  years  to  268,500/.  4.  Resti- 
tution of  the  island  of  Pulo  Run,  which  clearly  belongs  to  the 
English,  as  was  acknowledged  by  the  treaty  of  161 9,  the  same  to 
be  delivered  up  in  as  good  a  condition  as  when  it  was  taken  away. 

5.  For  the  fruits  of  the  island  of  Lantore,  which,  according  to 
several  depositions,  produces  annually  500,000  lb.  of  nutmegs  and 
200,000  lb.  of  mace,  one-third  of  which  belongs  to  the  English, 
and  reckoning  the  nutmegs  at  \%d.  per  lb.  and  the  mace  at  2^. 
per  lb.  is   15,000/.  per  annum,  and  for  eighteen  years,  270,000/. 

6.  For  the  whole  produce  of  the  fruits  of  the  said  island  of  Lantore, 
as  belonging  to  the  English,  which  at  the  same  rates  amounts  to 
45,000/.  per  annum,  and  for  fifteen  years,  from  1639  to  1654,  to 
675,000/.     7.  Restitution  of  the  said  island  of  Lantore,  which  clearly 

^  Another  meeting  was  held  on  the  29th,  but  no  particulars  are  recorded  beyond  the 
names  of  those  who  attended. 

2  This  agrees  with  the  claim  set  forth  in  the  Award  (see  Introduction). 


3aa  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

belongs  to  the  English,  they  being  in  actual  possession  of  it  in 
1620,  when  the  articles  of  peace  came  to  the  Indies,  though  after- 
wards it  was  forcibly  taken  from  them.  8.  One-third  of  the  profits 
of  the  other  spice  islands  in  the  possession  of  the  Dutch  from  163 1 
until  1639,  according  to  the  treaty,  estimated  at  35,000/.  per 
annum  ;  the  one- third  is  therefore  450,000/.  9.  For  all  wares  and 
provisions  delivered  to  the  Agents  of  the  Dutch  Company  in  the 
Indies,  or  to  any  of  their  shipping  going  to  or  returning  from 
thence,  amounting  to  12,000  rials,  or  3,000/.  10.  For  the  customs 
of  Persia  on  the  Netherlanders'  goods,  the  one-half  belonging  to 
the  English  by  virtue  of  an  agreement  made  with  the  King  of 
Persia  in  1624,  which  half  is  worth  more  than  4,000/.  per  annum, 
and  for  thirty  years  (that  is,  up  to  1654)  is  120,000/.  11.  For 
the  malicious  burning  of  the  English  dwelling-houses,  warehouses, 
stores,  and  provisions  in  Jakatra  by  the  order  of  the  Dutch 
Governor-General  in  1628,  the  loss  amounting  to  200,000  pieces 
of  eight  or  50,000/.  12.  For  loss  of  trade,  owing  to  the  Dutch 
blockading  Bantam  for  six  years,  600,000/.  13.  For  102,959  ^^^^^ 
of  eight  taken  from  the  English  at  Surat  by  the  Mogul's  officials  ; 
the  Dutch  prevented  the  English  from  retaliating  upon  the  native 
junks  and  so  caused  the  loss  of  the  money,  which  at  three  for  one 
would  have  yielded  in  Europe  77,200/.  14.  For  pepper  taken  out 
of  the  Endymion  at  Padang  on  the  coast  of  Sumatra  in  1649, 
6,000/.  15.  For  loss  sustained  since  1649  for  pepper  bought  at 
other  places  at  a  much  dearer  rate  than  would  have  been  paid  for 
it  at  Sumatra,  from  whence  the  Dutch  drove  away  the  English 
ships  and  so  deprived  them  of  that  trade,  20,000/.  Satisfaction  for 
these  demands,  with  the  islands  of  Pulo  Run  and  Lantore,  amount 
to  2,695,990/.  15^-.  Interest  from  the  time  since  due  will  amount 
to  a  far  greater  sum.  Signed^  Richard  Swinglehurst.  Delivered 
to  the  Commissioners  May  29,  1654,  Annexed:  The  English 
further  demand  and  desire  that,  as  they  often  touched  at  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope  to  refresh,  and  took  possession  of  the  land  in  the 
reign  of  King  James,  and  cast  up  a  mount  called  *  James  his  mount  * 
and  placed  on  it  the  English  colours  ^,  that  the  inheritance  of  this 
land  may  continue  to  them,  and  that  they  may  be  *  free  to  plant, 

*  This  was  in  July,  1637  (see  Herbert's  Travels^  1638,  p.  16).     The  Dutch  had  in 
April,  1652,  established  a  settlement  at  the  Cape. 


I 

J 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  323 

fortify,  and  refresh  and  trade  there  and  in  all  places  of  India, 
the  South  Seas  and  the  parts  more  eastwardly,  as  freely  as  ever 
they  have  done  from  the  begining  of  the  trade,  and  bee  as  free  as 
the  Dutch  are  in  all  places'.  Signed^  Rpchard]  S[winglehurst], 
secretary  to  the  East  India  Company,     {^ipp^  in  all.) 

A  Meeting  of  the  Committees  for  the  Dutch  Business, 
May  31, 1654^  {Factory  Records^  Java^  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  4:^5). 

Mr.  William  Garway  is  entreated  to  assist  the  Company  in  the 
prosecution  of  the  business  with  the  Dutch.     (J  p) 

The  Company  to  Daniel  Skynner  [at  Dover],  June  2, 
1654  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  253). 

Enclose  a  letter  to  their  Agent  and  factors  at  Bantam,  and 
desire  Skynner  to  give  it  to  the  master  or  some  principal  man  in 
the  Jonathan  and  entreat  its  careful  delivery,  according  to  the 
request  not  only  of  the  Company  in  general  but  of  Maurice  Thomson 
in  particular.     The  Jonathan  is,  or  shortly  will  be,  in  the  Downs. 

A  Court  of  Committees,  June  2,  1654  {Court  Book,  vol. 
xxiii,  p.  364). 

Two  sets  of  weights  to  be  provided  for  the  East  India  Merchant 
to  enable  Captain  Newport  to  weigh  all  goods  received  and 
delivered  from  his  ship,  there  having  been  much  discrepancy  lately 
between  goods  and  invoice.  The  Court  resolves  that  the  1,000/. 
intended  for  Bantam  shall  all  be  sent  in  rials  of  eight.  John  May, 
who  went  to  the  Coast  in  the  Lioness  as  master's  mate  and  lately 
returned  overland  from  Persia,  applies  for  his  wages  while  in  India  ; 
upon  examination  of  his  affairs  it  is  resolved  that  he  shall  be 
allowed  full  pay  for  the  ten  months  he  was  in  the  Lioness  and  for 
the  seven  months  he  was  engaged  in  fetching  goods  from  Hugli, 
and  half-pay  for  his  second  voyage,  when  he  was  for  five  months  in 
the  service  of '  the  Prince  of  Bengali  * ;  while  for  his  last  voyage  in 
the  junk  for  Persia  he  is  advised  to  apply  to  Mr.  Bridgeman,  who 
employed  him.     Order  is  given    for   the   trial    with   Cuttler   the 

1  Another  meeting  was  held  on  June  8  {Ibid.,  p.  425),  but  only  the  names  of  those 
present  are  recorded. 

Y  2 


324  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

Garbler  to  be  deferred,  and  for  all  goods  sent  to  Albertus  Skinner 
from  Frederick  Skinner  to  be  delivered  on  payment  of  a  fine  of  40/. 
Remission  of  fines  on  certain  calicoes  granted  to  Jasper  Clayton, 
on  behalf  of  William  Taylor's  child,  and  to  Anne  Howcroft.     (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
June  7,  1654  (Cmtrt  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  259). 

The  Court  orders  payment  to  be  made  to  Jean  Prowd  of  the 
125/.  she  claims,  with  interest  at  the  rate  of  4/.  per  cent,  per  annum 
from  the  time  the  said  sum  was  detained,  she  to  give  a  general 
discharge  to  the  Company.     (J/.) 

A  General  Court  of  Freemen  and  Adventurers,  June  8, 
1654  (Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  ^6^). 

The  Governor  reports  that  the  Committees  appointed  to  consider 
concerning  the  carrying  on  of  the  trade  have  met  several  times  and 
debated  the  question,  and  have  finally  by  eleven  votes  to  five 
decided  that  the  trade  would  be  most  advantageously  and  securely 
continued  by  a  joint  stock.  Some  gentlemen  present  declare  that 
the  first  thing  to  be  done  is  to  have  a  regulation  drawn  up,  showing 
how  to  continue  the  trade  and  relieve  it  from  the  abuses  formerly 
suffered  when  it  was  carried  on  by  a  joint  stock,  and  to  obtain 
power  from  those  in  authority  for  the  remedy  of  these  abuses,  and 
for  these  purposes  a  committee  should  be  chosen.  But  first  those 
who  are  against  the  formation  of  another  joint  stock  are  desired  to 
give  their  reasons  and  state  what  security  they  will  give  to  the 
State  that  the  trade  shall  be  carried  on  equally  well  in  another  way. 
None  attempting  to  answer,  the  Governor  again  puts  it  to  the 
question,  and  it  is  unanimously  agreed  that  the  trade  would  be 
carried  on  most  advantageously  and  safely  by  a  joint  stock,  and  the 
Committees  formerly  appointed  are  requested  to  draw  up  a  regula- 
tion how  to  continue  it  in  this  way,  and  how  to  expose  and  remedy 
the  abuses  formerly  sustained,  and  to  solicit  the  Lord  Protector,  etc., 
for  their  power  and  assistance  when  needed.    (iJ/A) 

The  Committees  for  the  Dutch  Business  to  Thomas 
Gee,  June  8,  1654  {Factory  Records,  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  411). 

Desire  Gee  to  be  in  London  'on  Munday  night  next',  as  the 
commissioners  appointed    by  the  Lord   Protector  and   the  State 


I 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  ^2^ 

have  determined  to  examine  him  concerning  Pulo  Run,  which 
island,  in  1639,  Gee  was  sent  (as  master's  mate  with  RandoU  Jesson 
in  the  Peart)  with  several  others  to  view.  He  and  Jesson,  who  is 
non  compos  mentis^  are  the  only  survivors  of  those  thus  sent.     (J-  p.) 

The  Committees  for  the  Dutch  Business  to  Captain 
Hunter,  June  8,  1654  {Factory  Records^  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv, 
p.  412). 

Desire  him  to  be  in  London  on  Monday  night  next,  so  that  he 
can  be  examined  on  the  following  morning  by  the  eight  Commis- 
sioners (four  Englishmen  and  four  Dutchmen)  appointed  to  settle 
the  differences  in  question.  It  is  thought  that  Hunter  in  his  long 
service  in  several  factories  in  the  Indies  must  remember  *  several] 
passages  of  difference '  between  the  English  and  the  Dutch.  He  is 
asked  to  bring  with  him  any  papers  he  may  have  bearing  on  the 
subject,  especially  any  concerning  Pulo  Run.     (|/.) 

Grounds  upon  which  the  Demands  of  the  English 
Company  are  based,  June  8,  1654  (Factory  Records ,  Java, 
vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  413). 

The  demand  for  107,390/.  set  forth  in  the  second  article  is  grounded 
upon  the  eighth  article  of  the  treaty  of  161 9.  As  to  the  quantity 
of  spice,  a  calculation  made  by  John  Cartwright  is  adduced.  John 
Hunter,  Thomas  Gee,  and  Abraham  Wooft,  all  formerly  employed 
by  the  English  Company,  were  sent  to  demand  and  take  possession 
of  the  island  of  Pulo  Run,  and  they  will  appear,  according  to  order, 
to  be  examined  in  the  High  Court  of  Admiralty,  or  elsewhere  as 
shall  be  directed,  to  answer  such  questions  as  may  be  thought 
proper.  There  can  be  no  objection  to  the  price  at  which  the  spices 
have  been  rated,  for  the  English  Company  has  been  much  more 
prejudiced  by  the  want  of  the  spices  than  the  sum  demanded 
imports.  The  demand  made  in  the  third  article  for  268,500/.  is 
grounded  upon  the  twenty-third  article  of  the  treaty  of  161 9  and 
upon  the  ninth  article  of  the  agreement  between  the  English  and 
Dutch  in  1623.  The  English  having  possession  of  Pulo  Run  at  the 
time  of  the  treaty  of  16 19,  and  that  treaty  lasting  until  1639,  it  is 
evident  that  the  Dutch  have  no  claim  to  any  of  the  fruits  or  profits  of 
the  said  island.    The  demand  made  in  the  fourth  article  for  the  island 


325  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC,  OF  THE 

of  Pulo  Run  to  be  restored  to  the  English  in  as  good  a  condition  as 
when  it  was  taken  from  them  is  also  grounded  on  the  twenty-third 
article  of  the  treaty  of  1 619  and  the  ninth  article  of  the  treaty  of  1623. 
The  Governor  of  Nero  [Neira]  and  the  islands  of  Banda  in  1636 
did  not  think  that  the  Dutch  Company  had  any  right  or  title  to 
Pulo  Run,  for  he  sent  three  persons  to  offer  to  deliver  the  said 
island  to  the  English  Company,  as  appears  by  the  attestations  of 
sundry  people  sent  at  the  time  by  the  President  and  Council  of 
Bantam  to  view  the  said  island,  one  of  whom  is  still  living  and  can 
be  examined.  Yet  in  1638  when  John  Hunter,  the  servant  of  the 
English  Company,  was  sent  to  demand  the  said  island,  its  de- 
livery was  refused  upon  some  vain  pretence  by  Anthony  Van 
Dieman,  etc,  as  appears  by  a  certificate  signed  by  them.  Delivered 
June  8,  1654.     (i^pp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  June  14, 1654  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii, 
p.  366). 

The  Court  is  informed  that  the  Secretary,  Richard  Swinglehurst, 
is  lately  dead  ^  and  that  the  business  of  his  office  is  at  a  standstill, 
the  keys  of  his  office  and  the  warehouses  having  been  given  up  to 
Mr.  Thomas  Andrew,  Messrs.  Cokayne  and  Riccard  being  then  out 
of  town ;  also  that  John  Stanyan,  who  has  been  servant  to  the  late 
Secretary  for  six  years,  now  petitions  to  be  employed  by  the 
Company.  The  Committees  give  him  one  of  the  keys  of  the  said 
office,  and  direct  him  to  perform  the  business  connected  with  it,  and 
to  deliver  to  Mr.  Cokayne  what  papers  concerning  the  Dutch 
business  he  shall  require,  taking  a  receipt  for  them.  Stanyan  is 
also  given  the  keys  of  the  Exchange  Cellar  and  told  to  *  performe 
the  daily  busines  there ',  to  make  a  full  abstract  of  all  that  is  in  the 
cellar  and  present  it  with  his  security  next  Friday,  and  to  apply  to 
the  proper  Committees  for  directions  concerning  that  warehouse. 
John  Langham  and  John  Savage  are  accepted  as  security  for  sugar. 

*  According  to  Smjrth's  Obittiary  (Camden  Society's  publications,  vol.  44),  Swingle- 
hurst died  in  St.  Mary  Axe  on  June  13. 


EAST  INDIA  COMPANY  '>,%^ 

A    Court    of   Committees,  June    i6,   1654    {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  367). 

Mr.  Andrew  reports  that  Thomas  Bretton  was  shipped  in  1640, 
at  10s.  per  month,  and  continued  at  that  remuneration  for  eighteen 
months ;  then  the  President  gave  him  a  salary  of  25/.  per  annum 
for  three  years,  and  after  that  he  was  given  50/.  per  annum  for  the 
rest  of  his  stay  in  India,  two  years  of  which  were  spent  in  the 
service  of  the  United  Joint  Stock  ;  this  salary  was  never  confirmed 
by  the  Court  and,  though  Bretton  bore  a  good  character,  yet  he 
could  not  have  amassed  his  estate  without  private  trade,  for  which 
he  made  use  of  the  Company's  shipping  and  customs.  After  some 
debate  the  Court  confirms  his  salary  granted  in  India,  and  resolves 
that  a  fine  of  ico/.  shall  be  imposed  for  his  private  trade :  this  is  to 
be  deducted  from  what  is  due  to  him,  and  the  remainder  given  to 
him.  Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  direct  Samuel  Sambrooke 
in  the  drawing  up  of  a  letter  for  Bantam.  Permission  is  given  to 
the  owners  of  the  East  India  Merchant  to  send  in  her  fifty  pigs  of 
lead  to  Bantam  on  their  own  account,     (i/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  June  21,  1654  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  368). 

The  petitions  of  Mr.  Roane  and  of  Joseph  Avery  to  be  employed 
as  secretary  to  the  Company  are  read,  and  they  are  told  that  the 
business  is  not  so  great  but  that  it  can  be  performed  by  the 
Company's  own  servants,  who  are  best  acquainted  with  the  same, 
and  that  at  present  the  Company  is  not  in  a  capacity  to  entertain 
more  men,  as  it  is  uncertain  how  long  there  will  be  employment 
for  those  already  serving.  John  Stanyan  presents  the  desired 
abstract  of  the  goods  remaining  in  the  Exchange  Cellar,  and 
nominates  as  his  security  his  father  Abraham  Stanyan  and  Randall 
Isaackson  ;  they  are  accepted  and  directed  to  seal  two  bonds  of 
1,000/.  each.  Messrs.  Andrew  and  Riccard  are  requested  to  assist 
Mr.  Acton  with  Mr.  Penniston's  business.  Bartholomew  Hol- 
loway's  petition  for  an  increase  of  salary  is  again  read  and  referred 
until  after  the  court  of  election,    (i/.) 


3^8  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF   THE 

A  General  Court  of  Election  for  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock,  July  5,  1654  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  a6i). 

Mr.  Cokaine  desires  the  generality  to  be  '  free  in  their  choice  and 
not  continue  him  seven  or  eight  yeares  togeather  when  hee  is  soe 
indisposed  to  health  ' ;  nevertheless  he  is  nominated  with  Sir  Jacob 
Garrad,  Messrs.  Riccard,  Reynardson,  and  Andrew  and  unani- 
mously re-elected  Governor.  Alderman  Riccard  and  Thomas  and 
Daniel  Andrew  are  then  nominated  for  the  post  of  Deputy,  and 
Riccard,  by  a  general  erection  of  hands,  is  re-elected.  The 
following  twenty-four  Committees  are  chosen  to  manage  the 
business  for  the  ensuing  year  :  Sir  Jacob  Garrad,  Thomas  and 
Daniel  Andrew,  William  Ashwell,  John  Langly,  William  Garway, 
Thomas  Burnell,  Thomas  Hodges,  John  Oldfeild,  Thomas  Kerridge, 
Gilbert  Keate,  Ozias  Churchman,  James  Mann,  William  Williams, 
Anthony  and  William  Bateman,  Thomas  Bludworth,  George 
Smith,  William  Ryder,  James  Edwards,  William  Meggs,  John 
Dickons,  Henry  Spurstow  and  Thomas  Cokayne.     (ij//.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
July  la,  1654  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  262). 

Guttler's  business  considered.  He  having  charged  the  Company 
for  sifting  i  ,700  bags  of  pepper  at  i  id.  per  bag  when  there  were 
only  1,600  bags,  which  *  might  well  be  affoarded  at  6d.  per  bagge', 
the  Court  agrees  to  allow  him  70/.  in  full,  he  having  referred  himself 
wholly  to  their  decision,     (i/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  July  14,  1654  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  369). 

Ten  tons  of  saltpetre  to  be  delivered  to  William  Wiche  according 
to  the  assignment  of  the  order  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  Navy 
from  Colonel  Edward  Gravenor  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Charles 
Worsely.  Elizabeth  Wildboar  is  granted  remission  of  the  fine  on 
certain  calicoes  returned  in  the  Love.  John  May  having  applied 
for  his  salary  to  Mr.  Bridgeman  and  he  refusing  it,  May  now 
petitions  for  the  Company's  assistance  in  the  matter  ;  hereupon  the 
Court  gives  order  for  the  said  salary  to  be  charged  to  Bridgeman 's 
account,  the  latter  to  pay  it  after  his  affairs  with  the  Company  are 
settled,     (i/.) 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  329 

A  Court  of  Committees,  July  21,  1654  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  370). 

James  Clitherow  applying  for  what  is  due  to  his  late  brother, 
Anthony,  he  is  told  that  the  latter's  account  has  not  yet  been 
received  and  that  nothing  can  be  paid  until  then.     (J  /.) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  Third 
Joint  Stock,  July  22,  1654  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  263). 

The  Governor  announces  that  the  commission  lately  given  to  the 
Committees  to  prosecute  and  settle  the  business  with  the  Dutch  is 
somewhat  deficient.  Hereupon  Thomas  Andrew  declares  that 
the  Commissioners  on  both  sides  think  that  the  Company  should 
nominate  some  Committees  or  others  to  be  procurators  with  full 
power  to  make  a  final  end  and  full  determination  and  to  sign  and 
seal  what  shall  be  agreed  upon  between  the  Company  and  the 
Dutch,  as  the  latter  have  already  done ;  but  he  adds  he  is  not 
satisfied  as  to  whether  it  would  be  safe  for  the  Company  to  give  so 
large  a  commission  to  any  private  persons,  seeing  this  is  made 
*  a  nationall  busines ',  lest  the  authority  derived  from  the  Lord 
Protector  should  be  infringed.  Finally  it  is  resolved  to  grant 
a  commission  under  the  Company's  seal ;  but  in  order  that  the 
Company  may  not  '  render  themselves  obnoxious  to  the  care  and 
provision  which  His  Highnes  hath  bine  pleased  to  make  for  the 
Company,  and  because  they  would  not  willingly  give  the  Comis- 
sioners  any  distast',  certain  Committees  are  entreated  to  attend 
the  latter  and  desire  from  them  a  form  of  such  a  commission  as 
they  would  like  to  be  given  to  the  procurators  as  proper  and  safe 
for  the  Company,  to  be  approved  and  confirmed  by  the  generality 
next  Tuesday,  when  the  said  procurators  are  to  be  chosen,     (i  p.) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  Third 
Joint  Stock,  July  25,  1654  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  264). 

Thomas  Andrew  reports  that  he  and  the  other  Committees 
appointed  waited  upon  Dr.  Exton  and  told  him  of  the  Company's 
fears  concerning  the  Dutch  business,  and  the  Doctor  agreed  that  it 
would  be  very  dangerous  for  the  Company  to  give  such  a  procura- 
tion as  the  Dutch  have  given,  and  directed  his  clerk  to  draw  up  one 


330  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

which  would  be  proper.  This  is  now  read  and  William  and  John 
Garway,  Anthony  Bateman,  Richard  Wild,  and  Thomas  Bludworth 
are  nominated  procurators  in  the  said  commission,  they,  or  any 
three  of  them,  to  prosecute  the  Dutch  business  according  to  the 
tenor  thereof  ;  and  the  Court  orders  that  when  this  procuration  is 
ratified  by  the  Doctors  it  shall  be  sealed  with  the  Company's  seal 
and  signed  by  the  Governor,  Deputy,  and  the  twenty-four  Com- 
mittees,    (i  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  July  28,  1654  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  371). 

Jeremy  Sambrooke  is  directed  to  give  a  signed  order  to  Mr.  Aun- 
geir  to  grant  to  the  wives  of  those  seamen  whose  husbands  are 
in  the  Company's  service  in  India  two  months'  pay  extraordinary 
per  annum  where  he  sees  it  to  be  needed,  but  first  to  ascertain  if 
the  men  are  in  the  Company's  debt.  Some  men  of  the  Supply^ 
company,  who  lately  returned  from  Persia  overland,  apply  for  their 
wages ;  they  are  told  that  they  must  first  be  examined  in  the 
Admiralty  touching  the  loss  of  that  ship.  The  Court  desires 
Captain  Ryder  and  Mr.  Acton  to  consult  with  Mr.  Budd  about 
this  matter,  and  Mr.  Acton  is  also  directed  to  take  Mr.  Budd's 
advice  as  to  the  Company's  safest  course  with  regard  to  the  two 
probates  granted  for  Mr.  Head's  will.  George  Gawton,  a  factor 
who  went  out  and  returned  in  the  Love,  is  granted  remission  of 
a  fine  on  certain  goods,     (i  ^.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
August  2,  1654  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  265). 

James  Clitherow  to  be  paid  what  is  due  to  his  brother  Anthony's 
account.  Edward  Wood  to  be  requested  to  settle  his  debt  with  the 
Company.  Oliver  Low,  a  former  labourer  in  Blackwall  Yard,  no 
longer  able  to  work,  petitions  to  be  admitted  to  the  Company's 
Almshouse  ;  he  is  told  *  that  pention  was  proper  to  seamen  onely ', 
but  that,  if  none  apply  between  this  and  Michaelmas,  his  request 
shall  be  considered.   (J  /.) 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  331 

Depositions  in  the  Admiralty  Court  {Factory  Records, 
Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  %^'X). 

By  Thomas  Gee,  Prian  Beddowes,  Richard  Newland,  Jeremy 
Sambrooke,  Richard  Day,  Roger  Mosse,  Thomas  Rilston,  Valentine 
Markham,  Thomas  Merry  ^,  John  Lewis,  Thomas  Winter,  Thomas 
Adler,  and  Edmund  Seaman.  The  proceedings  are  stated  to  have 
taken  place  in  the  presence  of  the  English  and  Dutch  Commis- 
sioners, at  various  dates  between  June  15  and  August  3,  1654. 
The  deponents  were  examined  on  various  interrogatories  drawn  up 
by  the  East  India  Company  relating  to  the  surrender  of  Pulo  Run 
to  the  English,  the  value  of  spices  in  1621-23,  the  affair  of  the 
Endymiofiy  the  non-payment  by  the  Dutch  of  customs  at  Gombroon, 
etc.    {Copies.    Latin.     6^  pp.) 

Notes  from  some  of  the  above  Depositions  {Ibid.,  p.  321). 
Extracts  from  the  evidence  of  Sambrooke,  Mosse,  and  Rilston. 

A  Court  of  Committees,  August  4,  1654  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  372). 

Richard  and  Thomas  Allen  and  Nicholas  Allvy  are  accepted  as 
security  for  indigo.  The  executors  of  the  late  John  Head  are,  on 
giving  a  general  release,  to  be  paid  what  is  due  to  his  estate. 
Henry  Dacres  to  be  paid  the  value  of  some  longcloth  of  his  in  the 
Company's  custody,  all  charges  to  be  deducted,     (i/.) 

A  General  Court  of  Election  for  the  United  Joint 
Stock,  August  9,  1654  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  375). 

The  Court  resolves  to  elect  fifteen  Committees,  each  of  whom 
must  have  adventured  not  less  than  500/.,  to  manage  the  business  of 
this  Stock  for  the  year  ensuing,  and  chooses  the  following  men : 
William  Cokayne,  Andrew  Riccard,  Thomas  Andrew,  Maurice 
Thomson,  Thomas  Kerridge,  William  Vincent,  Richard  Hill, 
William  Pennoyer,  Hugh  Wood,  Hugh  Norris,  Nathaniel  Wiche, 
George  Smith,  Captain  William  Ryder,  Anthony  Bateman  and 
James  Edwards,     (i  /.) 

*  Described  as  of  Friern  Baraet,  and  aged  60  or  thereabouts. 


S3^  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

A  Court  of  Committees,  August  i8,  1654  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  376). 

The  Court  consents  to  Mr.  Offly's  son  being  instructed  by 
Sambrooke  in  the  Countinghouse,  provided  he  is  no  charge  to  the 
Company.  In  accordance  with  several  orders  received  from  the 
Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty  and  Navy,  direction  is  given  for 
saltpetre  to  be  delivered  to  Messrs.  Samyne,  Freeman,  Robert 
Davies  and  Company,  and  Daniel  J  add.  Elizabeth,  widow  of  the 
late  Richard  Swinglehurst,  applying  for  severe  months'  disburse- 
ments, which  her  late  husband  omitted  to  enter,  and  for  payment 
of  what  appears  due  to  his  account,  certain  Committees  are  desired 
to  examine  and  report  on  the  latter.  Order  is  given  for  the 
following  men  of  the  Supply^  company  to  be  paid :  Robert 
Bodington,  Peter  Richards,  John  Arton,  and  Walter  Forler.    (i  /.) 

A  General  Court  of  the  Freemen  and  Adventurers  in 
THE  United  Joint  Stock,  August  ^^3,  1654  {Court  Book,  vol. 
xxiii,  p.  377). 

Mr.  Cokayne  announces  that  the  Committees  appointed  to  confer 
as  to  the  best  way  to  carry  on  the  trade  by  a  joint  stock  consider 
that  the  first  thing  to  be  done  is  to  petition  *  His  Highnes '  for 
a  confirmation  of  the  Company's  charter,  and  to  prevent  private 
men  from  sending  out  ships ;  therefore  they  have  drawn  up  such 
a  petition  and  it  is  now  presented  for  the  generality  to  ratify  and 
sign.  The  petition  is  read,  generally  approved  and  signed  by  all 
present,  and  the  Court  resolves  that  as  many  freemen  as  possible 
shall  also  sign  it,  and  the  Governor  and  nine  others  are  desired  to 
present  it  to  His  Highness.^     (i  /.) 

The  Company  to  Henry  Ryley  at  Aleppo,  August  %^,  1654 
{Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  265). 

Acknowledge  the  receipt  of  three  letters  with  advices  from  India. 
Enclose  a  packet  for  Persia,  which  they  desire  him  to  forward  by 
a  safe  and  speedy  conveyance,     (i/.) 

*  This  petition  has  not  been  traced ;  but  a  printed  copy  of  the  Company's  argument 
for  a  Joint  Stock  (see  p.  6),  which  probably  accompanied  it,  is  now  in  the  Public  Record 
Office  {C.O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  12),  endorsed  'received  from  His  Highness  in  Council, 
August  24,  1654  '• 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  ^^3 

The  Company  to  Thomas  Dethick,  Richard  Browne  and 
Company  at  Leghorn,  August  34,  1654  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i, 

p.  7.6^), 

Enclose  their  letters  for  Persia  and  request  them  to  forward  the 
same  to  Consul  Ryley  at  Aleppo.     (J  /.) 

The  Company  to  Signor  Paolo  del  Sera  and  Company 
[at  Venice],  August  25,  1654  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  %66). 

Send  a  letter  directed  to  Henry  Ryley,  in  which  are  enclosed 
advices  to  India,  and  desire  that  these  may  be  dispeeded  at  the  first 
opportunity.  Thank  them  for  former  favours  and  promise  pay- 
ment of  what  has  been  disbursed  on  notification  of  the  same.    {^  p.) 

The  Company  to  John  Holworthy  [at  Marseilles], 
August  28,  1654  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  266). 

Return  him  thanks  for  transmission  of  letters  to  and  from  India, 
and  desire  him  to  send  on  the  small  packet  enclosed  to  Consul 
Ryley,  who  will  forward  it  to  India.     (J  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  August  30,  1654  {Court  Book,  vol. 
xxiii,  p.  378). 

Quicksilver  and  vermilion  belonging  to  Mr.  Temms  to  be 
delivered.  A  list  of  all  goods  to  be  sold  at  the  next  court  of  sales 
is  ordered  to  be  drawn  up.  Payment  to  be  resumed  to  Mabel 
Rolfe  of  two  months  yearly  of  her  husband's  wages,  she  having 
cleared  herself  from  the  aspersion  of  having  two  husbands  by 
a  certificate  signed  by  the  minister,  churchwardens  and  other 
parishioners  of  St.  Giles,  Cripplegate.     (J  p.) 

The  State  and  Consider ableness  of  the  East  India 
Trade  and  its  Consequence  to  the  Interest  and  Good  of 
THE  Nation,  [August,  1654]  {PuHic  Record  Office:  CO.  "jj, 
vol.  vii,  no.  77). 

First,  in  relation  to  the  several  advantages  and  conveniences 
accompanying  the  said  trade,  if  fully  prosecuted.  The  gain  and 
profit  it  returns  to  those  interested  in  it,  and  the  encouragement 
given  to  many  to  adventure  in  it,  appear  by  the  struggle  between 


334  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

the  Portuguese,  the  Dutch,  and  the  English,  each  trying  to  oust  the 
other  from  it.  The  extraordinary  wealth,  potency  and  strength  of 
the  Portuguese  and  the  Dutch  East  India  Company,  who,  having 
made  it  their  concern  to  follow  and  improve  the  said  trade,  have,  in 
spite  of  most  powerful  potentates  in  those  parts,  been  able  to  build 
forts,  plant  garrisons,  and  settle  factories,  colonies  and  jurisdictions 
of  their  own  independently  of  the  said  princes  and  in  the  midst  of 
their  dominions.  The  increase  it  brings  to  the  strength,  power  and 
shipping  of  the  nation,  large,  strong  and  warlike  ships  not  being 
known  or  ever  attempted  to  be  built  by  any  merchants,  either  in 
England  or  Holland,  before  the  initiation  of  the  several  East  India 
Companies.  The  advantage  it  gives  to  navigation,  the  length  of  its 
voyages  and  the  remoteness  of  its  ports  constituting  it  the  chief  of 
all  trades  in  perfecting  mariners  in  the  art,  knowledge  and  skill 
required  of  them.  The  reputation  it  gives  to  the  nation  by  the 
dispatch  of  so  many  ships  and  men  with  such  great  power  and 
strength  into  distant  and  remote  countries.  The  several  privileges, 
amities,  possessions,  and  other  royalties  purchased  and  gained  on 
behalf  of  the  English  nation  from  the  potentates  and  princes  of 
those  parts.  The  increase  of  stock,  trading,  bullion  and  customs, 
this  trade  not  only  importing  great  store  of  foreign  commodities, 
but  exporting  the  same  again  into  Italy,  Barbary,  Guinea,  and 
other  parts.  Secondly,  in  reference  to  the  extraordinary  disadvan- 
tage and  inconveniences  likely  to  ensue  to  the  nation  if  this  trade 
is  neglected.  Its  cessation  would  mean  the  loss  of  those  large 
commodities  already  enjoyed,  and  of  the  many  and  particular 
benefits  before  mentioned,  also  of  the  hope  of  a  yet  greater  advantage 
in  the  future,  an  opportunity  being  now  presented  for  promoting  the 
said  trade  to  a  still  greater  consideration,  partly  through  the  late 
treaty  and  capitulation  with  the  Dutch  for  the  restoration  of  those 
rights  formerly  belonging  to  the  English,  and  partly  by  the  extra- 
ordinary repute  of  the  latter  in  India  for  having,  as  it  is  believed, 
beaten  and  subdued  the  Dutch  in  the  late  war  against  them. 
It  would  mean  an  irreparable  loss  of  what  has  been  obtained  with 
much  difficulty,  hazard,  and  expense  of  the  blood  of  the  nation.  By 
loss  or  neglect  of  the  interest  of  the  English  in  India  a  greater 
opportunity  would  be  given  to  the  Portuguese  and  Dutch  to  divide 
the  trade  there,  for  they,  coming  to  an  agreement  or  concluding 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  ^^^ 

a  peace,  may  easily,  through  the  advantage  given  by  this  trade, 
become  more  powerful  adversaries.  Lastly,  by  loss  or  neglect  of 
the  said  trade  an  opportunity  would  be  given  to  the  said  two  nations 
to  engross  and  raise  the  price  of  all  Indian  commodities  and  to 
increase  the  expense  and  lessen  the  treasure  of  the  English  nation. 

Proposals   for   the    better    governing,  settling  and 

SECURING  OF  THE    EAST   INDIA   TRADE,  AUGUST,   1 654    {Public 

Record  Office:  C.Q.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  78). 

His  Highness  and  the  Lords  of  the  Council  to  require  a  stock  of 
not  less  than  400,000/.  to  be  subscribed  by  the  joint  traders,  as 
security  not  only  for  the  continuation  of  the  trade  but  that  the 
same  shall  be  ordered  and  managed  in  a  manner  suitable  to 
the  advantages  that  now  offer  for  its  improvement.  Two  several 
days  or  times  to  be  appointed  for  subscription  of  the  said  stock, 
within  which  time  the  said  subscription  to  be  wholly  concluded. 
This  subscription  to  be  published  throughout  the  nation  and  [  ] 
months'  time  allowed  for  any,  either  gentry,  merchants,  or  trades- 
men, to  subscribe.  For  clearer  encouragement  of  the  said  subscrip- 
tion, the  present  East  India  Company,  together  with  the  present 
free  traders  or  regulators,  to  be  directed  by  His  Highness  and  Their 
Lordships  to  meet  together  at  the  farthest  by  the  [  ]  day  of  this 
instant  month  to  tender  for  the  approbation  of  His  Highness  such 
a  model  of  government  for  disposing,  managing,  and  improving  the 
said  joint  stock  and  trade,  both  in  India  and  in  England,  as  may 
answer  the  ends  desired,  '  as  well  for  preventing  those  many  incon- 
veniences and  abuses  complained  of  in  the  former  governments  as 
for  setling  the  trade  on  such  foundations  for  the  future  as  shall 
probably  be  more  agreable  to  the  prosperity  and  success  of  it  then 
formerly'.  This  model  or  method  of  government  as  soon  as 
approved  to  be  printed  and  published.  All  forts,  islands,  customs, 
stores,  and  all  houses  and  stock,  with  whatsoever  rights  and 
possessions  belonging  to  the  present  East  India  Company  to  be 
rented  by  or  transferred  at  fair  rates  to  the  said  joint  stock.  The  sub- 
scription being  ended,  new  letters  patents  for  the  term  of  [  ] 
years  to  be  by  the  favour  of  His  Highness  passed  to  the  said 
Society,  according  to  the  tenure  and  proposals  of  the  said  govern- 


33<5  COURT   MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

ment,  with  such  further  clauses,  covenants,  and  conditions  to  be 
inserted  in  the  said  patents  as  shall  be  of  most  advantage  to  the 
public  and  most  agreeable  to  the  wisdom  of  His  Highness.  All 
Consuls  or  Presidents,  whether  one  or  more,  who  shall  in  future  be 
sent  out  by  the  said  new  government  or  stock  to  *bee  alsoe 
through  the  favor  of  His  Highness  qualified  with  the  authoritye 
and  style  of  a  publicke  person,  and  reside  in  those  parts  as  an  Agent 
from  His  Highness  on  behalfe  of  the  nation  *.  The  advantages  of 
this  for  settling,  securing  and  improving  the  said  trade  will  be  very 
great  and  many.  It  will  add  exceedingly  to  the  repute  of  the  said 
trade  in  point  of  power  and  make  its  interest  among  the  governors 
and  natives  of  those  places  appear  less  the  concern  of  the  private 
merchant.  As  it  will  be  more  agreeable,  so  it  will  be  more 
encouraging  to  a  general  subscription  of  the  nation.  It  will,  as  is 
humbly  conceived,  very  much  restrain  those  injuries  and  affronts 
usually  offered  unto  the  English  merchants  there  by  the  Portuguese 
and  Dutch,  who,  it  is  presumed,  will  not  for  the  future  dare  to 
molest  our  trade  so  much,  when  it  shall  appear  to  be  under  the 
protection  and  countenance  of  His  Highness  and  the  Common- 
wealth, as  formerly,  when  it  was  conceived  to  be  only  under  the 
authority  of  some  few  private  persons ;  the  want  of  which  protec- 
tion has,  as  is  believed,  been  the  manifest  destruction  of  those  rich 
and  flourishing  hopes  we  once  had  in  India.  It  will  enable  the 
said  Society  to  demand  more  resolutely  and  insist  more  freely  upon 
the  performance  of  those  privileges,  articles  and  covenants  formerly 
made  with  and  granted  by  several  of  the  potentates  and  princes 
of  those  countries,  especially  in  regard  that  several  of  the  said 
privileges  have  lately  been  very  unjustly  infringed  and  taken  away 
from  the  English  by  some  of  the  said  princes.  It  will  exceedingly 
further  the  said  Society  on  all  future  occasions  when  they  shall 
have  to  address  themselves  to  any  of  the  said  princes  or  governors 
in  those  countries,  either  for  treating  about  new  proposals  or  for 
transaction  of  any  other  public  business,  by  all  which  His  Highness 
and  the  Commonwealth  will  have  from  time  to  time  an  account  of 
the  state  and  condition  of  the  trade  of  those  places.  It  will  settle 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  said  Society  with  more  union  among  them- 
selves and  more  authority  over  the  several  traders  and  factors 
residing  in  India  and  is,  as  is  humbly  conceived,  the  only  remedy 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  2>^1 

that  may  be  expected  for  regulating  or  preventing  those  great 
abuses  that  arise  from  disorderly,  loose  and  private  trading.  The 
general  benefit,  convenience  and  necessity  of  such  a  public  person 
to  countenance,  protect  and  assist  trading,  especially  in  such  remote 
parts,  is  not  only  seen  in  our  own  experience  by  the  Turkey 
Company,  but  also  in  the  practice  and  example  of  the  Venetians, 
the  Portuguese,  and  others,  who  in  countries  largely  distant  and  in 
ports  of  great  traffic  generally  countenance  their  merchants  by 
sending  a  Resident.  Lastly,  it  is  humbly  propounded  that  the 
entertainment  of  the  said  Resident  be  at  the  charge  of  the  said 
Society  and  that  the  Society  have  power  to  confirm  or  recall  him 
and  to  elect  another  at  their  pleasure  once  every  two  years,  or 
sooner  in  case  of  death.     (3  //.) 

Suggestions  concerning  the  East  India  Trade,  \undated\ 
{Public  Record  Office:  C.  O.  "j"],  vol.  vii,  no.  79). 

If  the  State  would  undertake  the  management  of  the  trade, 
300,000/.  would  carry  it  on,  and  this  sum  might  be  subscribed  in 
four  six  months  by  four  equal  payments.  But  if  His  Highness 
and  the  Council  would  prefer  to  farm  out  the  said  trade  for  seven, 
or  eleven  years  or  longer,  it  is  most  likely  that  at  the  expiration  of 
the  said  four  six  months,  twenty  or  thirty  merchants  would  give 
200,000/.  yearly  for  the  same,  and  the  nation  still  be  supplied  with 
good  spices  at  moderate  rates.  3.  If  the  trade  is  carried  on  by 
a  company  and  a  joint  stock,  these  will  serve  the  nation  with  what 
they  please  and  at  what  prices  they  please ;  and  if  they  alone  be 
allowed  to  trade  in  spices  they  can  make  what  profit  they  like. 
The  only  way  to  '  quallifie  that  feare '  will  be  for  all  that  is  brought 
in  to  be  divided  to  each  man  according  to  his  stock  and  not  sold  as  a 
joint  commodity ;  for  though  it  is  best  that  '  but  one  purse  goe  to 
market  and  but  one  byer  abrode',  yet  it  is  necessary  for  the  general 
good  of  the  nation  that  nothing  be  sold  as  a  joint  commodity,  for  in 
this  case  any  price  can  be  asked  for  the  goods,  as  is  daily  done,  and  by 
this  means  particular  persons  acquire  great  estates,  though '  the  stock 
still  come  loseing  home '.  3.  If  His  Highness  shall  think  fit  to  lay  the 
said  trade  open  under  a  regulation,  there  will  be  a  great  risk  of  losing 
it,  and  of  the  Dutch  making  us  pay  for  the  same,  which  arguments 
have  been  already  put  forward  ;   but  without  assistance  from  His 


338  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

Highness  and  the  State  nothing  can  do  any  good  to  the  trade; 
therefore  let  those  who  are  thought  fittest  have  it,  but  let  the 
public  have  a  constant  and  certain  revenue.  Several  proposals  will 
be  urged  how  the  State  may  make  a  yearly  profit  from  the  trade, 
even  if  it  does  not  undertake  the  management.  4.  Great  frauds  have 
been  perpetrated  by  the  Company  and  others  in  the  spice  trade 
and  these  increase  daily;  a  wild  bark,  very  like  cinnamon,  called 
Trambone^,  has  been  sold  by  the  Company  for  lod.  the  lb.  to  the 
grocer  and  by  him  mixed  with  some  that  is  good  and  sold  for 
eight  shillings  the  lb.;  a  sort  of  mace,  *  licke  mace  and  more  orrient ', 
is  brought  over  in  great  quantities  and  sold  for  i2d.  the  pound, 
which  mingled  with  good  mace  is  sold  for  iSj.  the  lb.;  cloves  out 
of  which  the  oil  has  been  extracted  are  brought  from  Holland  and 
sold  for  4d.  the  lb.,  but  when  mixed  with  good  cloves  are  sold  for 
10s.  or  lis.  the  lb.;  *  of  such  licke  as  these  particulers  are  consists 
our  mistery  of  trade  in  London,  and  all  must  sware  told  trew  to '. 
5.  In  January  next  the  Dutch  are  to  pay  to  the  English  East  India 
Company  45,000/.  [sic]  and  in  March  next  45,000/.  [sic]  more,  for 
the  damages  in  Amboyna  ;  they  have  earnestly  besought  licence  to 
pay  the  same  in  spice,  but  this  has  been  denied.  If  His  Highness 
and  the  Council  shall  think  fit  to  let  this  spice  be  brought  in,  they 
can  get  it  in  Holland  at  a  little  above  half  the  value  for  which  it  is 
sold  here,  sell  it  here  for  double,  and  supply  the  nation  almost  as 
cheaply  as  at  present  is  done  and  with  far  better  spices,  for  all  now 
supplied  are  *  stollen  in '  and  pay  neither  custom  or  excise  and  are 
not  garbled,  but  so  adulterated  'as  not  indeed  to  be  permitted'. 
This  '  desine '  will  require  no  disbursement  of  money  and  can  give 
no  discontent  to  any,  and  it  is  fit  that  the  85,000/.  should  be  secured 
for  the  '  trew  propriators ',  about  which  as  yet  they  cannot  agree 
among  themselves.  6.  If  the  State  does  not  undertake  this, 
particular  men  will '  steale  it  in '  and  serve  the  market  with  false  and 
corrupt  spices  and  get  the  same  benefit.  This  business  requires 
speedy  resolution  and  secrecy,  but  that  of  settling  the  trade  will 
require  a  longer  time.  If  the  State  desires  to  confer  with  those  best 
able  to  give  information,  though  they  belong  to  the  Company,  yet 

1  Apparently  this  was  the  wild  cinnamon  procured  on  the  Malabar  Coast  (see  The 
English  Factories,  1637-41,  p.  94).  The  designation  here  employed  is  probably  the 
Portuguese  trampSo,  '  false '. 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  339 

they  will  be  willing  to  lend  their  assistance  and  advice  to  settle  it 
upon  better  terms  than  have  as  yet  been  proposed,  the  trade  of 
the  Indies  being  worth  all  the  trade  of  Europe.     (2  //.) 

A  General  Court  of  Sales,  September  15,  1654  {Court 
Book^  vol.  xxiii,  p.  379). 

Sale  of  Jambi  and  Malabar  pepper,  dust  of  pepper,  white,  defect- 
ive and  stony  pepper,  dust  of  cloves,  benzoin,  packing  skins,  cotton 
wool,  Hariharpur  sannoes,  morees,  sallampores,  betteeles,  chillees, 
and  wrappers,  with  prices  and  names  of  purchasers.    (i|//.) 

The  Company  to  Daniel  Skynner  [at  Dover],  September 
18,  1654  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  ^^67). 

Acknowledge  his  letter  of  the  13th  current  and  the  letter 
enclosed  from  his  son,  Frederick  Skynner,  and  Council,  dated  at 
Bantam  the  loth  January  last,  containing  information  how  the 
Company's  affairs  stood  in  those  parts.  They  commend  the  care 
and  industry  of  his  son  in  finding  a  way  to  convey  his  advices  in 
those  times  of  war  with  the  Dutch,     (i/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  September  19, 1654  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  381). 

Samuel  Sambrooke  is  directed  to  draw  up  an  abstract  from  the 
Company's  letters  touching  Mr.  Bearblock  and  the  loss  of  the 
Supply,  and  Mr.  Acton  is  desired  to  consult  with  Messrs.  Budd  and 
Smith  concerning  the  bill  to  be  made  out  against  Bearblock, 
and  the  bail  for  his  release.  Hereupon  Mr.  Bearblock  desires  that 
the  matter  in  dispute  may  be  settled  by  arbitration  in  the  usual 
way ;  the  Court  consents  and  requests  him  to  present  his  security 
for  10,000/.  \sic\  next  Friday  to  be  bound  with  him  in  the  bond  of 
arbitrament.  Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  settle  upon  the 
day  on  which  all  pay  is  to  be  stopped  to  the  men  in  the  Blessing, 
Lanneret,  and  Roebuck.  Mr.  Pennoyer  to  be  made  some  allowance 
on  the  dust  of  pepper  he  bought,  as  it  cannot  be  exported  according 
to  his  bargain.     (1/.) 


z  % 


340  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

Opinion  of  Maurice  Thomson  and  others  as  to  the  best 
way  of  carrying  on  the  east  india  trade,  september  21, 
1654  (Public  Record  Office:  CO.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  80). 

The  best  way  to  carry  on  the  East  India  trade  is  by  a  company 
under  a  good  regulation,  with  freedom  and  liberty  for  every  one  to 
supply  their  own  factors,  stocks,  and  ships,  which  it  is  conceived  will 
much  increase  navigation  and  trade ;  therefore  they  desire  that  the 
same  may  be  granted  accordingly  for  the  honour  and  benefit  of  the 
nation.  Signed,  Maurice  Thomson,  Samuel  Vassall,  Samuel  Moyer, 
Michael  Davison,  Thomas  Chambrelane,  J.  Beresford,  Edward 
Thomson,  John  Paige,  Ellis  Crispe,  Samuel  Crispe,  Henry  Dacres, 
Arthur  Dacres,  William  Wildeyr,  Edward  Edmonds,  John  Gosnoll, 
John  Harvey,  Tobias  Crispe,  Job  Throckmorton,  George  Thimelbee, 
William  Pennoyer,  Richard  Crandley,  John  Wood,  Benjamin 
Gostlin,  John  Ballows,  Moses  Goodyear,  Richard  Booth,  Samuel 
Micott,  John  Carleton,  Clement  Egleston,  James  Russell,  Richard 
Chambers,  John  Looker,  Andrew  Middleton,  Richard  Chandler, 
William  Love,  Henry  Thornhagh,  Henry  Davy,  Thomas  Mur- 
thwaite,  Andrew  Riccard,  Thomas  Billidge,  Martin  Noell,  George 
Bowerman,  Stephen  Bolton,  George  Gawton,  O.  Bence,  George 
Gierke,  Richard  Hutchinson,  John  Blackwell,  Josias  Dewye,  John 
Hawes,  Richard  Guyney,  James  Heys,  Robert  Gefifery,  Nicholas 
Pennynge,  James  Davison,  Thomas  Barnardiston,  Thomas  Pearle,' 
Nathaniel  Brandon.  Endorsed.  Delivered  by  Mr.  Maurice  Tomp- 
son,  November  14,  1654.     (1  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  September  22,  1654  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  382). 

A  motion  is  made  for  a  ship  of  about  200  tons  to  be  sent  to  the 
Coast  to  buy  cloth  and  take  it  to  Macassar,  and  from  thence  to  lade 
with  cloves  for  England,  and  to  send  in  her  two  able  men  versed 
in  that  trade,  who  may  follow  the  commission  they  shall  receive 
without  any  directions  from  the  Company's  servants  in  those  parts ; 
this  motion  is  generally  approved  and,  being  a  business  of  great 
importance  that  may  be  of  much  advantage  to  the  Company  and  as 
*  the  consequence  thereof  did  cheifely  consist  in  the  secresy ',  the 
Court  entreats  Messrs.  Andrew,  Thomson,  Wiche  and  Ryder  to 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  341 

freight  such  a  vessel,  select  two  fit  men  to  go  in  her,  and  provide  all 
necessaries  for  the  voyage ;  they  are  likewise  empowered  to  furnish 
her  with  stock  to  the  value  of  4,000/.,  to  give  directions  and 
a  commission  how  the  said  voyage  is  to  be  performed,  and  to  make 
conditions  as  to  what  shall  be  paid  for  freight  of  any  goods  that 
shall  be  laden  in  her  when  she  is  outward  bound.  Valentine 
Markham  having  lately  died,  the  request  of  his  son-in-law,  John 
Pauls,  to  be  entertained  in  his  place  is  agreed  to,  he  having  been 
accustomed  to  that  work  for  the  last  four  years  ;  he  is  told  that  he 
can  do  the  work  until  the  Company  is  settled,  and  by  then,  if  there 
is  still  employment  for  him,  it  will  be  known  who  is  to  pay  him, 
but  in  the  meantime  he  is  promised  that  his  time  shall  not  be  lost. 
Bartholomew  Holloway  requesting  an  increase  of  salary,  he  is  given 
a  gratuity  of  10/.     (iJ/A) 

The  Company  to  William  Watson  and  Richard  Bridgman 
[at  Amsterdam],  September  aa,  1654  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i, 
p.  267). 

Thank  them  for  their  letter  of  the  4th  instant  with  the  list 
enclosed  of  the  cargoes  of  the  eight  Dutch  ships  arrived  from  India ; 
also  for  the  assistance  afforded  to  those  of  the  Company's  servants 
who  returned  in  them.  State  that  the  differences  so  long  depend- 
ing between  the  English  and  Dutch  East  India  Companies  have 
been  settled  by  Commissioners  specially  appointed  for  the  task, 
who  have  awarded  the  English  Company  85,000/.  and  restoration 
of  the  Island  of  Pulo  Run.  Although  the  said  award  is  not 
equivalent  to  the  damages  sustained  nor  answerable  to  the  Com- 
pany's expectations,  yet  they  have  accepted  it  and  the  island,  in 
order  that  a  good  agreement  and  correspondence  may  for  the 
future  be  continued  between  the  English  and  Dutch  and  all  past 
discontents  and  injuries  be  buried  in  oblivion.  They  heartily 
desire  that  all  future  actions  may  be  transacted  in  a  friendly  and 
Christian  manner  and  that  both  nations  may  be  linked  and 
continue  in  a  firm  and  lasting  peace.  They  enclose  a  letter  directed 
to  the  Bewinthebbers  of  the  East  India  Company,  desiring  them  in 
accordance  with  the  agreement  made  by  the  Commissioners  to  give 
the  English  Company  an  order  to  the  Dutch  General  at  Batavia 
for  the  surrender  of  Pulo  Run  at  such  a  time  as  the  English  shall 


34a  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

demand  the  same ;  this  order  the  Company  wish  transmitted  to 
them,  that  they  may  send  it  in  the  ships  to  be  dispeeded  to  those 
parts,  to  enable  the  English  there  to  act  according  to  the  directions 
given.  They  enclose  a  section  of  the  articles  of  agreement  con- 
cluded between  the  Commissioners,  showing  that  the  said  island  is 
to  be  surrendered,     (i  /.) 

The  Company  to  Thomas  Dethick,  Richard  Browne  and 
Company  [at  Leghorn],  September  25,  1654  {Letter  Book,  vol. 
i,  p.  268). 

Have  not  heard  from  them  since  the  19th  June.  Desire  to  be 
informed  how  their  advices  to  Consul  Ryley,  enclosed  in  their  letter 
of  the  8th  May,  were  transmitted  to  Aleppo.     (J  /.) 

The  Company  to  John  Holworthy  [at  Marseilles], 
September  25, 1654  (Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  269). 

Sent  a  small  packet  to  him  on  the  24th  ult.,  in  which  were 
enclosed  letters  to  Consul  Ryley  and  to  India.  On  the  8th  May 
last  sent  a  packet  directed  to  Consul  Ryley,  but  have  not  heard 
since.  The  said  letters  contained  the  good  news  of  the  peace 
concluded  between  the  English  and  Dutch ;  therefore  the  Com- 
pany will  be  glad  to  hear  of  their  speedy  dispatch,  also  when 
they  were  received  and  by  what  conveyance  they  were  forwarded. 
(4A) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  September  a'^,  1654  {Court  Book, 
vol  xxiii,  p.  383). 

Coloured  ginghams  sold  to  Laurence  Saucer.  Matthew  Crover, 
who  was  taken  in  the  Blessing  and  wounded,  is  given  40J.  from  the 
poor-box.     (J  /.) 

The  Company  to  Signor  Paolo  del  Sera  [at  Venice], 
September  29,  1654  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  269). 

Sent  on  the  25th  ult.  a  small  packet  to  be  forwarded  to  Aleppo. 
Have  not  heard  from  him  since  the  12th  June,  acknowledging  the 
Company's  letter  of  the  T2th  May  and  the  packet  enclosed  for 
Aleppo  ;  desire  to  be  informed  of  the  dispatch  of  the  latter.     {\p) 


EAST  INDIA   COMPANY  343 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
October  4,  1654  {Court  Book^  vol.  xxi,  p.  'X^S), 

Henry  Johnson,  who  took  a  lease  of  Blackwall  Yard  on  condition 
that  he  should  not  sublet  any  part  without  the  consent  of  the 
Company,  now  desires  permission  to  let  the  warehouses  on  the  west 
side ;  to  this  the  Court  consents.     (|  /.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  October  6,  1654  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  384). 

The  request  of  Alderman  Cuttler  for  the  Company  to  garble  the 
damaged  pepper  he  bought  is  refused,  there  being  no  precedent  for 
such  a  proceeding.  Messrs.  Handson  and  Thetcher  still  owing  the 
Company  several  sums,  Spiller  is  directed  to  inform  them  that,  un- 
less they  pay  the  same  before  this  day  week,  an  order  of  bankruptcy 
will  be  issued  against  them.  Spiller  is  also  told  to  inform  Major 
Brett,  Robert  Smith,  John  Day  and  Edward  Knipe  that,  if  they  do 
not  make  satisfaction  to  the  Company  for  what  they  owe  by  this 
day  week,  proceedings  will  be  taken  against  them ;  but  Knipe 
living  in  the  country  is  to  be  allowed  an  additional  week.  Nathaniel 
Wiche  and  George  Smith  accepted  as  security  for  benzoin.  Certain 
committees  are  desired  to  examine  and  settle  the  account  of 
Christopher  Oxenden,  but  nothing  is  to  be  paid  until  he  shall  have 
signed  a  bond  of  1,000/.  penalty  to  give  any  satisfaction  required,  if 
within  the  next  two  years  information  is  received  from  India  of  any 
action  of  his  prejudicial  to  the  Company.  The  Court  resolves  that  a 
short  petition  shall  be  drawn  up  and  presented  to  His  Highness  in 
consequence  of  an  answer  to  the  petition  formerly  presented,  praying 
for  direction  as  to  the  carrying  on  the  trade  of  India.  Spiller  is  granted 
permission  to  go  into  the  country  to  collect  his  Michaelmas  rents  after 
he  has  got  in  the  Company's  debts.  Coloured  ginghams  sold  to  Samuel 
Sambrooke.  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Swinglehurst  to  be  paid  1374/.  19J.  id., 
the  amount  due  to  her  late  husband  for  disbursements.    (li//.) 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  October  6,  1654 
{Public  Record  Office:  S.  P.  Dam. :  Interregnum,  I.  75,  pp.  578-79). 

.  .  .  The  petition  of  Thomas  Barnardiston,  Thomas  Bludworth, 
and  William  Love,  merchants,  and  Company,  for  leave  to  ship  out 


344  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

6,000/.  in  rix  dollars  for  enabling  an  intended  voyage  to  the  East 
Indies,  read. .  .  . 

A  Court  of  Committees,  October  13, 1654  {Court  Book,  vol. 
xxiii,  p.  385). 

Alderman  Cuttler  is  allowed  5/.  for  damaged  pepper.  Christo- 
pher Oxenden  to  be  paid  what  appears  due  to  his  account.  Pro- 
secution of  Messrs.  Handson  and  Thetcher  to  be  stayed.  Allowance 
to  be  made  for  damaged  calicoes.  Samuel  Browne,  late  purser  in 
the  Roebuck,  who  was  taken  prisoner  by  the  Dutch,  petitions  for 
some  consideration  for  loss  of  time  and  hard  usage,  also  for  employ- 
ment, or  to  be  allowed  to  take  anything  that  may  be  offered  to 
him  ;  he  is  told  that  the  Company  has  enough  losses  of  its  own 
without  bearing  those  of  other  men,  neither  has  it  any  employment 
to  offer,  but  he  is  free  to  accept  any  he  likes.     (|  p) 

The  Company  to  William  Watson  and  Richard  Bridg- 
MAN  [at  Amsterdam],  October  13,  1654  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i, 
p.  270). 

Acknowledge  theirs  of  the  9th  instant,  giving  an  account  of  the 
delivery  of  the  Company's  letter  to  the  Bewinthebbers  with  a  request 
for  a  reply  and,  in  particular,  for  the  '  resignation '  of  the  Island  of 
Pulo  Run,  they  having  already  written  to  their  General  and 
Council  ordering  them  not  to  alter  anything  in  the  said  island, 
*  which  we  hope  and  expect  they  will  punctually  observe '. 
Acknowledge  the  further  information  that  the  Bewinthebbers 
expect  some  advices  from  the  States-General,  and  on  receipt  of  the 
same  will  give  more  absolute  and  full  order  to  their  General,  etc., 
concerning  this  business,  and  also  promise  duplicates  or  treble 
copies  of  the  said  order  for  the  English  Company  to  dispatch  to 
the  East  in  their  own  ships.  Have  been  notified  by  letters  received 
this  post  by  a  *  worthy  friend  of  ours  in  London '  that  the  States- 
General  have  had  a  meeting  at  the  Hague  and  there  ratified  the 
proceedings  of  their  Commissioners  concerning  that  and  other 
particulars,  with  which  they  have  acquainted  the  Dutch  East  India 
Company,  requiring  their  performance  according  to  the  true  intent 
and  meaning  of  the  Agreement.     Desire  that  their  kind  salutes 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  345 

be  presented  to  the  Dutch  Company,  with  the  request  that  they, 
in  conformity  with  the  said  order,  will  write  fully  and  effectually 
to  the  Indies ;  so  that  the  said  island  may,  when  demanded, 
be  delivered  to  the  English  and  no  abuse  or  devastation  be  com- 
mitted there  in  the  interim.  Desire  two  or  three  copies  of  the 
orders,  to  send  in  their  shipping  designed  for  those  parts.  Return 
thanks  for  details  concerning  the  Dutch  Company's  proceedings,  as 
days  of  sale,  etc.     (|  /.) 

Petition  of  Henry  Thornhagh,  William  Love  and 
Company  {Public  Record  Office:   C.  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  81). 

Having  received  intelligence  that  nearly  all  the  English  ships 
trading  lately  in  the  East  Indies  have  been  taken  or  destroyed  by 
the  Dutch,  who  are  therefore  likely  to  monopolize  all  the  saltpetre 
and  other  commodities  from  thence  and  sell  the  same  at  what  price 
they  please  (as  is  already  shown  by  the  excessive  rise  in  the  price 
of  saltpetre),  the  petitioners  pray  that,  having  fitted  the  ship  Vine 
(James  Barker,  master)  for  East  India,  to  return  with  saltpetre  and 
other  goods,  the  Commissioners  of  Customs  may  be  ordered  to 
allow  them  to  ship  in  the  said  vessel  to  the  value  of  6,000/.  in 
Spanish  money,  to  enable  them  to  sell  their  cloth  and  other  English 
commodities,  as  nothing  can  be  bought  in  India  without  ready 
money  ;  they  also  pray  for  an  order  forbidding  all  English  subjects 
residing  in  India  to  obstruct  them  in  their  affairs  there.  Signed^ 
Henry  Thornhagh,  William  Love.  Read  November^  17, 1654,  and 
referred  to  the  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty,     (i  /.) 

Order  of  Council,  October  17,  1654  {Public  Record  Office: 
C.  0.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  81 1). 

The  petition  of  Henry  Thornhagh  and  William  Love,  for  liberty 
to  transport  to  the  value  of  6,000/.  in  Spanish  money  in  the  Vi?ie 
to  the  East  Indies,  to  be  referred  to  the  Commissioners  of  the 
Admiralty,  who  are  to  report  their  opinion  of  the  same  to  the 
Council.     Signed^  W.  Jessop,  Clerk  of  the  Council.    (J  p.) 

1  An  error  for  *  October '  (see  the  next  entry). 


346  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,   OF  THE 

Petition  of  the  East  India  Company  to  the  Lord 
Protector,  [October,  1654]  (Public  Record  Office:  C.  O.  77, 
vol.  vii,  no.  8a  *). 

Stating  that  for  forty  years  and  upwards  they  have  conducted 
the  trade  to  India  at  a  great  charge  by  several  joint  stocks  to  the 
profit  of  the  commonwealth  by  the  employment  of  shipping, 
increase  of  mariners,  and  the  annual  payment  of  large  sums  for 
customs  ;  that  the  time  limited  for  the  present  joint  stock  having 
expired,  they  summoned  the  adventurers  and, freemen  to  consider 
how  best  to  continue  the  said  trade,  when  it  was  decided  that  the 
only  way  to  do  so  for  the  good  and  honour  of  the  nation  would  be 
by  a  joint  stock,  the  reasons  being  set  forth  in  six  printed  Articles 
presented  to  the  late  Parliament^,  who  also  concurred  in  that 
opinion.  The  petitioners  think  that  a  large  subscription  may  be 
hoped  for  if  His  Highness  will  remove  the  present  discouragements 
by  confirming  their  charter,  with  such  additional  privileges  as  are 
necessary  for  the  management  of  so  large  an  undertaking,  and  by 
prohibiting  all  private  persons  from  sending  out  shipping  to  India, 
they  only  aiming  at  their  own  profit  without  respect  either  to  the 
honour  of  the  nation  in  those  remote  parts  or  to  the  advance  of  the 
trade  to  posterity.  Some  few  have  already  dispeeded  ships  and 
declare  their  intention  of  continuing  to  do  so,  which  if  permitted,  no 
joint  stock  will  be  underwritten,  the  price  of  all  Indian  commodities 
will  be  much  enhanced,  and  European  goods  much  undervalued, 
all  which  will  be  of  very  ill  consequence  both  to  the  commonwealth 
and  to  the  Company,  the  latter  being  liable  to  make  good  all  abuses 
and  depredations  committed  by  the  English  in  India,  which  the 
petitioners  know  well  by  former  and  dear  experience.  They  also 
pray  His  Highness  to  assist  them  in  recovering  their  Spice  Islands, 
which  for  many  years  have  been  wrongfully  detained  by  the  Dutch, 
as  this  would  give  great  encouragement  for  a  large  subscription  and 
prove  a  good  and  sure  foundation  on  which  to  build  an  ample  trade 
for  the  future.  Signed^  William  Cokayne,  Governor.  Endorsed, 
Presented  from  His  Highness  by  the  Lord  President  and  read 
November  2,  1654.     (i  /.) 

^  No.  88  is  another  copy  with  sixty  signatures  appended. 
•  See  p.  6. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  347 

A  General  Court  of  the  Adventurers  in  the  United 
Joint  Stock,  October  18,  1654  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxiii,  p.  386). 

Mr.  Cokayne  announces  that  the  petition  signed  at  the  last 
general  court  has  been  presented  to  His  Highness,  who  promised 
that  '  it  should  bee  very  suddainely  taken  into  consideration 
effectually'.  The  Governor  further  states  that  the  Court  of 
Committees  has  empowered  a  sub-committee  to  freight  a  ship  of 
about  !Zoo  tons,  with  stock  to  the  value  of  4,000/.,  to  the  Coast ;  that 
though  it  would  have  been  better  to  have  kept  this  design  secret 
until  after  the  ship  had  gone,  yet  that  being  impossible  a  general 
court  has  been  called  to  be  told  of  the  same  and  to  give  their  con- 
sent ;  yet  if  they  do  not  approve,  then  there  are  two  or  three  private 
men  who  will  undertake  it.  Hereupon  the  design  is  generally 
approved  and  the  management  of  it  referred  to  the  Committees 
already  appointed,  but  the  Court  desires  that  Captain  Thomas  shall 
assist  in  freighting  the  ship  to  be  dispeeded.     (|  p.) 

Opinion  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty  and 
Navy  touching  the  Petition  of  Henry  Thornhagh  and 
William  Love,  October  2^,  16 Sa  {Public  Record  Office :  CO.  77, 
vol.  vii,  no.  81 II). 

They  think  that  the  petitioners  should  be  allowed  to  take  out 
in  their  ship  Vine  to  the  value  of  6 pool,  in  Spanish  money 
according  to  their  desire,  as  they  promise  to  bring  back  with  the 
proceeds  of  the  same  and  of  a  great  part  of  the  said  ship's  lading 
saltpetre  for  the  use  of  the  commonwealth,  more  especially  as  they 
understand  that  most  of  the  English  ships  trading  lately  to  the  East 
Indies  have  been  either  taken  or  destroyed  by  the  Dutch.  General 
Desborow  to  report  this  their  opinion.  Examined  by  Robert 
Blackborne,  Secretary.  Read  October  24,  1654.  Ordered  October 
26,  1654.     (I/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  October  25,  1654  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  387). 

Christopher  Oxenden  to  be  returned  the  bond  he  gave  to 
forbear  private  trade.  Certain  Committees  are  desired  to  meet 
Mr.  Acton  at  the  Temple  about  Mr.  Courteen's  business.     Anne 


348  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

Ockford  to  be  paid  lo/.  of  her  brother  Joseph  Thomson's  salary,  on 
giving  bond  to  save  the  Company  harmless  ;  Mr.  Aungeir  to  make 
inquiries  concerning  the  validity  of  her  security.  Thomas  Trotter 
is  refused  allowance  on  silk  he  bought  of  the  Company.  William 
Bradbent  to  be  paid  all  that  is  due  to  him  up  to  the  day  he  was 
taken  by  the  Dutch,  on  giving  bond  to  answer  any  accusation  that 
may  be  made  against  him  from  India  within  the  next  two  years. 
Simon  Gray,  who  went  out  as  a  planter  to  Assada,  is  given  20s. 
from  the  poor-box.     (i  /.) 

Order  of  the  Council  of  State,  October  a6, 1654  {Public 
Record  Office,  S,  P.  Dom. :  Interregnum,  I.  75,  p.  589). 

Henry  Thomhagh  and  William  Love  to  be  permitted  to  trans- 
port in  their  ship  Vine,  bound  for  the  East  Indies,  Spanish  money 
to  the  value  of  6,000/.  at  one  per  cent,  for  custom  to  assist  them  in 
their  trade  in  that  voyage,  they  having  declared  their  intention  to 
bring  back,  with  the  proceeds  of  the  said  ship's  lading,  saltpetre  for 
the  use  of  the  commonwealth.  All  English  subjects  residing  in 
India  to  be  forbidden  to  obstruct  the  said  Henry  Thornhagh  and 
William  Love  in  their  proceedings. 

A  Court  of  Committees,  October  a;,  1654  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  388). 

Edmond  Wareing  asserts  that  he  feels  he  is  released  from  his 
bargain  for  cloves,  as  they  were  not  ready  when  he  wanted  them ; 
after  much  dispute  Mr.  Edwards,  who  bargained  for  some  of  the 
cloves,  declares  that  he  is  very  unwilling  to  contest  with  the 
Company  and  therefore  will  do  his  best  to  settle  this  matter  amic- 
ably. John  Day  paying  in  200/.  on  account  of  his  debt,  order  is 
given  for  his  prosecution  to  be  deferred.  Thomas  Tomblings  is 
accepted  as  security  for  William  Bradbent  in  a  bond  of  100/.    (^  p.) 

The  Company  to  William  Watson  and  Richard  Bridgman 
[at  Amsterdam],  October  27,  1654  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  271). 

Acknowledge  theirs  of  the  30th  instant,  telling  of  their  proceedings 
with  the  Dutch  Company  concerning  the  cession  of  Pulo  Run  and 
of  their  pretences  in  occasioning  delay  in  conforming  to  the  order 
agreed  upon  and  concluded  by  the  respective  Commissioners.    Can- 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  349 

not  but  be  justly  discontented  at  the  same,  but  hope  from  their 
letter  that  next  week  better  satisfaction  may  be  received  ;  so  will 
rest  content  until  then.  Desire  that  the  Dutch,  in  case  they  fail, 
be  informed  that  the  English  Company  wrote  to  them  on  the 
22nd  ult.  concerning  this  business,  desiring  their  order  for  the 
restoration  of  the  said  island  and  to  receive  full  satisfaction  by  their 
absolute  conformity  to  the  said  agreement,  and  that  they  will  send 
the  English  Company  the  commands  and  orders  given  to  the 
Dutch  in  India  to  deliver  up  the  said  island  when  the  English  shall 
demand  the  same  ;  that  this  business,  so  long  in  suspense  and  now 
concluded,  may  be  amicably  finished  without  further  discontent. 
Require  them  to  press  for  a  positive  answer,  as  it  is  a  matter  of 
much  concern,  which  will  not  brook  delay ;  so  that  by  the  compli- 
ance or  refusal  of  the  Dutch  herein  the  English  may  know  how  to 
proceed.     (|/.) 

Arguments  of  the  Governor  and  Company  of  Merchants 
trading  to  east  india  to  induce  the  lord  protector  to 
settle  the  trade  in  a  joint  stock  by  charter,  [october, 
1654]  {Home  Miscellaneous^  vol.  xl,  f.  "^6). 

Showing  how  the  trade  will  be  carried  on  with  more  honour, 
profit  and  safety  to  the  nation  by  a  Joint  Stock  than  by  an  open, 
free  and  regulated  trade.  Being  united,  it  will  not  be  subject  to 
the  oppressions,  injuries  and  affronts  of  other  nations,  to  which, 
having  to  do  with  fourteen  several  Princes,  and  with  the  Dutch  and 
Portuguese  as  competitors,  it  is  very  liable.  The  undertakings  of 
the  Company  have  been  great,  and  they  have  gained  and  purchased 
many  privileges,  viz. :  half  customs  at  Gombroon,  which  if  well 
managed  may  bring  in  15,000/.  yearly ;  exemption  from  all  customs 
upon  the  Coast  of  Coromandel,  which  formerly  cost  4,000/.  per 
annum ;  and  privileges  and  immunities  at  Bantam,  denied  to  all 
trading  apart  from  the  Company.  All  these  may  be  retained  if 
the  Company  as  one  body  continues  responsible  for  the  actions  of 
the  English  nation,  but  may  be  lost  by  the  ill  dealing  of  any 
*  licentious  persons '.  The  Company  in  1638  sent  out  the  Discovery^ 
in  pursuit  of  Cobb  and  Aires,  who  had  committed  depredations  in 

'  The  ship's  name  should  be  the  Blessing  and  the  date  1636.  See  English  Factories 
in  India ^  1634-36,  pp.  xxiv,  304,  etc. 


35©  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

the  Red  Sea  and  upon  some  Surat  junks ;  in  this  ship  the  Gover- 
nor of  Surat  put  certain  Indians,  who,  seeing  the  diligence  and 
integrity  exercised  in  pursuit  of  '  those  robers*,  gave  up  all  suspi- 
cion of  the  Company's  confederacy  with  them,  and  that  body  was 
reinstated  in  the  Indians'  good  opinion,  which  it  still  retains.    Such 
deeds  could  not  be  performed  by  private  men,  who  would  want  to 
look  after  their  own  interest  rather  than  that  of  the  nation.     The 
profit  of  the  nation  is  also  greatly  concerned,  for,  while  the  trade 
is  in  the  hands  of  a  joint  stock,  there  is  but  one  buyer  and  one 
seller,  and  the  rates  of  English  commodities  are  kept  up  and  those 
of  Indian  goods  continue  moderate ;  whereas,  if  the  trade  is  thrown 
open,  there  will  be  many  sellers,  all  anxious  to  dispose  of  their 
merchandise,  thereby  cheapening  the  price  and  raising  that  of  the 
Indian  commodities  by  the  '  confluence  of  many  buyers '.    By  open 
trade  the  value  of  the  rial  has  been  reduced  at  Masulipatam  from 
7  fanams  to  5^  fanams,  with  the  result  that  cloth  which  was  bought 
for  10s.  formerly  now  costs  i6s.  ^d.     The  English  nation  benefits 
not  by  cheap  selling  but   by  cheap   buying,  because   the   goods 
bought  in  India  are  not  all  consumed  in  England  but  are  largely 
sold  to  other  nations  at  a  profit.     Pepper  is  bought  in  India  at  ^d. 
per  lb.,  but  with  freight,  custom  and  other  charges  costs  lod.  per  lb. ; 
if  sold  at  the  latter  rate  in  England,  nothing  is  gained  by  the  nation 
but  the  conveniency  of  having  the  little  pepper  used  (not  1,400  bags( 
per  annum)  at  more  moderate  rates ;   whereas  if  7,000  bags  (the 
usual  quantity)  is  imported  and  sold  at  Q^od.  instead  of  \od.  per  lb., 
there  will  be  'advanced  to  this  nation  upon  5,600  baggs  at  lod.  per 
lb.  which  comes  to  70,000/.  sterling,  all  which  comes  to  us  for  pro- 
fitt  out  of  the  purses  of  the  Turkes,  Italians,  French,  Germans  and 
Poles,  who  buy  and  consume  theis  5,600  bags'.     With  regard  to 
safety  both  in  India  and  on  the  outward  and  homeward  voyages, 
the  united  strength  of  the  Company  has  hitherto  not  only  been  a 
defence  against  the  Portuguese  and  Malabars.  .  .  .     {Draft,  with 
corrections.     Imperfect.     4  pp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
November  i,  1654  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  0.66). 

The  executors  of  the  late  Francis  Bretton  desiring  to  be  paid 
what  is  due  to  him,  they  are  told  they  must  submit  to  the  arbitra- 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  351 

tion  of  four  committees,  two  to  be  chosen  by  the  Company  and 
two  by  themselves,  as  to  what  fine  shall  be  imposed  for  private 
trade  and  all  other  delinquencies ;  they  agree,  but  defer  the  nomi- 
nation of  their  arbitrators.  Alexander  Randall,  administrator  to 
the  late  James  Cox,  appears  to  receive  what  is  due  to  the  latter's 
estate,  but  there  not  being  a  full  court  this  matter  is  referred  to 
the  next  meeting.     (J/.) 

Proceedings  of  the  Council  of  State,  November  2,  1654 
{Public  Record  Office^  S.  P.  Dom.:  Interregnum^  I.  75,  pp. 
591-93)- 

.  .  .  The  petition  of  the  Governor  and  Company  of  Merchants  of 
London  trading  to  the  East  Indies  referred  to  Mulgrave,  Lisle, 
Mackworth,  and  Strickland,  to  report.  .  .  . 

A  Meeting  of  the  Committees  for  the  Dutch  Business, 
November  8,  1654  {Factory  Records,  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  4216). 

Consideration  of  the  satisfaction  to  be  accorded  to  the  Commis- 
sioners who  have  taken  pains  in  the  Dutch  business  is  deferred. 

a/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  November  10,  1654  {Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  389). 

Mr.  Edwards  reports  that  he  cannot  induce  Major  Wareing  to 
receive  the  cloves  he  bought ;  therefore  the  Court  resolves  to  sue 
him  for  the  same.  Mr.  Moyer  moves  the  Court  to  consider  how 
to  get  home  the  remains  of  this  United  Stock,  to  sell  its  goods,  pay 
its  debts  and  divide  what  remains ;  he  is  informed  that  already 
shipping  has  been  dispeeded  to  fetch  home  the  remains,  factors 
have  been  recalled  by  letter,  all  goods  are  sold,  except  some 
calicoes  which  were  refused  lately  when  offered  by  the  candle,  and 
that  the  debts  are  being  paid  off  as  they  become  due.  A  warrant 
is  presented  for  signature  for  payment  of  ']^l.y  half  a  year's  rent 
for  the  warehouse  at  St.  Helen's  [the  blue  warehouse]  ;  this  is 
objected  to  as  being  an  unnecessary  expense,  all  goods  there 
belonging  to  this  Stock  having  been  sold.  TombHngs  is  ordered 
to  tell  all  who  have  goods  there  to  take  them  away,  and  if  this  is 
not  done  to  remove  them  to  this  house  at  the  owners'  charge  and 


35a  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

risk,  and  notice  is  given  to  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock  that  this 
Stock  has  no  longer  any  use  for  the  said  warehouse.  Certain 
committees  are  entreated  to  sell  all  goods  remaining  in  the  Custom- 
house warehouse  and  to  dispose  of  that  building,     {ip.) 

The  Company  to  William  Watson  and  Richard  Bridg- 
MAN  [at  Amsterdam],  November  io,  1654  (Letter  Book,  vol.  i, 
p.  27a). 

Acknowledge  theirs  of  the  6th  current  with  the  letter  from  the 
Bewinthebbers  enclosed  containing  their  letters  to  their  General  at 
Batavia  and  to  their  Governor  of  the  Islands  of  Banda  concerning 
the  surrender  of  the  Island  of  Pulo  Run.  Intended  to  have  answered 
their  letter  this  week,  but  being  hindered  by  a  more  urgent  occasion 
defer  doing  so  until  later.  Are  sensible  of  their  care  and  pains  in 
these  negotiations,  and  will  be  mindful  to  compensate  them  for  the 
same,     (i  p.) 

A  Meeting  of  the  Committees  for  the  Dutch  Business, 
November  14, 1654^  {Factory  Records,  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  426). 

It  is  resolved  to  consult  counsel  concerning  the  legality  of  the 
discharge  sent  to  this  committee  by  the  Dutch  for  the  Island  of 
Pulo  Run,  and  the  money  to  be  paid  by  the  Dutch.     {\p). 

Petition  of  certain  Merchants  trading  to  East  India, 
November,  1654  {Public  Record  Office:  C.  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  83). 

Asserting  that  the  trade  to  East  India  when  managed  by  a  joint 
stock  has  produced  neither  profit  nor  encouragement  to  the  adven- 
turers, but  that  particular  voyages  have  done  so;  therefore  they 
pray  that  an  East  India  Company  may  be  established,  with  large 
immunities  and  privileges  under  good  government  and  regulation 
and  confirmed  by  a  charter  from  the  Lord  Protector  and  the 
Parliament,  which  they  doubt  not  will,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  in 
a  very  short  time  very  much  advance  navigation  and  trade  to  the 
honour  and  profit  of  the  English  nation.  Endorsed.  Delivered  by 
Maurice  Thompson,  November  14,  1654.     {\  p.) 

*  There  was  another  meeting  held  on  December  32  {Ibid.,  p.  426),  but  no  particulars 
•re  given  of  the  business  transacted. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  s5S 

Proposals  concerning  the  Trade  to  India,  November, 
1654  (Ptihlic  Record  Office :  C.  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  38  l). 

I.  The  said  trade  to  be  carried  on  by  a  company  under  regula- 
tion and  freedom,  so  that  industrious  adventurers  may  be  encouraged 
to  manage  their  own  stock,  employ  their  own  factors  and  shipping, 
in  the  same  manner  as  the  Turkey,  Muscovia  and  Hamburg 
traders  do,  whose  trade  was  once  confined  to  joint  stocks,  but  this 
method  proving  prejudicial  and  unprofitable  it  was  laid  open  under 
government  and  since  then  has  prospered.  That  a  new  East  India 
Company  and  government  be  established  by  charter,  into  which 
all  men  may  enter  freely  and  trade,  and  that  this  company  be 
empowered  to  make  laws  for  its  own  better  regulation  and  for  the 
punishment  of  offenders,  in  as  large  a  manner  as  the  Turkey  and 
Muscovia  Companies  do.  2.  That  the  said  Company  may  raise 
a  stock  to  buy  from  the  United  Stock  all  their  interest  in  India 
in  houses,  customs,  and  privileges,  together  with  the  Island  of  Pulo 
Run  at  a  reasonable  price,  the  revenue  of  the  same  to  be  employed 
*  to  support  publique  charges  in  India,  and  procure  a  nationall 
interest  in  some  towne  in  India  to  make  the  scale  of  trade  for  those 
parts'.  3.  That  all  ships  trading  in  the  East  Indies  may  be 
enjoined  to  follow  the  said  Company's  orders  and  directions 
and  unite  in  one  common  defence  to  preserve  the  liberties  and 
privileges  of  the  English.  4.  That  a  President  at  Surat  and 
a  Council  [sic^  in  Persia  be  appointed  by  the  adventurers  from 
time  to  time  for  the  good  government  of  this  vast  trade,  so  that  all 
industrious  merchants  may  be  encouraged  in  their  undertakings 
to  improve  it  and  to  make  further  discoveries  in  China,  Japan,  etc. 
5.  That  factories  be  settled  by  able  merchants  at  Surat,  Persia, 
Masulipatam,  Hugli,  etc.,  where  the  business  of  all  men  may  be 
transacted  at  five  per  cent,  commission,  as  is  done  at  Leghorn  and 
in  Turkey,  etc.,  and  that  these  merchants  be  permitted  to  procure 
lading  and  dispatch  ships  as  well  as  the  Company's  factors. 
Endorsed^  Received  from  Maurice  Tompson,  November  14,  1654.. 


Aa 


354  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

Reasons  why  the  East  India  Trade  should  not  be 
CONFINED  TO  A  JoiNT  STOCK,  NOVEMBER,  1654  {Public  Record 
Office:  C  O,  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  83  li). 

I.  The  First  and  Second  Joint  Stocks,  both  estimated  to  be 
about  two  milhons,  have  produced  neither  profit  nor  encouragement 
to  the  adventurers  in  them,  and  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock,  initiated 
about  fourteen  years  ago,  is  now  (notwithstanding  the  great  and 
many  hazards  run  by  the  adventurers)  commonly  sold  at  30/.  per 
cent.,  not  one-fourth  part  interest  for  the  money,  the  principal 
being  lost ;  whereas  private  voyages  have  produced  in  less  than 
a  fourth  of  that  time  more  than  double  the  principal,  to  which  the 
Company  can  testify  by  their  own  experience.  1.  The  lack  of 
success  attending  the  Joint  Stocks  of  the  Turkey,  Muscovia, 
Virginia,  and  East  India  Companies  is  a  manifest  argument  of  the 
great  defect  of  that  form  of  government  and  a  great  discourage- 
ment to  all  men  to  adventure  under  it.  3.  By  the  practice  of  the 
East  India  Company  it  is  evident  that  trading  by  particular  voyages 
(that  is  by  particular  joint  stocks)  is  better  than  trading  by  a  general 
joint  stock,  for  the  said  Company,  while  maintaining  both,  find  the 
particular  voyages  far  more  profitable.  4.  It  is  against  the  rule  of 
merchants  to  commit  the  disposal  of  their  stock  to  the  will  of  a  few 
men,  though  it  is  thought  necessary  that  this  trade  should  be  under 
government.  5.  A  general  joint  stock  managed  only  by  a  few,  in 
which  those  who  adventure  largely  can  give  no  assistance,  is  very 
discouraging  to  personal  endeavours  and  contrary  to  the  custom 
of  those  companies  who  trade  by  particular  stocks.  6.  A  general 
joint  stock  is  slow  in  motion  and  attended  with  great  charges,  which 
devour  much  of  the  stock,  whereas  the  government  of  a  company 
like  the  Merchant  Adventurers,  the  Muscovia  and  Turkey  mer- 
chants is  far  less  chargeable,  though  their  respective  stocks  much 
exceed  the  joint  stock  of  the  East  India  adventurers.  7.  Great 
dissatisfaction  arises  from  adventurers  entrusting  their  estates  to 
unknown  factors  in  those  remote  parts.  8.  Although  no  con- 
siderable stock  should  be  underwritten  to  carry  on  the  East  India 
trade,  yet  all  other  Englishmen  would  be  prohibited  from  engaging 
in  it,  to  the  great  prejudice  of  navigation  and  trade,  for  the  Dutch, 
Portuguese,  Arabians,  Persians,  Moors  from  Achin,  and  many  other 


EAST   INDIA  COMPANY  355 

people  have  free  liberty  to  trade  in  those  parts ;  but  it  would  be 
against  our  national  liberties  and  destructive  to  the  public  good  to 
hold  more  places  than  we  can  well  plant,  fortify,  and  manage. 
Endorsed,  Delivered  by  Mr.  Maurice  Tompson,  November  14, 1654. 

John  Fowke's  Bill  against  John  Chilcot,  November 
15,  1654  [Public  Record  Office:  C.  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  84). 

For  costs  expended  in  Chancery  and  before  the  Commissioners 
of  Indemnity,  amounting  to  34/.  i8.y.,  besides  lool.  for  depositions, 
and  140/.  *  in  corne  mony  and  bonnds  taken  since  July  last '.     (i  /.) 

Walter  Foy's  Bill  of  Costs,  [November,  1654]  {Public 
Record  Office :  CO.  "j^j,  vol.  vii,  no.  84 1). 

For  money  expended  in  defence  of  a  suit  brought  against  him 
by  John  Chilcott  in  Chancery,  the  whole  amounting  to  3/.  6s.  Sd, 

Richard  Bury's  Bill  of  Costs,  [November,  1654]  {Public 
Record  Office :  C  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  84  ll). 

For  money  expended  in  defence  of  a  suit  brought  against  him 
by  John  Chilcott  in  Chancery,  the  whole  amounting  to  3/.  6s.  8d. 

HP') 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
November  17,  1654  {Court  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  'z6'j). 

All  stores  and  lumber  from  the  Customhouse  warehouses  to  be 
sold.  John  and  Thomas  Bretton,  executors  to  the  late  Francis 
Bretton,  nominate  Captain  Ryder  and  Thomas  Bludworth  to  act 
as  their  arbitrators,  and  the  Court  chooses  William  Garway  and 
Thomas  Andrew ;  these  four  are  desired  to  settle  the  affairs  of  the 
deceased,  and  in  case  they  cannot  agree  then  to  choose  a  fifth 
as  umpire,  the  bond  of  arbitrament  to  be  in  a  penalty  of  2,000/. 
and  all  to  be  determined  by  the  24th  December.  Oliver  Low 
is  admitted  to  the  Company's  almshouse  and  given  the  usual 
pension.  Stephen  Flower  to  be  paid  what  is  due  to  him,  on 
he  and  his  father  giving  bond  for  100/.  to  answer  any  objections 
from  India  which  may  be  brought  against  the  said  Stephen  within 

a  a  2 


356  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

the  next  two  years.  Humphrey  Walstred,  Charles  Cox,  and 
Alexander  Randall  being  left  in  trust  by  the  late  James  Cox 
during  the  minority  of  his  son,  and  the  two  first  named  relinquishing 
their  trust  because  of  their  own  business  and  knowing  that  the 
affairs  of  the  said  Cox  are  '  much  intangled ',  Randall  applies  for 
what  is  due  to  the  estate ;  he  is  told  that  this  matter  was  not 
settled  before  because  the  Company,  could  never  get  Cox  to  give 
any  account,  but  an  abstract  has  been  drawn  up  as  much  in  his 
favour  as  is  possible ;  at  the  same  time  it  is  usual  to  submit  all 
affairs  of  this  nature  to  arbitration.  Randall  agrees  to  this  and 
names  two  committees  to  act  for  him,  and  the  Company  names 
two  and  orders  the  bond  of  arbitrament  to  be  in  a  penalty  of  500/. 
and  the  award  to  be  made  the  first  day  of  the  next  term,     (i^pp.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  November  24,  1654  {Court  Booky 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  390). 

Captain  Kerridge  is  requested  to  join  with  and  assist  the  com- 
mittees already  appointed  to  dispeed  the  ship  [the  Three  Brothers 
in  the  margin]  to  the  Coast.  Bartholomew  HoUoway  to  be  paid 
his  wages,  los.  a  week,  by  John  Stanyan  from  the  time  of  Mr.  Ril- 
ston's  death,  the  latter  having  paid  them  formerly.    (\  p,) 

The  Company  to  William  Watson  and  Richard  Bridg- 
man  [at  Amsterdam],  November  24,  1654  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i, 
P-  ^n)- 

Desire  them  to  present  to  the  Dutch  East  India  Company  the 
enclosed  letter,  the  substance  whereof  is  an  acknowledgement 
of  the  receipt  of  their  letter  with  enclosures  to  the  Governor  of  the 
Isles  of  Banda  and  their  General  at  Batavia.  These,  however,  were 
sent  sealed  ;  so  that  the  Company  are  ignorant  of  the  contents,  and 
now  write  to  request  copies  of  the  same.    {%  p.) 

The  Company  to  the  Dutch  East  India  Company  at 
Amsterdam,  November  24,  1654  {Letter  Book,  vol.  i,  p.  273). 

Acknowledge  the  receipt  of  theirs  of  the  6th  present,  with  their 
friendly  offer  for  the  continuation  of  all  '  good  correspondencie  and 
amicable  offices ',  which  they  on  their  part  will  punctually  observe. 
Request  to  be  furnished  with  copies  of  the  sealed  letters  enclosed 


EAST  INDIA   COMPANY  '>^t^^ 

to' the  General  at  Batavia  and  the  Governor  of  the  Banda  Islands 
concerning  the  cession  of  Pulo  Run,  that  they  may  be  enabled 
to  advise  their  people  in  the  East  how  to  proceed  with  regard  to 
the  same.     (J/.) 

Answer  of  the  East  India  Company  to  the  Reasons 
presented  by  maurice  thomson  and  others  against 
A  Joint  Stock,  November,  1654  {Public  Record  Office:  C.  O, 
77,  vol.  vii,  no.  85). 

I.  The  First  Joint  Stock,  injuriously  charged  with  producing 
neither  profit  nor  encouragement,  was  started  in  161 3,  and  deter- 
mined in  1 61 6,  and  was  made  up  only  of  418,691/.,  yet  it  returned 
to  the  adventurers  their  money  and  '^66 ^^^^l,  10s.  profit,  notwith- 
standing the  loss  of  two  ships  worth  35,000/. ;  that  this  Stock  gave 
encouragement  to  the  subscribers  is  sufficiently  proved  by  the 
stupendous  subscription  of  1,502,756/.  made  in  1616  for  the  Second 
Joint  Stock.  This  latter  Stock  after  many  years  only  returned  to 
the  adventurers  their  principal  with  12/.  10s.  per  cent,  profit,  which 
will  not  seem  small  when  it  is  considered  how  many  difficulties 
were  encountered,  viz.,  war,  losses  by  sea,  many  acts  of  violence 
and  wrong  committed  by  the  Dutch,  and  the  great  charge  made 
upon  it  by  the  tenth  article  of  the  treaty  of  1619.  i.  The  war  with 
the  Portuguese,  during  which  many  bickerings  and  fights  took 
place,  necessitated  the  dispatch  from  161 6  to  1620  of  four  great 
ships  (for  mutual  safety)  to  Surat,  seldom  above  one  of  them 
returning  laden  to  Europe  in  any  one  year,  the  others  remaining 
for  the  general  advance  and  safety  of  the  trade ;  this  cost  the 
Company  at  least  200,000/.  2.  In  161 8,  161 9,  and  1620,  the 
Dutch  took  from  the  Company  eleven  ships,  whose  loss  is  estimated 
at  at  least  400,000/.  3.  By  the  tenth  article  of  the  treaty  of  161 9 
the  English  Company  were  required  to  furnish  ten  ships  of  war 
for  joint  defence.  This  was  an  unnecessary  charge,  the  Dutch  '  to 
eat  us  up '  pressing  for  great  *  armadoes '  for  their  own  advantage 
upon  every  occasion,  which  cost  the  Company  300,000/.  4.  In 
1620  the  Company's  servants  were  driven  from  the  Island  of  Banda, 
and  Pulo  Run  was  unjustly  taken  by  the  Dutch,  the  damage  of 
which  is  estimated  at  200,000/.  5.  By  the  inhuman  usage  of  the 
English  at  Amboyna  in  1623,  those  surviving  were  deterred  from 


358  COURT   MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

living  amongst  the  Dutch,  and  thus  the  Company's  trade  to  the 
Moluccas  and  Banda  was  lost  and  they  prejudiced  300,000/. 
6.  In  162S  the  Dutch  burned  the  Company's  houses  and  magazines 
at  Jakatra,  worth  50,000/.,  and  so  their  ships,  bereft  of  cordage,  etc., 
were  worn  out  and  eaten  up,  causing  a  loss  of  200,000/.  7.  In 
consequence  of  the  said  destruction  and  the  ill  usage  of  their 
servants  the  English  withdrew  to  an  unwholesome  island,  where 
many  died ;  this  and  the  disturbance  to  their  affairs  cost  50,000/. 
8.  The  ten  ships  lost  belonging  to  this  Stock  were  worth  336,000/., 
viz.  the  Sun,  700  tons,  lost  on  the  island  Ingania  near  the  Straits 
of  Sunda  in  16 18,  worth  50,000/. ;  the  Unicorn,  700  tons,  forced 
ashore  in  China  in  i6ao,  worth  6,000/. ;  the  Hope,  400  tons,  lost 
thereabouts  in  1620,  worth  5,000/. ;  the  Trial,  500  tons,  lost  on  her 
way  to  Bantam  in  1621,  worth  5,000/. ;  the  Whale,  700  tons,  over- 
set after  leaving  Swally  Road  in  1622,  worth  150,000/. ;  the  Moon, 
700  tons,  lost  on  her  return,  in  sight  of  Dover  in  1625,  worth 
55,000/. ;  the  Lion,  400  tons,  lost  at  Goa  after  fighting  with  the  Portu- 
guese in  1625,  worth  10,000/. ;  the  Morris,  700  tons,  cast  away  in 
1628,  worth  40,000/.;  the  Swallow,  120  tons,  burnt  in  Swally 
Road  in  1632,  worth  5,000/. ;  the  Charles,  700  tons,  fired  by  the 
Swallow  falling  aboard  her  in  1632,  worth  10,000/.  9.  At  the 
close  of  this  Stock  a  famine  occurred  in  India  which  swept 
away  the  people  not  only  of  the  towns  but  of  whole  countries, 
enhanced  the  price  of  provisions  sevenfold,  made  goods  scarce 
and  dear  because  of  the  death  of  all  spinners,  weavers,  washers  and 
dyers,  and  caused  a  loss  to  the  Company  of  60,000/.  Considering  that 
these  losses  amount  in  all  to  two  millions  forty-six  thousand  pounds, 
it  is  more  to  be  wondered  at  that  this  Stock  returned  the 
adventurers  their  money  with  12/.  loj.  per  cent,  profit  than  that 
it  produced  no  more,  especially  as  it  was  *  hacked  and  maimed  in 
its  infancy  before  it  had  got  any  strength'.  Any  trade  to  the 
Indies  is  liable  to  these  casualties,  one-half  of  which  would  have 
ruined  any  particular  adventurers  and  wholly  lost  to  the  nation  this 
trade,  which  has  hitherto  been  preserved  by  Joint  Stocks  and,  by 
the  blessing  of  God,  may  be  so  still.  It  is  true  that  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock,  begun  twelve  years  ago  and  made  up  in  quick  and 
dead  stock  104,540/.,  has  hitherto  given  no  dividend,  and  possibly 
by  those  wishing  to  invest  (though  by  no  others)  it  is  given  out  to 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  359 

be  worth  only  thirty  per  cent.,  which  is  not  to  be  wondered  at,  when 
a  debt  of  8o,coo/.  [sic],  due  for  pepper  sold  to  Lord  Cottington, 
is  still  owing  to  it,  and  the  loss  of  two  of  its  ships,  one  going  out 
the  other  returning  home,  amounts  to  90,000/.  The  charge  of  the 
First  and  Second  General  Voyages,  started  respectively  in  1641 
and  1647,  fell  upon  this  Stock  both  at  home  and  in  India,  but  what 
profit  private  voyages  have  produced  lately  is  not  known,  as  these 
have  been  carried  on  by  interlopers.  2>.  The  ill  success  of  the 
Turkey,  Muscovia  and  Virginia  Joint  Stocks  ('  if  any  such  things 
were')  is  no  argument  why  the  East  India  trade  should  not  be 
carried  on  in  that  way,  any  more  than  because  two  men,  after 
working  together  in  partnership,  should  fail  and  dissolve,  the  same 
should  prevent  others  from  joining  in  partnership  for  the  future. 
If  there  have  been  defects  in  this  form  of  government,  these,  being 
discovered,  may  be  prevented  in  the  future.  3.  What  is  really 
meant  by  particular  voyages  or  particular  joint  stocks  the  Company 
does  not  very  well  know ;  but  if  the  two  voyages  started  respec- 
tively in  1 641  and  1647  ^"d  called  general  voyages  be  meant,  they 
confess  that  the  first,  made  up  of  104,000/.,  afforded  120/.  per  cent, 
profit,  and  the  second,  made  up  of  143,000/.,  73/.  per  cent,  profit ; 
but  the  reason  is  because  their  charges  were  borne  by  the  Third 
and  Fourth  Joint  Stocks  for  an  inconsiderable  premium,  and  their 
stocks  were  quick  and  not  encumbered  with  shipping,  forts,  or 
houses,  as  they  were  to  cease  when  Parliament  should  confirm 
and  enlarge  the  Company's  charter  and  so  encourage  the  nation 
to  a  '  noble '  subscription ;  and  also  because  they  met  with  no 
losses  at  sea,  neither  received  any  injuries  from  the  Dutch  or  others. 
4.  In  free  trade  every  merchant  makes  his  own  rules,  but  the 
Company  is  not  to  be  guided  by  the  example  of  merchants  alone, 
for  the  foundation  of  the  East  India  trade  was  laid  at  the  charge 
not  only  of  merchants  but  of  the  nobility,  gentry,  and  others,  who 
have  borne  its  great  burden;  therefore  it  belongs  to  them  and 
their  successors  as  well  as  to  merchants.  5.  If  the  committees 
or  others  by  whom  former  joint  stocks  have  been  managed  have  been 
too  few,  the  Company  prays  that  it  may  be  left  to  the  adventurers 
to  increase  or  decrease  them  every  year,  and  that  adventurers  of 
'  any  competent  somme '  may  be  at  liberty  to  assist  and  give  their 
opinions.     6.  The  motions  of  a  joint  stock  would  not  be  slow  if 


36o  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

the  present  charter  were  confirmed,  neither  would  the  charge 
be  nearly  so  great  as  that  of  the  Turkey  Company,  if  to  their 
general  charge,  '  supported  by  impositions  at  home,  consullage  and 
weighty  leviations  abroad  ',  were  added  the  commissions  drawn  by 
their  factors,  to  neither  of  which  the  Company  is  as  yet  subject, 
and  which  must  all  be  paid  by  the  adventurers,  if  the  trade  of 
India  is  to  be  carried  on  in  the  same  manner  as  the  trade 
of  Turkey.  7.  The  generality  can  have  the  satisfaction  of  choosing 
their  own  factors  at  a  general  court  if  they  are  unwilling  to  rely  on 
the  choice  of  their  trustees  or  committees.  8.  Without  the  protection 
and  countenance  of  the  State  no  man  can  promise  himself  safety  or 
profit  in  the  Indian  trade,  for  all  are  exposed  to  the  injuries  and  in- 
solencies  both  of  princes  and  private  persons,  but  with  the  State's 
protection  the  whole  nation,  as  well  as  merchants,  will  be  induced  to 
adventure  in  a  Joint  Stock.  If  the  said  trade  is  laid  open,  it  will 
devolve  only  upon  those  who  understand  how  to  manage  it,  to  the 
exclusion  of  all  others,  which  is  *  against  the  liberty  of  the  nation,  the 
publique  good,  and  the  justice  due  to  them  who  in  their  owne 
persons  or  their  predecessors  have  borne  the  burthen  and  affliction 
of  laying  an  expensive  foundation  for  an  advantagious  trade  to  the 
gennerallity  of  this  nation '.  Signed,  William  Cokayne,  Governor. 
Endorsed,  Received  November  28,  1554.     (3J//.) 

Jeremy  Sambrooke's  Account  of  the  East  India  Trade  ^ 
{Home  Miscellaneous,  vol.  xl,  p.  34). 

*  The  First  Voyage  subscribed  a  stock  of  57,473/.  6s.  8d.,  which 
being  carryed  over  into  the  Second  Voyage  by  an  addition  was 
made  up  128,823/.,  becoming  one  intire  accompt  and  the  advance 
thereon  was  95  per  cent,  cleare  of  all  charges.  The  Third  Voyage 
was  a  new  subscription,  the  capitall  being  53,500/.  and  the  gaines 
above  the  said  capitall  was  234  per  cent.  The  Fourth  Voyage 
proved  a  loss,  one  ship  cast  away  upon  the  coast  of  India  outwards, 
and  the  other  lost  upon  the  coast  of  Fraunce  in  her  retourn.  The 
Fifth  Voyage  was  a  branch  of  the  Third,  a  single  ship  set  forth  by 
the  same  adventurers,  whose  proceede  was  involved  in  the  234 
per  cent     The  Sixth  Voyages  capitall  was  80,163/.  ^•^-  8^.,  and  the 

*  No  date  is  given  ;  but  internal  evidence  suggests  that  the  memorandum  was  compiled 
>abont  November,  1654. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  361 

advance  thereon  was  121/.  13^.  4^.  per  cent.  The  Seventh  Voyages 
capitall  was  15,634/,,  and  the  advance  thereon  was  218  per  cent. 
The  Eighth  Voyages  capitall  was  ^5, 947/.  12s.  6d.,  and  the  advance 
thereon  was  211  per  cent.  The  Ninth  Voyages  capitall  was  19,614/. 
and  the  advance  thereon  was  160  per  cent.  The  Tenth  Voyages 
capitall  was  46,092/.,  and  the  advance  thereon  was  148  per  cent. 
The  Eleaventh  Voyage  arose  upon  a  supply  of  25  per  cent,  from 
the  Third  Voyages  adventurers,  who  sold  their  remaines  unto  this 
accompt  and,  the  ship  returning  in  20  months,  devided  three  for  one 
in  goods,  and  in  conclusion  cleared  up  20  per  cent.  more.  The 
Twelfth  Voyages  capitall  was  7,142/.  5 J.,  and  the  advance  thereon 
was  133/.  i8s.  4d.  per  cent.  The  twelve  Voyages  drawing  towards 
an  end,  and  in  regard  of  the  inconveniences  which  befell  the  trade 
by  having  severall  factories  in  Bantam  for  severall  accounts,  each 
endeavouring  to  preferr  the  interests  of  their  distinct  employments, 
they  grew  up  to  such  an  hight  of  difference  that  they  became  as 
enemies  one  against  another,  making  protests  each  against  the 
other,  which  was  a  great  disturbance  to  the  benefitt  of  the  trade ; 
to  remedy  which  the  then  adventurers  took  it  into  consideration 
how  to  prevent  the  like  for  the  future,  who  in  conclusion  resolved 
themselves  into  a  Joynt  Stock,  raising  a  subscription  (for  four 
yeares  sending  forth)  amounting  to  418,691/.,  the  employment  of 
which  produced  very  faire  and  valuable  retournes  upon  their  first 
cost :  as  for  an  instance,  a  ship  called  the  New  Yeares  Guift^  whose 
cargazoone  cost  40,000  rs.  produced  here  towards  charges  not  less 
than  80,000/.  sterling,  and  the  adventurers  in  the  sales  one  to  the 
other  made  120  per  cent,  advance.  Yet  when  the  differences 
beganne  with  the  Neitherlanders,  the  latter  part  of  the  stock  felt 
losse  and  damage,  soe  that  at  the  conclusion  thereof  the  nett 
advance  above  the  capitall  was  but  87/.  loj.  per  cent.  2.  In  the 
yeare  161 7  the  Second  Joynt  Stock  arose  from  a  subscription  of 
neare  1,600,000/. ;  yet  after  many  yeares  the  adventurers  could  not 
compass  more  then  their  principall  and  12/.  \os.  advance  in  ac- 
compt. That  soe  was  transferred  over  into  the  Third  Joynt  Stock, 
and  all  occasioned  by  the  aforesaid  differences  with  the  Dutch,  who 
surprizing  divers  ships  dispersed  into  severall  ports  compassed 
a  great  part  of  their  estate  into  their  possession  and  making  but 
slender  restitution  made  a  great  gaine  to  themselves,  even  to  the 


36a  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

mine  of  the  Second  Joynt  Stock,  wherein  the  English  suffered  an 
unexpressible  dammage.  3.  The  Third  Joynt  Stock  (with  remaines 
brought  over  from  the  Second  Joynt  Stock  and  an  additionall  sub- 
scription) made  up  a  capitall  of  420,700/.  But  by  reason  of  the  loss 
of  the  Jonas  and  Jeivell  etc.,  as  alsoe  undergoeing  a  great  charge 
in  India  by  trading  etc.  at  a  high  interest,  and  driving  the  trade 
upon  their  creditt  in  England,  produced  but  an  advance  of  35  per 
cent.  4.  The  Fourth  Joint  Stocks  capitall  was  104,540/.  The  loss 
of  the  ship  Discoveries  vallue  was  halfe  its  amount,  and  the  small- 
ness  of  which  Stock  occasioned  the  taking  up  of  mony  in  India,  and 
alsoe  the  continuance  thereof  in  England  enforced  the  sellinge  of 
the  merchandize  retourned  at  low  rates,  intending  thereby  the 
sooner  to  gett  out  of  debt;  soe  that  it  may  bee  concluded  the 
usurer  hath  gained  more  then  the  adventurers ;  yea,  I  may  really 
affirme  the  interest  mony  paid  hath  farr  surmounted  the  capitall 
itselfe.  5.  In  former  yeares,  when  a  fleete  was  sent  for  Suratt, 
one  of  the  ships  were  in  a  few  months  after  laden  thence  for 
England,  and  the  remainer  of  the  fleet,  viz*. :  one  dispeeded  for 
Bantam  with  cloth  fitting  those  parts,  and  one  or  two  of  the  great- 
est ships  with  cloth  for  Acheene,  there  to  procure  lycence  to  trade 
upon  the  west  coast  of  Sumatra,  where  at  Ticoe  and  Pryaman  the 
said  cloth  produced  great  profitt  in  barter  for  pepper ;  soe  that  in 
two  or  three  months  the  said  ships  were  laden  with  pepper  at  very 
cheape  rates  ;  then  voyaging  for  Bantam  to  give  up  their  accompts 
and  to  take  their  letters,  were  soe  seasonably  dispeeded  for  England 
that  their  voyages  were  compleated  with  a  safe  arriveall  in  twenty- 
seven  months  time.  6.  The  English  being  once  setled  upon  Polla- 
roone,  they  will  find  the  Indians  or  inhabitants  of  the  adjacent 
islands  ready  to  come  and  inhabite,  plant  and  trade  with  them. 
They  are  soe  well  affected  to  this  nation  that  assuredly  they  will 
deal  for  the  clothing  etc.  and  returne  spices  untill  this  island  shal- 
be  reestablished  to  its  former  condition,  as  in  former  times  of  peace 
these  ships  following  have  beene  returned  from  the  Molluccoes, 
Islands  of  Banda,  etc.  viz*. :  about  December,  1608,  arrived  a  small 
ship  called  the  Consent,  laden  with  cloves;  the  prime  cost  was 
2,948/.  15J.  and  was  sould  for  36,287/.  About  May,  16 10,  arrived 
the  ship  Hector  \  her  maces  cost  3,521/.  15^.,  sold  for  1 1^,461/. ;  her 
nuttmegs  cost  1,730/.  15^.,  sold  for  27,064/.     About  June,  161 1, 


EAST  INDIA   COMPANY  363 

arrived  the  Expedition ;  her  nuttmegs  cost  1,609/.  ioj.,  sold  for 
36,868/.  7.  And  now  seeing  it  hath  pleased  God  a  peace  is  settled 
with  the  Neitherlanders  upon  the  late  differences  in  India,  during 
which  time  the  English  have  beene  enforced  to  forbeare  buying  any 
India  commodities  and  that  the  Hollander  hath  bought  at  his 
owne  prizes,  soe  that  thereby  the  commodity  being  brought  low, 
and  the  English  falling  in  to  buy  againe  as  formerly  at  the  usuall 
accustomed  cheape  prizes  may  make  a  larger  benefitt  then  latter 
yeares  have  afforded,  and  fall  againe  into  the  auncient  prizes  of 
buying  cheape  in  India  and  selling  deare  in  England  for  the 
enlargement  of  that  advance  and  encouragement  to  the  adven- 
turers.'    (3//.) 

Petition  of  certain  Merchants  trading  to  the  East 
Indies,  November,  1654  [Public  Record  Office:  C.  O.  77,  vol.  vii, 
no.  U), 

Praying  for  a  licence  to  transport  free  of  custom  6,000/.  in 
foreign  bullion  of  gold  and  silver,  their  ships  the  Lion  and  Good 
Hope  having  been  made  ready  to  go  to  India  to  fetch  saltpetre  and 
other  merchandize  for  the  supply  of  the  commonwealth.  Endorsed, 
Received  November  ^28,  1654;  ordered  January  1,  1655.     (|/.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  December  i,  1654  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  391). 

The  executors  of  the  late  Thomas  Penniston  request  that  the 
dispute  concerning  the  two  bills  of  exchange  may  be  settled  by 
treaty  and  not  by  law ;  they  are  informed  that  this  matter  has 
already  been  referred  to  a  committee  of  the  generality  to  conclude 
as  they  shall  think  best.  Valentine  Ellis,  who  has  been  a  porter  at 
the  Blue  warehouse  for  the  last  thirty  years  and  is  now '  very  sicke ', 
is  given  %os.  from  the  poor-box.  Adam  Lee,  who  was  taken  in  the 
Roebuck  by  the  Dutch,  desiring  employment,  he  is  told  that  none 
can  be  given  him  at  present,  but  when  there  is  any  he  shall  be 
remembered  '  before  another '.  Robert  Baily,  commander  of  the 
Lanneret,  petitioning  for  his  wages,  the  Court,  having  been  informed 
that  he  delivered  the  said  ship  to  the  Dutch  very  treacherously  and 
received  a  gratuity  from  them  for  so  doing,  refuses  to  pay  him  any- 


364  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC,  OF  THE 

thing.  The  great  warehouse  at  the  Customhouse  is  let  at  los. 
a  week  to  WiUiam  Pennoyer,  on  condition  that  he  gives  it  up  on 
receipt  of  fourteen  days'  notice,     (i  /.) 

Answer  of  the  Adventurers  for  East  India  to  the 
Petition  of  William  Cokayne,  December,  1654  (Public  Record 
Office:  C,  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  89). 

The  East  India  trade,  managed  as  it  has  been  by  Joint  Stocks 
for  thirty-eight  years,  has  not  produced  the  profit  and  encourage- 
ment yielded  by  Voyages,  nor  the  benefit  or  honour  to  the 
commonwealth  that  a  well-regulated  trade  might  have  done, 
witness  the  Turkey,  Muscovia  and  Eastland  trades.  In  1649  the 
adventurers  in  the  United  Joint  Stock  contracted  for  and  bought 
from  the  Governor,  William  Cokayne,  and  'Captaine'  William 
Methwold,  on  behalf  of  the  Company,  all  the  right,  title,  claim, 
interest,  immunities  and  privileges  they  had  in  India,  with  all  the 
factories,  customs,  ships,  forts,  etc.,  according  to  the  articles  of 
agreement  made  November  iji,  1649,  and  confirmed  by  vote  of 
Parliament  on  January  31,  1650.  To  the  other  agreements  made 
more  at  large  between  the  said  parties  the  adventurers,  for  Their 
Lordships'  satisfaction,  refer  themselves,  as  well  as  to  their  answer 
to  the  six  printed  articles  herewith  presented.  By  these  it  appears 
that  the  pretended  freemen  of  the  said  Company  have  not  power  to 
vote  away  the  adventurers'  interest  unless  they  have  re-purchased 
the  same.  The  eleventh  article  of  the  agreement  giving  liberty  to 
any  adventurer  to  set  out  ships  for  the  advance  of  navigation  and 
to  preserve  and  recover  that  trade  (which  the  United  Joint  Stock 
neglected  and  refused  to  do)  is  no  cause  for  discouragement.  The 
adventurers  now  dispeeding  fourteen  ships  have  always  shown 
themselves  cordial  friends  to  the  State  in  seeking  the  honour  and 
welfare  of  the  nation  both  at  home  and  abroad,  and  have  as  deep 
an  interest  in  and  as  good  a  right  to  that  trade  as  the  petitioners. 
Endorsed,  Received  from  Maurice  Thomson  December  5,  1654; 
then  read.     (1  p.) 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  365 

Answer  to  the  East  India  Company's  Six  Arguments^  in 
FAVOUR  OF  A  JoiNT  STOCK,  DECEMBER,  1654  (Public  Record 
Office:  CO.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  90). 

Showing  that  a  well  regulated  company  not  trading  in  a  joint 
stock  will  be  more  advantageous  to  this  nation.  The  hostility 
between  the  English,  Dutch  and  Portuguese  being  at  an  end,  there 
is  now  no  necessity  to  send  out  a  fleet  of  ships  for  mutual  defence, 
for  this  nation  having,  through  God's  blessing  upon  the  present 
government,  gained  so  great  a  reputation  amongst  its  neighbours, 
may  well  hope  to  be  free  from  the  assaults  and  injuries  formerly 
offered  to  it  by  the  Dutch  and  others,  especially  if  the  State  will 
countenance  the  adventurers  and  grant  them  the  privileges  they 
deem  necessary.  The  safety  of  adventurers,  whether  trading  in 
a  joint  stock  or  as  members  of  a  regulated  company,  depends  more 
upon  the  favour  of  those  who  protect  them  than  upon  their  own 
strength,  for  however  great  the  fleet  dispeeded  may  be,  the  ships 
must  upon  their  arrival  in  India  disperse  to  various  remote  ports  to 
take  in  their  lading,  and  when  thus  separated  who  can  hinder  any 
potent  enemy  from  destroying  them  if  the  fear  of  offending  the  State 
does  not.  Granted  that  several  ships  belonging  to  different  members 
of  a  regulated  company  be  at  one  and  the  same  time  at  the  same 
port,  and  the  natives,  knowing  they  must  leave  while  the  monsoon 
serves,  take  advantage  to  lower  the  price  of  the  said  ships'  goods 
and  to  raise  the  value  of  their  own  (though  the  contrary  happened 
when  three  ships  belonging  respectively  to  the  Company, 
Mr.  Courteen,  and  Mr.  Thomson  were  together  at  Rajapur),  it  is 
hoped  that  the  trade  may  easily  be  so  regulated  that,  should  this 
happen,  the  factors  will  observe  certain  laws,  to  be  made  by  a  regu- 
lated company,  which  will  prevent  any  advantage  of  this  nature  to 
the  natives ;  though  it  may  reasonably  be  supposed  that  the  latter 
will  be  no  less  willing  to  sell  their  goods  than  the  factors  will  be  to 
buy,  knowing  that,  unless  they  do  so  while  the  ships  are  with  them, 
they  will  have  no  other  opportunity  till  the  arrival,  six  months  hence, 
of  other  vessels.  Even  if  the  necessity  for  the  English  ships  to  leave 
at  a  certain  time  somewhat  prejudices  the  sale  of  their  goods,  yet  the 
gain  will  be  much  more  and  the  accounts  much  less  tedious  than  when 

^  See  p.  6. 


366  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,  OF  THE 

the  trade  was  under  the  management  of  a  joint  stock.  This  seeming 
advantage  to  the  natives  it  is  hoped,  however,  will  shortly  vanish, 
for  as  in  the  case  of  the  Turkey  trade,  which  at  its  initiation  only 
sent  out  one  or  two  small  vessels  in  the  year,  and  the  English  had  to 
wait  to  lade  their  ships  until  goods  could  be  brought  to  the  shore, 
though  then  it  was  much  more  profitable  to  the  few  adventuring  than 
it  is  now,  yet  to  the  English  it  was  of  little  consideration  ;  but  when 
a  great  number  of  ships  began  to  arrive  annually  and  constantly  to 
the  Turkish  ports,  the  inhabitants,  being  assured  of  a  ready  sale  for 
their  goods,  were  encouraged  to  become  great  merchants  and  in  the 
absence  of  the  English  ships  to  scour  the  country,  buy  goods  in  small 
quantities,  and  bring  them  to  the  ports  in  expectation  of  purchasers. 
This  was  done  by  so  many  that,  though  ten  times  as  many  ships  are 
now  employed,  lading  sufficient  for  any  is  rarely  if  ever  found  lacking, 
everyone  being  as  anxious  to  sell  first  as  the  English  are  to  buy  first. 
Though  it  often  happens,  as  in  all  commerce,  that  one  takes  advant- 
age of  the  other  when  goods  are  more  or  less  plentiful,  yet  taking 
one  time  with  another  the  trade  is  followed  to  the  great  advantage 
of  the  nation,  shipping  is  increased,  sailors  are  bred  up,  and  its 
subjects  employed  and  enriched  ;  and  though  those  few  who  followed 
the  trade  in  its  infancy  grew  rich  sooner  than  the  present  adventurers, 
yet  even  now  some  of  the  many  engaged  in  it  have  amassed  great 
estates,  and  most  find  a  comfortable  subsistence;  therefore  it  is 
hoped  to  make  evident  that  the  East  India  trade,  if  managed  by  a 
regulated  company,  will  prove  as  advantageous  as  the  Turkey  trade, 
and  that  the  objections  raised  on  account  of  the  supposed  disparity 
in  the  management  of  these  two  trades  may  be  easily  answered. 
Though  voyages  to  India  made  for  the  Company  have  been  long  and 
dangerous,  yet  it  does  not  follow  that  they  are  necessarily  so,  for 
the  Company  directs  its  ships  to  sail  from  place  to  place  for  several 
years  together,  in  order  to  enrich  the  factors  by  private  trade,  or  for 
other  reasons  best  known  to  its  leading  men,  and  therefore  it  is  no 
wonder  that  the  voyages  have  been  long;  while  the  ships  from 
staying  in  India  became  worm-eaten  and  otherwise  unserviceable 
and  yet  were  sent  home  rashly  laden,  thus  making  the  voyages 
dangerous.  It  is  well  known  to  experienced  mariners  that  the 
passage  to  India  is  one  of  the  easiest,  and  since  the  Company  and 
others  have  employed  strong  ships,  fitted  with  proper  provisions  for 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  367 

the  men,  which  have  returned  in  a  short  time,  the  voyages  have  not 
been  found  so  dangerous ;  yet  as  there  are  always  risks  connected 
with  the  sea,  and  recruits  for  shipping  are  not  as  easy  to  procure 
in  India  as  in  other  places,  it  is  hoped  that  a  regulated  company,  in 
its  own  interest,  will  dispeed  ships  prepared  for  the  worst  and  so  be 
able  to  give  a  better  account  of  themselves  than  the  Company  can, 
notwithstanding  their  '  pretended  magazines,  places  of  randevouz, 
and  other  provisions  whereof  they  soe  much  boast'.  The  many 
dominions  into  which  the  Company  has  traded  and  the  number  of 
factors  employed  are  facts  which  do  not  concern  the  matter  in 
question  (though,  if  their  statements  are  true,  more  than  two  or  three 
ships  annually  may  be  employed) ;  but  it  is  hoped  to  show  that  a  regu- 
lated company,  like  the  Turkey  Company,  will  employ  many  more 
ships  and  factors  and  pay  a  far  greater  annual  custom  in  a  short  time, 
establish  as  many  if  not  more  factories  than  the  Joint  Stock  has,  and 
encourage  the  Indians  to  bring  their  commodities  to  some  general 
places  to  trade  at  the  time  of  the  ships'  arrival,  by  which  means, 
though  higher  prices  be  given  (which  it  is  hoped  in  time  to  prevent 
by  making  good  provision)  yet  it  will  be  better  than  the  vast  charge 
and  risks  sustained  by  the  Company.  What  obligations  the  Com- 
pany have  laid  upon  themselves  by  treaties  with  the  Indians  are  not 
known,  but  if  they  have  engaged  to  be  responsible  for  any  injuries 
committed  by  any  English,  though  their  agents  be  innocent  (as  they 
have  confessed  they  have  done),  it  is  hoped  that  the  State  will 
arrange  for  England  to  trade  with  other  nations  upon  more  just  and 
more  honourable  terms  and  empower  a  regulated  company  to  settle 
agents,  consuls,  and  other  ministers  where  it  is  deemed  necessary, 
and  require  satisfaction  from  any  who  shall  wrong  them.  If  the 
trade  is  settled  under  this  form  of  government,  there  will  be  no 
reason  for  any  to  attempt  piracy  in  India,  as  all  will  be  at  liberty  to 
trade  in  a  lawful  way,  which  in  the  time  of  Cobb  and  Ayres  (men- 
tioned by  the  Company)  they  were  not,  only  those  being  permitted 
to  trade  who  could  await  the  slow  movements  of  an  unprofitable 
company.  Lastly,  the  East  India  Company  have  tried  trading  by 
means  of  a  joint  stock  for  about  the  last  thirty-eight  years  and,  it 
may  be  supposed,  employed  their  utmost  endeavours  to  make  it  as 
beneficial  as  possible,  yet  they  can  render  but  a  woeful  account  of 
their  undertakings,  *  not  ariseing  solely  from  God's  afflicting  hand  ', 


368  COURT  MINUTES,   ETC.,  OF  THE 

as  those  adventuring  with  them  have  found  by  long  and  sad 
experience,  many  having  forsaken  the  trade,  and  those  who  plead 
for  a  joint  stock  having  for  about  a  year  *  lett  it  in  a  manner,  lye 
still  *  and  only  sent  out  stock  to  the  value  of  about  7,000/.  Many 
members  of  the  said  Company,  finding  the  inconvenience  of  a  joint 
stock  and  grieving  at  the  probable  loss  of  'soe  gallant  a  trade ',  have^ 
in  order  to  preserve  the  same,  joined  with  merchants  and  others  who 
are  now  preparing  about  fourteen  ships  to  dispeed  to  India ;  there- 
fore the  petitioners  for  a  regulated  company  beseech  His  Highness 
and  Your  Honours  for  permission  to  offer  sirch  proposals  as  they 
think  necessary  to  establish  such  a  company,  which  will  encourage 
them  to  go  on  cheerfully  in  providing  ships  and  other  requisites  for 
the  voyage,  when  it  is  hoped,  in  less  than  a  tenth  part  of  thirty-eight 
years,  through  God's  blessing,  to  show  that  this  way  of  governing  the 
trade  will  not  only  tend  to  the  advantage  of  private  persons,  but  alsa 
to  the  honour  and  profit  of  the  nation.  As  in  many  other  reasons, 
so  also  in  the  following:  i.  It  will  maintain  a  stock  of  merchants, 
for  men  cannot  but  gain  experience  when  they  have  to  manage  their 
own  estates,  whereas  hitherto  the  ordering  of  everything  has  been 
left  to  certain  Committees  of  the  Company  and  the  greater  part  of 
the  adventurers  have  known  only  that  they  must  know  little  or 
nothing.  2.  It  will  encourage  honest  men  to  be  factors,  and  do 
away  with  those  temptations  to  which  the  servants  of  the  Company 
have  been  exposed ;  for  five  per  cent,  will  now  be  allowed  for  all 
'factoradg',  whereas  the  Company  allowed  only  lol.  or  30/.  per 
annum,  to  few  more,  and  to  many  less,  and  who  can  imagine  that 
a  man  of  parts  (and  others  are  not  fitted  for  the  business)  will  risk 
going  into  a  distant  country  without  intending  directly  or  indirectly 
to  get  more  ?  3.  It  will  encourage  all  men,  country  gentlemen  and 
others,  to  adventure  when,  at  the  end  of  eighteen  months  at  the  most, 
they  may  expect  to  see  their  money  returned  with  great  profit,  as 
through  God's  ordinary  providence  it  will  be ;  whereas  from  the 
joint  stock  it  could  scarcely  be  returned  in  so  many  years,  and  with 
what  profit  the  world  knows  only  too  well.  If  it  be  objected  that 
country  gentlemen  do  not  understand  trading  and  so  will  be  excluded, 
it  may  be  answered  that  there  are  few  or  none  but  are  acquainted 
with  those  who  will  be  glad  of  partners,  and  will  want  them,  for 
small  amounts  will  not  be  sufficient  to  send  out  ships  to  India. 


EAST  INDIA   COMPANY  369 

4.  It  will  give  an  advantage  to  men  of  small  means  to  engage  in  the 
trade,  which  before  could  only  be  done  by  those  who  had  '  a  super- 
fluitye  of  estate ',  for  it  is  not  to  the  interest  of  a  young  man  to  leave 
his  stock  to  the  management  of  others  and  sit  still  in  expectation  of 
a  tedious  and  slender  gain.  5.  It  will  probably  greatly  enrich  many 
men,  as  is  seen  in  members  of  the  Turkey  Company,  which  is  regulated 
in  this  manner,  whereas  it  is  impossible  to  name  one  man  who  has 
gained  a  great  estate  by  adventuring  in  the  Joint  Stock.  6.  It  will 
prevent  the  engrossing  of  pepper  and  other  goods,  which  by  this 
means  are  kept  at  such  high  prices  and  mostly  by  members  of  the 
Company,  who  knowing  when  a  supply  of  any  commodity  is  likely 
to  come,  are  able  to  judge  whether  it  is  best  to  sell  or  not.  Only 
those  who  have  such  designs  in  view  will  subscribe  any  more  to 
a  joint  stock,  as  the  profit  made  by  it  cannot  be  encouraging  ;  where- 
as in  a  regulated  company  few  will  run  the  risk  of  engrossing  any 
goods,  none  knowing  what  quantity  will  be  supplied,  for  discreet 
adventurers  will  scarcely  divulge  what  goods  they  intend  to  buy. 
By  this  increase  of  trade  to  the  East,  England  will  be  better  supplied 
with  Indian  commodities,  and  more  English  goods  will  be  exported, 
customs  will  be  increased,  and  the  people  served  with  commodities 
at  much  easier  rates.     ('2^  PP-) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
December  6,  1654  (Cour^  Book,  vol.  xxi,  p.  269). 

At  the  request  of  the  executors  of  the  late  Francis  Bretton,  the 
arbitrators  appointed  to  determine  his  affairs  are  desired  to  do  so 
by  the  last  day  of  January.  As  Alderman  Ashwell,  who  was 
nominated  by  Alexander  Randall  as  one  of  his  arbitrators  to  settle 
the  business  relating  to  the  late  James  Cox  and  the  Company, 
declines  to  act,  Randall  chooses  Captain  Ryder  in  his  stead,  and  the 
Court  agrees  to  the  change.  Isaac  Jackson  to  be  paid  40^.  for 
a  draft  of  Blackwall  Yard,     (ip,) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  December  8, 1654  {Court  Book,  vol. 
xxiii,  p.  392). 

A  dispute  arises  about  taking  possession  of  and  planting  the 
Island  of  Pulo  Run ;  the  Committees  will  not  resolve  concerning 
this,  but  decide  to  move  the  Governor  to  appoint  a  general  court 

8.C.M.  IV  B   b 


370  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF   THE 

when  something  may  be  determined.  Order  is  given  for  spice  to  be 
distributed  to  the  Committees  and  officers  according  to  the  annual 
custom,  and  for  12/.  to  be  divided  amongst  widows  of  poor  East 
India  men.  The  Committees  report  that  they  have  freighted  the 
Three  Brothers  for  the  Coast,  and  entertained  William  Curtis  to  go 
first  in  commission  in  her  at  lao/.  and  John  Chambers  as  his  second 
at  no/,  for  the  whole  voyage  both  out  and  home,  with  some 
allowance  for  fresh  provisions  on  the  outward  voyage.  Hereupon 
John  Chambers  asks  that  his  salary  may  be  made  10/.  per  month, 
but  this  the  Court  refuses,  at  the  same  time  implying  that  it  will  be 
in  their  power  to  gratify  him  as  he  deserves  on  his  return,     (i  p) 

A  Court  of  Committees  for  the  Fourth  Joint  Stock, 
December  ii,  1654  {Court  Book^  vol.  xxi,  p.  270). 

On  information  that  Alderman  Fowke  lately  presented  a  petition 
to  the  Protector,  upon  which  direction  was  given  for  the  Company 
to  attend  His  Lordship  next  Thursday,  the  said  petition  is  read  and 
the  Court  thinks  fit  to  inform  His  Lordship  that  the  Company 
answered  Fowke's  last  petitions,  which  were  both  referred  to  his 
Council  and  then  to  a  sub-committee,  and  the  latter  heard  both 
parties  and  seemed  so  satisfied  (as  the  Company  thought)  that 
nothing  more  has  been  heard  of  the  matter  until  now.  Certain 
Committees  are  desired  to  take  the  advice  of  counsel,  Mr.  Acton  to 
be  in  attendance,  as  to  what  answer  to  make  to  Fowke's  present 
petition.     {\p.) 

James  Alston  to  William  JESsop^  December  ii,  1654 
(Public  Record  Office  :  C.  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  91). 

Desires  him  to  give  direction  for  copies  to  be  made  of  Alderman 
[Fowke's]  petition  and  of  the  Lords'  answer  to  it,  also  of  the 
Company's  answer  to  the  said  petition  and  the  answer  of  the  Lord 
Protector  to  the  same.  States  that  he  believes  the  Lord  Protector 
referred  these  to  his  Council,  who  referred  them  to  a  committee 
consisting  of  Colonel  Sydenham,  Colonel  Montague,  and  others; 
the  two  Colonels  heard  the  Company's  counsel  and  the  Alderman, 
and  it  is  supposed  were  satisfied,  for  nothing  has  been  heard  of  the 
matter  since  until  now,  when  it  seems  that  the  Alderman,  suppos- 

*  Clerk  and  Assistant  Secretary  to  the  Council  of  State. 


EAST   INDIA   COMPANY  371 

ing  the  business  to  be  forgotten,  proffers  this  petition,  leaving  out 
all  former  proceedings,  and  the  Company  is  unable  to  answer  him 
without  the  desired  copies,  the  man  in  whose  custody  they  are 
being  out  of  town.  This  favour  if  acceded  to  will  be  '  much 
acknowledged  by  the  Companye'.     (i  p.) 

A  Court  of  Committees,  December  15,  1654  (Court  Book, 
vol.  xxiii,  p.  393). 

An  order  is  to  be  inserted  in  the  letters  and  commission  to  be 
given  to  Messrs.  Curtis  and  Chambers  for  the  factors  in  India  to 
supply  them  with  such  provisions  from  port  to  port  as  shall  be 
necessary.  Mr.  Garway  presents  an  acquittance,  drawn  up  by  the 
Doctors,  to  be  given  to  the  Dutch  for  the  payment  of  85,000/.  and 
delivery  of  the  Island  of  Pulo  Run,  in  accordance  with  the  award 
lately  made  by  them  and  the  Dutch  Commissioners  ;  a  copy  of  the 
said  acquittance  is  ordered  to  be  given  to  Lucas  Lucy.  Thomas 
Best's  account  to  be  examined.  The  sum  of  20s.  from  the  poor- 
box  is  given  to  bury  Valentine  Ellis.     (|  /.) 

'^XA  General  Court  of  all  Freemen  and  Adventurers, 
December  10^  1654  {Court  Book^  vol.  xxiii,  p.  394). 

The  Governor  intimates  that  he  supposes  all  the  generality  know 
of  the  award  lately  made  by  the  English  and  Dutch  Commissioners, 
by  which  the  Island  of  Pulo  Run  is  to  be  restored  and  85,000/. 
sterling  to  be  paid  by  the  Dutch  in  compensation  for  the  wrongs 
and  damages  this  Company  has  sustained  from  the  Dutch  East 
India  Company ;  that  the  Dutch  have  sent  a  form  of  acquittance 
both  for  the  money  and  the  island,  which  they  wish  signed  and 
sealed,  but  the  Doctors  think  it  would  be  '  altogeather  inconvenient ' 
for  the  Company  to  give  such  a  discharge,  and  therefore  they  drew 
up  another,  which  in  their  opinions  would  be  both  safe  and  proper. 
A  copy  of  this  was  delivered  to  Mr.  Lucas  Lucy,  who  has  sent  it  to 
Holland.  The  Governor  then  ordered  to  be  read  the  letter  and  the 
copy  of  two  orders  enclosed  lately  received  from  Amsterdam,  one 
sent  by  the  Dutch  to  their  Governor-General  and  Council  at 
Batavia,  the  other  to  Abraham  Weyns,  Governor  of  the  Islands  of 
Banda,  for  delivery  of  the  Island  of  Pulo  Run  to  this  Company. 
The  Court  does  not  approve  of  these,  as  '  severall  occult  expres- 

Bb  2 


37»  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC.,   OF  THE 

sions  *  occur  in  the  translation  from  the  Dutch ;  therefore  certain 
of  the  Committees,  with  as  many  other  gentlemen  as  please, 
are  desired  to  attend  the  Dutch  ambassador  with  a  copy  of  the 
acquittance  drawn  up  by  the  Doctors  and  explain  why  the  Com- 
pany does  not  see  fit  to  sign  the  form  sent  by  the  Dutch  ;  also  to 
take  the  letter  and  orders  received  from  Amsterdam  and  entreat 
him  to  make  clear  all  dubious  words  or  sentences,  which  the  Court 
cannot  understand.  The  Governor  then  moves  for  measures  to  be 
considered  for  taking  possession  of  the  Island  of  Pulo  Run ;  after 
some  dispute  certain  Committees  are  entreated  to  hire,  freight  or 
buy  a  ship,  provide  men,  ammunition,  provisions  and  all  necessaries 
fitting  to  send  to  the  said  Island,  and  take  possession,  plant,  fortify, 
inhabit,  and  do  all  that  they  think  necessary.  The  Governor  also 
announces  that  Alderman  Fowke  lately  petitioned  His  Highness 
against  the  Company,  who  in  answer  to  a  summons  attended  him 
and,  after  nearly  two  hours'  dispute  with  the  Alderman  before  His 
Highness,  the  latter  was  pleased  to  declare  that  he  would  not  use 
his  executive  power,  yet  it  might  be  necessary  for  him  to  give 
direction  for  a  settlement,  but  in  his  opinion  it  would  be  better  for 
them  to  settle  among  themselves.  Those  present  having  no  power 
to  do  so,  they  promised  to  call  a  meeting  of  adventurers  to  end  the 
matter.  Hereupon  it  is  resolved  to  choose  a  committee  from  the 
adventurers  in  the  Third  Joint  Stock,  who  alone  are  interested,  and 
certain  Committees  are  nominated  and  desired  to  come  to  some 
final  conclusion  with  the  Alderman.     {'Z\pp.) 

The  Company  to  the  Dutch  Company,  December  aa,  1654^ 
(Letter  Book^  vol.  i,  p.  ^^74). 

Acknowledge  theirs  of  the  i8th  instant,  with  transcripts  of  the 
letters  directed  to  the  Governor- General  and  Council  at  Batavia 
and  the  Governor  of  the  Islands  of  Banda.  Though  they  might 
scruple  at  the  reserve  of  the  orders  and  the  preciseness  of  the 
directions  given,  yet  having  been  assured  by  Lord  Newport, 
Ambassador  Extraordinary  for  the  States-General  in  London,  of 
the  integrity  of  the  Dutch  Company's  intentions  and  performance, 
not  only  in  payment  of  the  money  ordered  by  the  Award  but 
also  in  the  fair  and  ready  delivery  of  the  Island  of  Pulo  Run  to 

*  Printed  in  Thurlow's  State  Papers  (vol.  iii,  p.  41), 


EAST    INDIA   COMPANY  373 

whomsoever  the  English  shall  depute  to  receive  the  same,  all 
scruples  and  jealousies  are  removed  and  they  are  ready  to  sign 
the  release  of  which  Mr.  Lucas  Lucy,  in  the  Dutch  Company's 
name,  gave  them  the  draft.  They  will  also,  according  to  the 
Dutch  Company's  desire,  procure  an  Act  of  Ratification  from  the 
Lord  Protector,  and  what  else  may  be  thought  reasonable,  and 
deliver  them  to  those  appointed  to  receive  the  same  upon  payment 
of  the  money,     (^p-) 

Maurice  Thomson  at  Mile  End  to  William  Jessop, 
December  26,  1654  {Public  Record  Office:  CO.  77,  vol.  vii, 
no.  87). 

On  behalf  of  himself  and  Martin  Nowel,  begs  him  to  move  the 
Council  to  grant  a  warrant  for  the  transportation  of  6.000/.  in 
bullion  of  gold  and  silver  in  the  ship  Lion  in  accordance  with  the 
petition  already  presented.  States  that  they  have  three  ships 
bound  for  India,  carrying  goods  but  not  300/.  in  bullion ;  the  Lion 
must  take  some,  or  she  cannot  go.  The  twelve  ships  this  year  will 
not  carry  half  so  much  as  has  formerly  been  taken,     (i/.) 

^^  A  Meeting  of  the  Committees  for  Pulo  Run,  December 
29,  1654  {Factory  Records,  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  429). 

The  '  Extraordinary '  Ambassador  has  agreed  on  a  discharge 
and  will  agree  to  a  ratification  and  all  instruments  necessary  for 
taking  possession  of  Pulo  Run.  It  is  resolved  to  send  sixty  men 
of  sevejal  conditions  to  remain  on  the  said  island,  they  to  be 
either  English,  Scotch,  or  Irish,  some  artificers,  viz.  seven  house 
carpenters,  seven  bricklayers  and  masons,  six  gardeners,  four 
smiths  and  armourers,  four  coopers,  and  two  plumbers,  twenty 
youths  from  fourteen  years  upwards,  and  ten  young  husbandmen. 
Captains  Ryder,  Baily,  and  Prowd  to  consider  by  the  next  meeting 
what  tonnage  it  will  be  necessary  to  send  to  Pulo  Run,  and 
Mr.  Hunter  to  be  written  to  for  his  personal  or  written  assistance. 
A  committee  of  fifteen  is  appointed,  and  they  (or  any  seven  of  them) 
resolve  to  meet  every  Friday  morning,     (t/.) 


374  COURT  MINUTES,  ETC. 

The  Committees  for  Pulo  Run  to  Captain  Hunter, 
December  30,  1654  (Factory  Records,  Java,  vol.  ii,  part  iv,  p.  415). 

State  that  the  differences  between  the  English  Company  and  the 
Dutch  have  been  settled  by  the  award  made  by  the  Commissioners, 
and  that  the  Company,  among  other  things,  is  to  have  the  island  of 
Pulo  Run  restored  to  them  :  that  at  a  general  meeting  of  the  Com- 
pany a  resolution  was  passed  to  send  shipping  and  men  to  take 
possession  of,  plant,  and  fortify  the  said  island,  the  management 
of  all  which  was  referred  to  a  committee,  of  which  Hunter  was 
appointed  a  member ;  therefore  they  desire  him  to  appear,  if  his 
*  infirmity  doth  noe  way  prevent  it ',  but  if  it  does,  then  to  advise 
them  by  letter  what  provision  it  will  be  necessary  to  make  for 
taking  possession  of  Pulo  Run,  fortifying  and  planting  it ;  also  to 
supply  what  information  he  can  concerning  the  general  nature  of 
the  island  and  its  products.     (|  /.) 

Petition  of  the  East  India  Company  to  the  Lord 
Protector,  1654  (Public  Record  Office:  C.  O.  77,  vol.  vii,  no.  92). 

Having  with  all  respect  and  thankfulness  considered  His  High- 
ness's  intention  to  endeavour  the  settlement  of  '  a  nationall  interest 
in  India',  they  propose,  as  places  most  convenient,  the  town  of 
Bassein,  with  the  port  'Bone  Bay'  thereto  belonging,  on  the 
coast  of  India,  and  the  town  and  castle  of  Mozambique,  on  the 
coast  of  Melinde,  with  the  several  fortifications,  privileges,  trade 
and  other  benefits  belonging  to  them,     (ip.) 


INDEX 


Abbott,  Edward,  276,  278. 

Abdy,  Elizabeth,  168. 

Abdy,  Philip,  168. 

Abdy,  Robert,  92,  93 ;  elected  a  Com- 
mittee, 50,  III,  177,  241,  251. 

Abigail,  the,  195. 

Achin,  24,  354,  362. 

Acton,  James,  Solicitor  to  the  Company, 
123,  132,  188,  327;  instructions  given 
to,  29,  47,  96,  100,  101,  105,  no,  133, 
I35>  165,  180,  186,  190,  192,  230,  231, 
232,  238,  239,  271;  to  be  consulted  and 
to  consult  with  counsel,  34,  37,  39,  65, 

75»  77,  134,  157, 192,  330, 339,  347, 37° ; 
reports  made  by,  39,  86,  88,  94,  95,  99, 
165,  1 92,  269,  307  ;  gratuity  given  to, 
48,  188  ;  entertained  as  solicitor  by  the 
United  Joint  Stock,  108,  112,  182,  183. 

Adams, — ,  135. 

Adler,  John,  24. 

Adler,  Thomas,  331. 

Admiralty,  the,  136,  163  ;  Secretary  to, 
see  Blackborne,  Robert ;  Committee  of, 
228,  242,  251 ;  proceedings  and  report 
of,  33,  306 ;  order  from,  332  ;  letter  from, 
38;  letters  to,  232,  245(2),  246,  271; 
petitions  referred  to,  221,  228,  305, 
345  (2).  347  ;  to  treat  for  the  Company's 
dock  and  yard  at  Black  wall,  xxx,  260 ; 
to  contract  for  saltpetre,  260. 

Admiralty  Court,  the,  depositions  and 
examinations  in,  69,  325,  330,33i  (2)- 

Advice,  the,v,  5,  17,  161,  263;  master  of, 
see  Arnold  and  May;  her  charterparty 
and  freighting,  8,  9,  60,  120,  122,  126; 
bullion,  stock,  etc.,  shipped  in,  13  w.,  17, 
37,  128  ;  insurance  of,  102. 

Africa,  iv,  xxiii,  219. 

Agate  ware,  60. 

Agra,  117,  252  ;  factors  at,  24,  62,  95,  214. 

Ahmadabad,  24. 

Aleppo,  xix,  287,  302 ;  Consul  at,  see 
Barnard  and  Ryley ;  letters  sent  to  and 
from,  233  (2),  244,  259,  260,  268,  269, 
287,  302,  313  (2),  315,  332,  333,  342  (3). 

Aleppo  Merchant,  the,  v,  26,  37, 160,  190, 
211  ;  master  of,  see  Peeters  and  M\\\&i\. ; 
passengers  in,  31,  198,  214;  her  charter- 
party,  32  (2),  33;  insurance,  100,  102, 
173;  payment  for  freight  to  her  owners, 


116,  189,  191,  205,  208,  2i6;  her  return 
and  unlading,  xv,  183,  185, 188,  193. 

Alessandria,  240. 

Algiers,  levy  for  relief  of  captives  at,  88, 

156,  176,  307- 
Alicant,  155. 

Allen,  Alderman  Francis,  1 20,  121. 
Allen,  Richard,  150  ;  accepted  as  security 

for  goods,  91, 139,  150,  283,  331. 
Allen,   Thomas,    286,   287 ;     accepted    as 

security   for  goods,  91,   139,  283,  331; 

petition  of  William  Pennoyer  and,  299, 

305,  306. 
Allison,  James,  57. 
Aloes,  5,  59,  60. 
Alston,  James,  370. 
Alston,  Katherine,  in. 
Alum,  77. 

Alum,  the,  xix,  288,  296,  299. 

Alvey,  Nicholas,  91,  139,  283,  331. 

Ambergris,  10,  15,  60. 

Amboyna,  xx,  xxi,  196,  201,  248 ;  ill-treat- 
ment of  the  English  at,  73,  113,  143  (2), 
151  (2),  165,  196,  197  (2),  198,  203, 
246  (4),  247  (2),  248,  249,  250,  258, 
317,  357;  book  relating  to,  203,  243, 
246,  247,  248;  demands  of  the  English 
concerning,  104,  148,  165,  248,316,317, 
318;  demands  of  the  Dutch  concerning, 

193,  194,  318. 
Amsterdam,  xxiii,  140,  198,  248;  Agents 
of  the  Company  at,  see  Bridgman,  Wat- 
son, and  Whitaker  ;  rials  provided  at, 
30,  38;  letters  from,  184,  371,  372; 
letters  to,  234,  236,  250,  255,  276,  305, 

306,  312,  341,  344,  348,  352,  356  (2). 
Anchors,   27,  59,  65,    215,   267;   buried, 

128,  213;  offer  to  buy,  200,  204,  236, 
237  ;  bought,  210. 

Andrews,  Daniel,  81,  279,  295,  307 ; 
elected  a  Committee,  50,  in,  177, 
241  (2),  328;  buys  the  Farewell,  guns, 
etc.,  65  (2),  68,  75,  85,  96,  97;  his 
name  to  be  inserted  in  the  lease  for 
Blackwall,  96 ;  nominated  as  Deputy- 
Governor,  328. 

Andrews,  Matthew,  i ;  his  entertainment, 
6,  7  (2),  22,  25  (2) ;  security,  31. 

Andrews,  Nathaniel,  49,  75,  169,  172  ;  to 
help  in  the  settlement  on  Assada,  10,  93. 


37<5 


COURT  MINUTES,   ETC. 


Andrews,  Phineas,  89,  94. 

Andrewt,  Thomas,  factor  at  Agra,  34. 

Andrews,  Thomas,  88,  94,  99,  181,  317, 
ja6,  263,  369,  379,  393,  336,  337  (3), 
340;  buys  goods,  9,  63,  68,  73,  161, 
300,  333,371  ;  allowance  made  on  goods 
to,  5.  73.  75.  "4.  aoo;  to  help  concern- 
ing Assada,  10,  93;  relinquishes  his 
shire  in  the  plantation  at,  96;  elected 
a  Committee,  49,  50,  ni,  113,  177, 183, 
341,  351,  257,  361,  383,  338,  331  ;  to 
help  obtain  satisfaction  from  the  Dutch, 
341,  339;  negotiates  about  the  lease  of 
Black  wall  Yard,  84,  85,  140,  159,  3 10, 
316;  nominated  as  Deputy-Governor, 
110,  340,  338;  as  Governor,  338;  offers 
to  boy,  and  is  accepted  as  security  for 
pepper,  115,  3 10,  321,  334;  to  arrange 
concerning  tare  of  saltpetre,  178,  334; 
hires  the  Exchange  Cellar,  337,  295 ; 
objects  to  adventure  stock  to  the  Coast, 
396  ;  to  act  as  arbitrator,  355. 

Anfosse,  James,  161,  163,  320;  buys  and 
is  accepted  as  security  for  goods,  4, 5,  70, 
126;  released  from  his  bargain,  169  (3). 

Anne  of  Denmark,  Queen,  10. 

Ann€,  the,  88  (2),  231,  325;  master  of, 
see  Swanne,  Richard;  insurance  of,  41, 
173;  offered  and  accepted  for  freighting 
to  Bantam,  viii,  ix,  59,  63,  66,  67,  88 ; 
her  dispatch,  84 ;  return,  viii,  xv,  190 ; 
paymenttoher  owners,  95,  191,  209,  223, 
324;  passengers  in,  88,  95,  306,  223; 
appointed  vice-admiral,  96. 

Anm  CUare,  the,  55. 

Anstey,  John,  167. 

Anstey,  Margaret,  167. 

Apsley,  Thomas,  68,  78. 

Archer,  Adam,  213. 

Archer,  Francis,  293. 

Archer,  Henry,  235. 

Archer,  Robert,  393. 

Armagon,  28. 

Armenians,  129,  254. 

Armourers*  Hall,  Committee  of  Sequestra- 
tion sits  in,  114,  141,  149,  161. 

Amhem,  the,  194. 

Arnold,  John,  master  of  the  Advice,  16,17, 
19. 

Arton,  John,  332. 

Ascension,  the,  201. 

Aschman,  Jeronimo  Williamson,  30,  52. 

Ascue,  Sir  George,  188,  233;  instructions 
to,  179,  181,  182. 

Ash,  Francis,  8,  103. 

Ashmole,  EHas,  28  n. 

Ashurst,  Richard,  3T4,  252,  267;  accepted 
as  security,  and  allowed  tare  for  sugar, 
68,135,  239,  268. 

Ashwell,  William,  32,  257,  369;  elected 


a  Committee,  49,  113,  176,  177,  328; 
retires,  iii,  240;  nominated  as  Gover- 
nor, no;  transfers  adventure,  228; 
adventure  transferred  to,  246. 

Assada,  Island  of,  iv,  90;  Governor  of,  see 
Hunt,  Colonel ;  Deputy-Governor,  see 
Hartly,  Major;  planters  and  others 
to  go  to,  I,  2,  4,  II,  12,  33,  38,  60  (2), 
61,  66  (2),  75,  80,  87,  90,  92  (2),  93, 
206,  213  (3),  348;  conditions  concern- 
ing, 2,  4,  12,  15,60,  66,  80,  87;  liberty 
desired  from  Parliament  to  plant  upon,  2, 
3 ;  articles  of  agreement  between  the 
Company  and  the  adventurers,  vii,  3,  13, 
14,  18,  48,  78,  93,  94,  loi ;  payment 
towards  charges  of  plantation  on,  5,  6, 23; 
Committees  to  confer  concerning,  10,  11, 
13,  14,  59,  60,  61,  68  ;  presents  for  the 
King  of,  10,  II  ;  stock,  provisions,  etc., 
for,  II,  15,  17,  32,  33,  66,  80,  88,  90; 
ships  to  go  to,  V,  viii,  x,  11,  12,  14,  17, 
30,  60,  61,  75,  93  ;  land  leased  on,  80, 
^i>  93>  96;  plantation  abandoned,  ix, 
x;  Blackman  visits,  ix,  xi. 

Assada  Merchant,  the,  20,  214;  goes  to 
Assada,  ix,  x,  xi,  10,  11, 60. 

Assurance  policies  taken  out  by  the  Com- 
pany, XV,  8,  9,  14,  18,  19,  41-46,  62, 
102,  103,  105,  124,  173,  174  (3),  175, 
208,  235  ;  payment  for  drawing  up,  79, 
211. 

Aston,  Sir  Walter,  Ambassador  to  Spain, 
319. 

Atkins,  Sir  Thomas,  Alderman,  8. 

Atleberte,  Edward,  86. 

Attendance,  the,  167,  168  (2). 

Aungier,  Percival,  his  entertainment,  salary 
and  security,  108,  112,  116,  117,  183, 
185;    duties  allotted  to,  108,  1x2,  190, 

330»  348. 
Austin,  Bartholomew,  32. 
Avery,  Joseph,  327. 
Avery,  Samuel,  303. 
Ayres,  William,  349,  367. 

Babbington,  Abraham,  264  (3). 

Backwell,  Edward,  91. 

Baftas.     See  Cotton  goods. 

Bagwell,  — ,  260,  269. 

Bailey,   Captain  William,   master   of  the 

William,  27,312. 
Baily,  Robert,  master  of  the  Lanneret,  363, 

373. 

Baines,  Andrew,  minister  at  Snrat,  63,  76, 
84,  96. 

Baker,  Aaron,  President  at  Bantam  (1640- 
42,  1646-48,  1650-52),  V,  25,  26,  28,  31, 
33,  122,  147,  283,  312  ;  accepted  as 
security,  14,  36 ;  elected  President  for 
Bantam,  20,  21 ;  his  salary  and  private 


INDEX 


?^11 


trade,  21,  38,  40  ;  matters  referred  to,  23, 
35, 36,  38,  43  ;  desires  that  someone  may 
be  appointed  to  act  as  his  second  at  Ban- 
tam, 22,  35  ;  his  wife,  21,  120,  134  ;  bills 
of  exchange  signed  by,  200,  257,  274. 

Baker,  — ,  a  broker,  82  (2),  275,  288; 
gratuity  given  to,  82,  295. 

Balasore,  xix,  98,  286,  288,  296. 

Bale.     See  Bayle,  Gifford. 

Ballows,  John,  340. 

Ballows,  Stephen,  256. 

Banda,  201,  246,  319  (2),  326,  352,  362  ; 
Dutch  Governor  at,  see  Weyns,  Abra- 
ham ;  English  expelled  from,  and  injured 
at,  73,  104,198,  317,  357.358;  their 
claims  at,  196,  316,  317;  claims  of  the 
Dutch  at,  193,  194,  316,  318;  spice  trade 
at,  143,  151,  196,  201,  202. 

Banjarmassin,  22,  223. 

Bankruptcy,  Commissioners  of.  Committees 
to  attend,  29;  orders  from,  36,  39,  65, 
307;  trial  between  the  Company  and, 
269. 

Bantam,  v,  178,  246,  349;  Agents  and 
Presidents  at,  see  Baker,  Cartwright, 
Penniston,  Skynner,  Welden,  and  Wil- 
loughby;  minister  for,  see  Thomson, 
Joseph ;  ships  for  and  from,  passim ; 
provisions  and  stock  for,  15,  21,  26,  29, 
31,  32,  35>  52,  88,  89,  92,  323,  327; 
factors  at  and  for,  5,  15,  20,  22,  23,  25 
(2),  31,  35  (2),  36,  39,  "4  n.,  128,  149, 
171,  295,  308 ;  deceased  at,  36,  41, 
42  (2),  81,  127,  273  ;  sailors  to  be  sent 
to,  26,  27,  32,  88,  95  ;  goods  at,  36,  37, 
43,  102,  203  ;  bills  of  exchange  from, 
43,  44,  58,  91,  116  (2),  119  (2),  124  (2), 
183,  188,  189,  191,  193,  198,  199,  200, 
205,  210,  216,  222,  223,  264,  274,  276, 
284 ;  advices  from,  58,  263,  339 ;  to, 
119,  183,  184  ;  blockaded  by  the  Dutch, 
xxi,  73,  74,  144,  145,  193, 196, 197,  322  ; 
English  and  Dutch  settle  factories  at, 
198,  201,  361 ;  King  of,  129,  195  (2). 

Barbadoes,  ix  «.,  37,  175,  251. 

Barbary,  36,  39,  334. 

Barker,  James,  345. 

Barker,  William,  45. 

Barking,  14. 

Barnaby,  Elizabeth,  168. 

Barnaby,  William,  168. 

Barnard,  Edward,  formerly  Consul  at 
Aleppo,  105,  106,  107  (2). 

Bamardiston,  Edward,  91. 

Bamardiston,  Nathaniel,  72. 

Bamardiston,  Thomas,  91,  340,  343. 

Baroda,  24. 

Baros,  48. 

Barre,  Peter,  80. 

Barrett,  Henry,  i. 


Barron,  — ,  107. 

Barton,  John,  5,  10. 

Basra,  185,  217  ;  factors  and  factory  at,  24, 
158  ;  letters  to,  233,  259,  302. 

Bassein,  xxiii,  374. 

Batavia  {or  Jakatra),  misdeeds  of  the  Dutch 
at,  73,  74,  144,  145,  195,  197,  198,  201, 
202,  246,  317,  319,  322,358  ;  compensa- 
tion demanded  for  the  destruction  of  the 
English  factory  at,  74  ;  the  English  quit, 
194,  195,  358;  letters  and  orders  sent 
to  the  Governor-General  at,  194,  195, 
341,  352,  356,  357,  371,  372;  English 
and  Dutch  build  at,  201,  319. 

Bateman,  Anthony,  185,  213,  272,  292 ; 
elected  a  Committee,  50,  iii,  177,  182, 
241,  251,  282,  328,  331;  his  name 
inserted  in  the  lease  for  Blackwall,  86, 
96,  124;  helps  to  contract  for  the  sale 
of  Blackwall  Yard,  124,  140,  159,  188, 
210;  to  help  in  seeking  satisfaction  from 
the  Dutch,  241,  330. 

Bateman,  Richard,  68,  no,  134;  elected 
a  Committee,  49  (2);  retires,  in  ;  trans- 
fers adventure,  133,  170. 

Bateman,  William,  107,  328. 

Bateson,  Richard,  303,  307. 

Bathurst,  John,  153,  239,  262  ;  accepted  as 
security  for  calicoes,  7,  88;  buys  them, 
"9,  123,  137,  138,  155,  162,  200,  295, 

307. 

Bathurst,  William,  33. 

Battiche,  Joan,  166  n. 

Battonson,  Joan,  167. 

Baxter,  Jeremy,  256  (2). 

Bayle  (or  Beale), Gifford,  95, 1 17  ;  admitted 
to  the  freedom,  33  ;  transfers  adventure, 
122  ;  adventure  transferred  to,  264. 

Beale,  Colonel,  270. 

Bearblock,  James,  master    of  the  Supply, 

V,  31  (2),  32,131,  339- 

Bearblock,  Lucy,  131. 

Becks,  William,  137. 

Beddowes,  Prian,  331. 

Beef,  76,  78,  88,  93. 

Beer,  92,  159,  283  ;  to  be  provided  for  Ban- 
tam and  Surat,  35,88,  155. 

Beex,  John,  2  7. 

Bell,  Captain,  master  of  the  Mayflower, 
122. 

Bellomont,  Henry  Bard,  Viscount,  xii,  109 
n. 

Bence,  — ,  80,  340. 

Bence,  Mary,  270. 

Bengal,  Bay  of,  102, 140, 141,  283 ;  factors 
at,  16,  268;  silk  from,  119,  282  ;  violent 
weather  in,  286,  287;  *  Prince  of  Ben- 
gall',  323. 

Benson,  William,  189. 

Eenthall,  John,  222,  223. 


37^ 


COURT  MINUTES,   ETC. 


Benzom,  xix,  79,  374,  377,  280;  tare 
allowed  for.  8,  78,  238 ;  importation  of, 
forbidden,  9,  59 ;  tale  of,  48,  64,  86, 135, 
145,  146,  343,  393,  303,  339;  secnrity 
accepted  for,  86, 141,  146,  343  ;  price  of, 
a83  ;  an  extraordinary  kind,  387. 

BcTcen,  350. 

Berkstead,  Colonel  John,  I3i. 

Benuudo,  — .  a  merchant,  56. 

Berrisford,  John,  104,  107,  370,  340;  to 
settle  concerning  refraction  on  saltpetre, 
a57»  271,  373,  388. 

Berrisford,  Robert,  134. 

Berrisford,  Rowland,  134. 

Best,  Captain  Thomas,  303. 

Best,  Thomas,  i,  34,  371. 

Betteeles.    Se^  Cotton  goods. 

Bewinthebbers,  the.    S^e  Dutch. 

Bewly,  Thomas,  78. 

Bczoar  stones,  60,  133. 

Bicknell,  Edward,  36. 

Biggs,  Edward,  145,  146. 

Bilboa,  346. 

Billedge,  Thomas,  33,  340. 

Bills  of  exchange,  7,8, 93,  05, 184,  367  (2) ; 
from  Madras,  17,  257,  263  ;  Bantam,  43, 
44,  58,  116  (3),  124  (2),  183,  188,  189, 
191,  193,  198,  199,  200,  205,  210,  216, 
333,  333,  264,  274,  276,  284,  363; 
Venice,  79,  131;  Surat,  91,  185;  Leg- 
horn, 117;  Genoa,  237,  238,  240,  244, 
251. 

Bingham  [Nicholas],  20. 

Birkdell,  James,  master  of  the  BonitOy  28, 
42,  70;  gratuity  given  to,  40,  41. 

Black  Book,  the,  entries  in,  i,  no,  205, 
209,  295. 

Blackbome,  Robert,  Secretary  to  the 
Admiralty  Committee,  35,  306,  347; 
letter  to,  254,  372  ;  adventure  transferred 
to,  262  ;  gratuity  given  to,  301. 

Blackerby,  Thomas,  227,  301. 

Blacklock,  Lucas,  69. 

Blackman,  Captain  Jeremy,  President  at 
Surat  (1652-55),  xvi,  49,  81,  83,  84,  91, 
95,96,  214,  266,  283;  to  attend  the 
Council  of  State,  6,  40 ;  to  help  concern- 
ing the  Assada  plantation,  10,  93  ;  offered 
and  accepts  the  post  of  President  at  Surat, 
V,  ix,  20,  21,  23,  66,  70,  71,95;  helps 
examine,  and  buys  ships,  66,  70,  73,  74; 
to  procure  a  minister  for  Surat,  75,  76 ; 
his  sons,  71,  87,  95,  135  ;  instructions 
and  letters  to,  88,  89,  98  ;  matters  re- 
ferred to,  90,  93,  96,  223  ;  payment  to, 
96,  169,  173  ;  visits  Assada,  ix,  xi;  rials 
sent  to,  156  ;  bill  of  exchange  from,  185 ; 
private  trade  sent  home  by,  253. 

Blackman,  Jeremy,  master's  mate  in  the 


Black  wall  {see  also  Poplar),  42,  81,  121, 
190,  216,  369;  Clerk  at,  jtf</T^nmbling8; 
porter  at,  j^*  Shepheard ;  aln  jusesand 
almsmen  at,  see  Poplar  ;  an  ibr  cntory  to 
be  made  of  everything  in  the  warehouses 
and  Yard  at,  35,  40,  210 ;  men  employed 
at,  37,  136,  330;  dismissal  of,  xi,  108; 
the  Company's  docks  at,  40,  115,  137, 

190,  260;  to  be  repaired,  55,  88,  97, 
232  ;  ships  at,  55,62,  loi,  120, 123,  136, 
137  ;  leaseand  sale  of  the  Yard  at,  xxix, 
XXX,  45,  46,  51, 53,  79,  83-86,  88,  95,  96, 
115,  123,  124,  133,  136,  137,  139,  140, 

145,  155,  I57»  159,  172,  176,  I77»  190, 

191,  199,  204,  210,  260,  270,  307,  343; 
slaughterhouse  at,  hired  by  the  Navy, 
64,  75»  172,  230,  235;  guns,  timber,  etc., 
stored  at,  76,  78,  112,  120,  128,  134, 
I37>  I55>  156,  158,  163,  169,  184,  190, 
191;  petition  from  the  inhabitants  of, 
163,  164(2). 

Blackwell,  Captain,  62,  118,  205. 

Blackwell,  John,  340. 

Blackwell,  Joshua,  62,  118,  205. 

Blagden,  Crispian,  84. 

Blake,  Colonel  Robert,  xiii,  xxv,  344. 

Blake,  William,  i,  11,  139,  140. 

Blakiston,  Christopher,  5, 16, 137. 

Bland,  John,  10,  61. 

Blenkinsopp,  Thomas,  154. 

Blessing,  the,  349  n. 

Blessing,  the,  vi,  x,  xviii,  45,  76,  90,  129  ; 
master  of,  see  Bradbent  a«^ Grimes ;  men 
serving  in,  42,  71,  75,  77,  86,  90,  91, 
156;  payment  to,  44,  51,  339,  342; 
goods  shipped  in,  40,  44  (2),  51,  62,  97  ; 
private  trade  in,  44,  51,90,91,93(2), 
94,  98  ;  repairs  to,  53,  75,  78,  80 ;  to  be 
examined  and  sold,  57,62,64,  (i(i,  67,  71, 
72,  74;  designed  for  Surat,  ix,  71,  84; 
passengers  in,  90,  93;  appointed  rear- 
admiral,  96. 

Blount,  Charles,  118,119;  payment  to,  47, 
48,  68,  loi. 

Blount,  John,  32,  40,  48,  65,  83 ;  his 
accounts  to  be  examined,  8,  119 ;  his 
children,  47,  48,  68,  103,  118. 

Blount,  Rebecca,  103. 

Bludworth,  Marmaduke,  purser  in  the  Fare- 
well, 72,  73. 

Bludworth,  Thomas,  343,  355 ;  elected 
a  Committee,  no,  in,  177,  241,  328; 
to  help  seek  satisfaction  from  the  Dutch, 
241,  330. 

Blundell,  Richard,  295. 

Bodilow,  Captain,  master  of  the  Dolphin, 
122. 

Bodington,  Robert,  332. 

Bogan,  Richard,  7. 

Bogan,  Richard,  Junior,  7. 


INDEX 


379 


Bolton,  Stephen,  340. 

Bombay      :iii,  374. 

*  Bonge;       10. 

Bonito,  I  le,  v,  ix,  7, 17,  20,  34,  63;  master 
of,  see  Birkdell  and  Yates;  instructions 
to,  1 1,  12;  men  serving  in,  3,  5  ;  bullion, 
stock,  etc.,  shipped  in,  2,  3,  7,  13  w., 
17  (2),  70,  89,  90,  91 ;  passengers  in,  2, 
5,  19,  60  ;  insurance  of,  8,  9,  15,  18,  19, 
100, 102, 173. 

Bonner,  Captain  Robert,  162. 

Bonner,  "William,  master's  mate  in  the 
Blessing,  90,  91,  92. 

Boone,  Henry,  Surgeon  to  the  Company, 
58,  82,  141. 

Booth,  Richard,  340. 

Borax.     See  Tincal. 

Bord,  Monsieur  de  la.     See  De  la  Bord. 

Boreman,  Stephen,  5,  32,  33. 

Borneford,  Henry,  22. 

Bostocke,  James,  23,  200. 

Boswell,  Sir  William,  Ambassador  to  Hol- 
land, 248. 

Boughton,  Gabriel,  i. 

Boulin,  Cornelius,  211. 

Boulin,  John,  211. 

Bovey,  William,  28. 

Bowen,  Adam,  'writer  and  register  of 
letters ',  and  keeper  of  the  calico  ware- 
house, 40,  48,  56,  68  ;  deceased,  83,  84 ; 
his  widow  to  receive  his  effects,  85,  97, 
loi,  109. 

Bowen,  Adam,  Junior,  84,  109. 

Bowen,  Elizabeth,  85,  97,  loi,  109. 

Bowen,  Robert,  master  of  the  Dolphin,  28. 

Bowerman,  George,  150,  154,  340. 

Boylston,  Richard,  20. 

Boylston,  Thomas,  20,  93,  94. 

Bradbent,  John,  24,  84. 

Bradbent,  William,  master  of  the  Blessings 
44,  51,348(2). 

Bradgate,  Martin,  23. 

Bradshaw,  John,  President  of  the  Council 
of  State,  XXV  n.,  3,  4,  293,  346. 

Brandon,  Nathaniel,  340. 

Brazil,  the,  63,  66 ;  master  of,  see  Tutchin, 
Anthony. 

Brest,  105,  245,  255,  272. 

Breton,  Francis,  President  at  Surat  (1644- 
49),  his  brothers,  as  administrators,  apply 
for  his  estate,  254,  257,  260,  350,  351, 
355,  369  ;  his  debts  in  India,  226. 

Breton,  John,  355. 

Breton,  Spencer,  302  (2). 

Breton,   Thomas,    a  minister,    257,    260, 

355- 
Breton,  Thomas,  312,  320(2),  327. 
Brett,  George,  156,  162,  223. 
Brett,  John,  5,  140;   his  debt  for  indigo, 

40,  51(2),  65,  67,  112,  343;  buys,  and 


is  accepted  as  security  for  indigo,  140, 
156,  162,  223. 

Brewin,  George,  296. 

Brewin,  Margaret,  223,  296. 

Bridgman,  James,  v,  i,  41,  70,  323,  328; 
his  entertainment  and  salary,  11,  133, 
134,  147,  291,  292;  interested  in  the 
Assada  plantation,  12,  93 ;  ship  built  by, 
268,  283;  his  affairs  referred  to  a  com- 
mittee, 282,  283,  291,  292  ;  his  wife,  158. 

Bridgman,  Prothesia,  158. 

Bridgman,  Richard,  correspondent  to  the 
Company  at  Amsterdam,  178,  234; 
letters  to,  234,  236,  250,  255,  276,  305, 
306,  312,  341,  344,  348,  352,  356. 

Brightwell,  Thomas,  103(2). 

Brimstone,  78. 

Bristol,  30,  179,  180. 

Bristol,  the,  242,  245,  246. 

Broach,  24. 

Broadcloth,  90,  142;  exportation  of,  pro- 
hibited, 9,  33,  59. 

Brookhaven,  Captain  John,  master  of  the 
Lioness,  v,  10,  14,  18,  140;  of  the  Love^ 

122,  147,  153;  salary  and  instructions 
given  to,  11(2),  12,  152,  261,  266,  286, 
287;  appointed  vice-admiral,  17;  gratu- 
ity given  to,  17,  141,  142,  301;  his 
private  trade,  11,  148;  payment  to,  263. 

Browne,  Arnold,  167. 
Browne,  Arnold,  Junior,  167. 
Browne,  George,  168. 
Browne,  Humphrey,  20. 
Browne,  Peter,  33. 
Browne,  Quarles,  23. 

Browne,  Richard,  the  Company's  Agent  at 
Leghorn,  letters  to,  233  (2),   244,  260, 

313,  333,  ,342. 
Browne,  Samuel,  purser  in  the  Roebuck,  90, 

125,  206,  344. 
Browne,  Widow,  168. 
Buckeridge,  Nicholas,  24. 
Buckingham,  Duke  of.  See  Villiers,  George. 
Budd,  David,  the  Company's  proctor,  115, 

330,  339- 

Bullion.    See  Coin  and  bullion. 

Burdett,  Robert,  12,  93. 

Burly,  Captain,  131. 

Burnell,  John,  i,  24,  158. 

Burnell,  Thomas,  23,  82,  159,  272  ;  to 
attend  the  Council  of  State,  40 ;  elected 
a  Committee,  49,  iii,  177,  241,  261, 
328 ;  transfers  adventure,  109  ;  nominated 
as  Treasurer,  iio;  accepted  as  security, 

123,  216. 

Burrell,  William,  xxix. 
Burton,  Thomas,  217,  226,  227. 
Bury,  Richard,  355. 
Bush  ell,  — ,63. 
Buttler,  Guilliom,  167. 


380 


COURT   MINUTES,   ETC. 


Bvttler,  Joan,  167. 
Bye,  Richard,  100,  101. 

Cablcf  (w  also  Cordage),  59, 115,  236,  267. 

Cadiz,  345. 

Calcott,  Samuel,  Husband  to  the  Company, 
189,  a  17,  256;  duties  allotted  to,  5,  6, 
38,96,  97,  108,  116,  laS,  136,190,193; 
his  accounts,  97,  106,173,  173>I75»  ^84, 
185(a),  ao6;  entertainment,  salary,  and 
security,  108,  no,  11  a,  115,  116,  187; 
illness  and  death,  185,  204,  ao6;  money 
borrowed  by,  a26,  329,  268;  his  assist- 
ant, see  Rainshall,  WiUiam. 

Calender,  Francis,  steward  in  the  Supply, 

I*- 

Calicoes  {see  also  Cotton  goods),  sale  of, 
and  references  to,  passim ;  Calico  Ware- 
house, the,  102,  18a. 

Cambay,  201. 

Cambridge,  139. 

Camlets,  31. 

Camphor,  60. 

Campion,  William,  aa,  25(2),  35. 

Canary  Islands,  78,  155,  296. 

Candle  auction,  44,  56,  64,  129,  132,  140, 
141,  190,  204,  239,  26a,  376,  380. 

Candle  rents,  1 90. 

Canvas,  7,  37,  110. 

Cape,  —,370. 

Cape  of  Good  Hope,  xx,  aoi,  219,  322. 

Cape  Verde,  17. 

Cardamoms,  9,  59,  79;  sold,  64,  119,  175, 
313,  226,  227  (2),  339,  303 ;  dividend  to 
be  paid  in,  xix,  374,  377,  280,  382. 

Carleton,  Captain,  295. 

Carleton,  Sir  Dudley,  247  (3). 

Carleton,  George,  119. 

Carleton,  John,  340. 

Carpentier,  Peter,  145,  246,  348. 

Carpets,  27,  119. 

Carter,  — ,  261,  273. 

Cartwright,  Elizabeth,  113,  134,  306. 

Cartwright,  John,  20,  113,  248,  325. 

Cartwright,  Ralph,  President  at  Bantam 
(1642-46),  55,  81,  82. 

Cartwright,  Timothy,  22,  25,  35. 

Case,  John,  72,  105. 

Cash  (small  coins),  263. 

Cason,  Edward,  88. 

Cassia  fistula,  60. 

Cassia  lignum,  60,  154. 

Castle,  the,  63. 

Catz,  M.,  Envoy  from  the  States,  248. 

Chamberlaine,  Abraham,  276,  278. 

Chamberleyne,  Thomas,  113,  340. 

Chambers,  Felix,  77. 

Chambers,  John,  xxiv,  156,  370,  371 ;  con- 
cerning his  salary,  68,  98,  356,  263,  265, 
266. 


Chambers,  Alderman  Richard,  57,  340 ; 
applies  concerning  his  son,  68,  98,  156, 
263,  265,  266  ;  transfers  adventure,  140, 
141. 

Chambers,  Richard,  Junior,  57. 

Chambers,  Thomas,  23,  77. 

Chancery,  bills  exhibited  in,  36,  39  (3),  65, 
85,  no,  399,  304,  355(3);  decrees  in, 
289,  296,  297  (2),  299  (2),  300,  303,  307, 
309  ;  suits  in,  57,  76,  131,  355. 

Chandler,  Richard,  340. 

Chapman,  Thomas,  179,  190. 

Charke,  Daniel,  24. 

Charles  I,  vii«.,  xiii,  29,  121  n.,  131,  303, 
247(3),  248  C3),  288,  299,  310;  debt  for 
pepper  bought  of  the  Company,  xxv- 
xxviii,  34,  43,  77,  132,  163,  186,  211, 
232,  359;  his  arms  to  be  removed  from 
the  Company's  ship  William,  38 ;  ap- 
plied to  by  the  Company  and  others  for 
redress  from  the  Dutch,  73,  143,  15^ 
167,  249 ;  an  Act  passed  for  sale  of  forest 
lands  belonging  to,  xxvii,  164,  187,  188, 
211,  212,  265;  commission  to  the  Presi- 
dent and  Council  at  Surat  given  by,  218. 

Charles  II,  vii«.,  xii,  109,  no. 

Charles,  the,  358. 

Chatham,  215. 

Chaworth,  John,  161,  169,  320. 

Chestin,  Francis,  19,  20. 

Chettwin,  John,  xxxi,  xxxii,  19,  32. 

Chilcot,  John,  355(3). 

Chillees.     See  Cotton  goods. 

China,  60,  353,  358, 

Chinese,  the,  201,  317. 

Chintz.    See  Cotton  goods. 

Chivall,  John,  buys  calicoes,  118,  154,  156; 
his  debt  for,  226,  256. 

Chiverton,  Alderman,  199,  273,  276,  304. 

Christian,  John,  254. 

Churchman,  Bartholomew,  168. 

Churchman,  Mary,  168. 

Churchman,  Ozias,  elected  a  Committee, 
50,  176,  177,  328;  resigns,  in,  240. 

Cinnamon,  9,  46,  59,  142,  186,  217;  sold, 
64,  77,  3o6,  288,  295 ;  allowance  to  be 
made  on,  69,  97,  210;  'Trambone',  or 
wild,  338. 

Civets,  60. 

Clarke,  Francis,  1 75. 

Clarke,  George,  79,  131,  246,  340, 

Clarke,  Richard,  24,  36. 

Clayton,  Jasper,  324. 

.Clement,  Gregory,  43,  46,  1 1 7. 

"•Cleveland,  Earl  of,  see  Wentworth,  Thomas. 

Clitherowe,  Anthony,  24,  93,  217;  de- 
ceased, 329,  330. 

Clitherowe,  Christopher,  93,  217. 

Clitherowe,  James,  329,  330. 

Cloth,  sale  of,  and  references  to,  passim  ;  to 


INDEX 


381 


be  provided  for  the  Indies,  i,  3,  11,  31, 
56,  77»  "7»  208,  362  ;  for  Assada,  33, 
80  ;  scarlet,  27  (2),  80,  92,  95,  97,  152, 
156,  224  (2) ;  private  trade  in,  prohibited, 
156,  221;  *booke',  137;  clothdrawers, 
62. 

Cloves,  sale  of,  and  references  to,  passim ; 
private  trade  in,  prohibited,  59;  price 
of,  172,  201,  338. 

Clutterbucke,  Richard,  xii,  I,  147,  235; 
buys  goods,  54,  55,  80,  82,  87,  89,  127, 
161,  200,  210,  221,  222;  accepted  as 
security  for,  115,  234. 

'Coaktes',  153,  228. 

Cobb,  William,  349,  367. 

Cobly,  Robert,  52. 

Cogan,  Sir  Andrew,  114  (3). 

Cogan,  Thomas,  24. 

Coin  and  bullion,  the  Company  authorized 
by  Parliament  to  export,  13  w.,  29  n., 
61  n.,  87,  135,  148,  306;  petitions  con- 
cerning, 142,  299,  305,  363,  373  ;  report 
touching,  306. 

Cokayne,  Thomas,  177,  283;  elected  a 
Committee,  no,  in,  240,  241,  328, 

Cokayne,  William,  Governor  of  the  Com- 
pany, references  to,  passim  ;  xxii,  35,  38, 
43,  210,  222,  257,  302,  326,  332  (2), 
364 ;  certificates,  petitions  and  warrants 
signed  by,  7,  54,  130,  151,  152,  161, 
174,  177,  199,  258,  267,  300,  346,  360; 
to  attend  the  Council  of  State,  40 ;  the 
Committee  for  Foreign  Affairs,  207 ;  re- 
elected Governor,  viii,  xv,  xvii,  49,  no, 
176,  240,  328;  elected  a  Committee  for 
the  United  Joint  Stock,  viii,  49,  113, 
182,  251,  331  ;  for  the  Fourth  Joint 
Stock,  58,  261 ;  to  treat  with  those  who 
offer  to  obtain  compensation  from  the 
Dutch,  50,  241 ;  buys  goods,  75,  98, 
210,  223,  257;  accepted  as  security  for, 
70,  75,  283  ;  to  act  as  '  moderator',  104, 
227;  part-owner  of  the  Ulysses,  128; 
desired  to  seal  bonds,  234 ;  answer  to 
a  petition  of,  364. 

Coke,  Sir  John,  246,  248  (2). 

Collier,  Robert,  69. 

Collins,  John,  80. 

Collins,  Robert,  118. 

CoUyer,  — ,  256,  257. 

Collyer,  John,  95,  96,  117. 

Colt,  Thomas,  24. 

Common  Council,  the,  28,  225,  230. 

Commons,  House  of.     See  Parliament. 

Commonwealth,  the,  xii,  4,  258  (2),  346, 

347.  348.  363,  364. 
Compounding,  Commissioners  for,  96,  230, 

248  n, 
Congreave,  John,  20. 
Consent,  the,  362. 


Constantinople,  157. 

Conway,  Lord,  247. 

Cooke,  Thomas,  24,  269,  272. 

Cooper,  Sir  Anthony  Ashley,  member  of  the 
Council,  291  «. 

Copper  pots,  169. 

Coral,  106,  138,  160;  exportation  of,  as 
private  trade  prohibited,  9,  33,  59  ;  to  be 
bought  and  sent  to  India,  56,  77,  93, 
142,  152. 

Cordage  {see  also  Cables),  27,  31,  98, 
200,  204,  210. 

Cordozo,  Francisco,  180. 

Coromandel  Coast,  26,  63,  102,  268; 
Agent  at,  see  Greenhill,  Henry ;  minister, 
see  Winchester,  Robert ;  surgeon,  see 
Lumbly,  Nathaniel ;  ships  and  stock  for, 
V,  xiv,  xix,  3  (2),  15,  17,  29,  31,  52,  57, 
62,  63  ,66,  77,  78,  81,  122,  286,  287,  288, 
295,  296,  302,  303,  323,  340,  341,  347, 
356,  370;  factors  at  and  for,  5,  6,  7,  15, 
17,18,23,  91,  123,  134,  137,  147,  298, 
323;  goods  from,  140,  210;  Company's 
estate  allowed  to  stagnate  at,  178;  ac- 
counts from,  279,  281  ;  exemption  from 
customs  obtained  on,  349.  See  also 
Armagon,  Fort  St.  George,  Madras  and 
Masulipatam. 

Corsellis,  Nicholas,  27,  92. 

Cossaes.     See  Cotton  goods. 

Cotteriell,  Joan,  167. 

Cotteriell,  William,  167. 

Cottington,  Francis  Lord,  money  owing 
for  pepper  bought  on  behalf  of  the  late 
king  by,  xxv-xxviii,  34,  43,  77,  132,  163, 
186,  211,  232,  359- 

Cotton  goods  and  calicoes :  baftas,  48,  64, 
100,  107,  139,  161,  174;  betteeles,  339; 
chillees,  64,  339;  chintz,  64,  65,  119, 
206,  209  ;  cossaes,  34,  77,  100,  107,  292  ; 
derebauds,  37,  272;  dimities,  262,  272; 
dustataes,  34,  100;  dutties,  65,  119, 
206  (2);  ginghams,  47,  65,  77,  103,  105 
(2),  117,   119,  156,  160,  174,  184,  206, 

209,  228,  262,  282,  342,  343;  gurraes, 
48,  100;  guzees,  34,  57,  155,  162,  206; 
hummums,  77  ;  kerebauds,  159, 160  ;  ker- 
sywale,  100, 107, 160, 161,170,  206;  long- 
cloth,  65(2),  77,  80,99,  I  £3,  118,  119, 

125. 134, 136,  m,  139. 156, 160, 262, 

272,  282,  292,303,331;  Matchavore bafts, 
161,  174;  merculees,  89,  272;  morees, 
34,  65  (2),  69,  77,  119,  125,  126,  178, 

210,  228,  257,  262,  272,  339;  nassa- 
pores,272  ;  niccanees,  65,  119,  262;  per- 
callaes,  65,  206,  282 ;  pintadoes,  48,  65, 
100,  125,  254;  rowladoes,  34,  48;  sal- 
lampores,  48,  64,  65,  69,  70,  77,  100, 
107,  119,  125,  139,  160,  206,  209,  210, 
262,  282,  291,  292,  339;  sallowes,  48; 


38a 


COURT   MINUTES,  ETC. 


•alpioidoc*,  47  ;  sannoes,  47,64,  65,  68, 
107, 308 ;  sannoes  'adatoy ',  1 19,  36a,  a66, 
a8a,  aga  ;  sannoes  Hariharpur,  aoQ,  339 ; 
lerebafta,  47;  »creia8,  34;  tapseels,  47, 
65,  119,  ao6,  a6a,  295. 

Cotton  wool,  34,  100,  160,  aa8,  339. 

Cotton  yam,  47,  59,  73i  178;  sold,  54, 
55,  63,  119,  170,  ao6,  a54,  295;  tare 
allowed  for,  75,  134,  273,  301  (a). 

Couchman,  Jarvis,  master  of  the  Endymion, 
laa. 

Coulson,  William,  166  n. 

Council  of  Defence,  194  (a),  196  (3),  197, 

318(3).    ^ 

Cooncil  of  State,  iv,  14,  19,  39,  74,  97, 
165, 1 70, 399 ;  President  oi^see  Bradshaw, 
John  ;  clerk  of,  see  Thurloe,  John ;  peti- 
tioned by  the  Company,  xiv,  xv,  xvi  (2), 
a,  3>6,  32.  64,  104,  106,  125,  126,  130, 
142,  145,  174,  177  (2),  184,  186,  206, 
ao7(a),  328,  231,  249,  258,  266,  267  ;  by 
others,  xxviii,  163, 165, 166, 166  «.;  peti- 
tions referred  to,  vii,  74,  288-90,  299, 
370  (3) ;  its  resolution  concerning  the 
Company's  trade,  iv,  6 ;  invited  to  sub- 
scribe to  the  United  Joint  Stock,  iv,  i8 ; 
proceedmgs  of,  32,  37, 64,  121,  148,  149, 
153,  157,  163,  171,  172,  175,  180,  182, 
192,  207, 221,  228,  242,  249,  251,  260  (2), 
a93»  3'3.  343, 35^;  Committees  to  attend, 
6, 40,  228  ;  desires  to  contract  for  gunpow- 
der and  saltpetre,  10 1, 123, 149,  150, 154, 
192;  letters  from,  114  (2),  154,  181; 
pass  from,  121 ;  warrants  from,  130,  215, 
231,  234.  237,  238,  243,  247,  249,  250, 
375,  293;  orders  of,  xv,  153,  168  (2), 
180,  244,  291,  294,  305,  310,  345,  348  ; 
desires  the  Company  to  furnish  ships-of- 
war,  XV,  181 ;  papers  concerning  the 
Dutch  laid  before,  243;  the  Company's 
proposal  to  send  men-of-war  to  the  East 
Indies  to  obtain  reprisal  from  the  Dutch 
submitted  to,  xviii,  253,  255,  258,  259. 

Courteen,  William,  163,  347;  commission 
of  bankruptcy  issued  against,  29  ;  appli- 
cation for  money  belonging  to,  29,  36, 
39,  65 ;  suit  concerning,  loi,  192,  269, 
272 ;  order  touching,  238,  307 ;  his 
debts,  39,  150,  152  ;  ships  sent  out  by, 
72  «.,  365- 

Courts,  of  Committees,  passim ;  days  on 
which  they  are  to  be  held,  57,  146,  162, 
186,  272,  304;  of  Election,  48,  49,  no, 
113, 176, 182, 240, 250 ;  General, /awz»z; 
of  Sale,  passim  ;  days  on  which  they  are 
to  be  held,  124,  125. 

Cowley,  Barbara,  167. 

Cowley,  Hugh,  167. 

Cowly,  Henry,  216. 

Cowries,  41,  42,  60,  69. 


Cox,  Charles,  356. 

Cox  {or  Cocks),  James,  his  request  .for 
a  payment  on  account,  159,  160,  166, 
170,  172  (2),  260,  264,  265,  269,  278; 
decision  concerning,  380  j  deceased,  351, 

356,  369. 

Cox,  John,  69. 

Coy,  James,  37. 

Cranley.  Captain  Richard,  176,  303,  340. 

Cranmore,  Robert,  136, 138,  227. 

Craven,  Lord,  house  belonging  to,  rented 
by  the  Company,  xxviii,  96,  141,  145, 
149, 156, 189,  199 ;  his  estate  to  be  sold, 
xxviii,  189. 

Crawforth,  Jam6s,  5. 

Cressy,  John,  5,  68. 

Crew,  Jeremy,  5,  14,  16. 

Crispe,  Ellis,  340. 

Crispe,  Sir  Nicholas,  xxv,  232,  232  n. ; 
Committees  to  confer  about  the  pepper 
debt  with,  165 ;  his  proposal  concerning, 
xxvi-xxviii,  187,  188,  211,212,  235,  239, 
252,  265,  280;  a  statute  of  bankruptcy 
to  be  issued  against,  234,  235,  238. 

Crispe,  Samuel,  340. 

Crispe,  Tobias,  340. 

Cromwell,  Oliver,  xiii,  xvi  «.,  xvii,  203  «., 
234  «•»  235,  248  «.,  299,  329,  352  ;  peti- 
tions, etc.,  to  be  presented  to,  47,  123, 
249»  293,  305,  324,  332,  343,  347;  his 
reply  to,  124,  347,  370,  372;  Fowke's 
petition  to,  288-90,  370  (2),  371,  372  ; 
agreement  with  the  Dutch  ambassadors, 
311 ;  proposed  method  of  carrying  on 
the  East  India  trade  submitted  to,  xxiii, 
xxiv,  335-39;  the  Company's  petitions 
to,  XX,  xxii,  309,  346,  374;  Act  of 
Ratification  to  be  procured  from,  373 ; 
secretary  to,  see  Long,  Lisle. 

Crosby  Hall,  50,  295  n. 

Crover,  Matthew,  342. 

Crutched  Friars,  198  «. 

Cubebs,  60. 

Culling,  Thomas,  33,  68,  135,  229,  252. 

Culmer,  John,  128,  213. 

Cuncliffe,  Ellis,  33. 

Curtis,  Captain,  master  of  the  William,  312. 

Curtis,  William,  xxiv,  370,  371. 

Customhouse,  the,  76,  97,  125,  152,  154, 
190,  193,  251,  265;  officials  and  others 
employed  at,  13,  39,  93,  102,  142,  190, 
209,  229,  253,  282,  305  ;  private  trade 
sent  to,  54,  94, 136  ;  warehouses  at,  204; 
to  be  given  up,  116,  184,  352,  364; 
stores  at,  to  be  sold,  205,  355 ;  Com- 
mittees to  confer  with  officers  at,  123. 

Customs,  131,  139  «.,  185,  189,  192  ;  pay- 
ment from  money  due  for,  43,  118,  140, 
148,  150,  153,  154,  158,  173,  250,  294; 
Commissioners  of,  56,  78,  98,  115,  200, 


INDEX 


383 


209,  282,  286,  299,  345  ;  payment  to, 
132,  135,  267;  desired,  153;  warrant  to, 
250;  payment  from,  293(2),  294;  the 
Company  petitions  for  mitigation  of,  90 ; 
at  Gombroon,  74,  136,  138,  149,  203, 
227;  Jambi,  264;  Banda,  Batavia,  and 
the  Moluccas,  318,  319  ;  East  India  trade 
tends  to  increase,  174,  334,  346,  369. 

Customs,  Farmers  of  the,  to  be  sued  for 
payment  of  the  pepper  debt,  132,  186, 
187  ;  proposals  for  payment  made  by, 
XXV,  163,  164,  165,  211,  212,  213,  232, 
239>  265,  278,  279,  280,  281;  petition 
Parliament  concerning,  265  n. ;  narrative 
to  be  drawn  up  concerning,  293,  295  ;  a 
statute  of  bankruptcy  to  be  issued  against, 
xxvi,  232,  234,  235,  238;  agreement  be- 
tween the  Company  and,  xxvi,  252,  269, 
278,  279,  280,  281,  284,  292. 

Cuttler,  John,  139,  142,  155. 

Cuttler,  William,  Deputy-Garbler  of  the 
City,  10,  28,  34,  46,  79,  343,  344;  his 
suit  against  the  Company,  4/?. ;  against 
Jones,  76;  payment  to,  19;  sued  by  the 
Company,  100,  239,  311,  323,  324,  328; 
appointed  Garbler  to  the  Company,  306. 

Dacres,  Arthur,  340. 

Dacres,  Henry,  23,  331,  340;  principal  at 
Jambi,  129;  bill  of  exchange  presented 
by,  264,  276. 

Dacres,  Mrs.,  120.  ' 

Dacres,  Sir  Thomas,  123,  139,  149. 

Daggers,  77,  292. 

Damigho,  Signor,  237,  238,  240,  252,  270. 

Daniell,  Anthony,  93. 

Danzig,  159. 

Davidge,  Richard,  i,  24,  95 ;  charges 
against  and  fine  imposed  upon,  209,  214, 
230,  270,  277  ;  goods  sent  and  brought 
home  by,  117,  193,  200,  204;  gives  a 
donation  to  Poplar  chapel,  xxxi,  231. 

Davies,  Captain,  201. 

Davies,  Richard,  45,  53,  134;  elected  a 
Committee,  50,  iii,  177,  241;  desires 
to  buy  saltpetre,  153,  155,  261,  273. 

Davies,  Robert,  332. 

Davies,  Samuel,  302,  303. 

Davison,  James,  340. 

Davison,  Michael,  220,  256,  340;  part- 
owner  of  the  Recovery^  66,  78,  92. 

Davy,  Henry,  340. 

Dawkes,  Thomas,  317,  319. 

Day,  Captain,  21,  31,  149. 

Day,  Francis,  147,  149. 

Day,  John,  46,  162,  229,  261;  his  debt, 
217,  220,  228,  343>348. 

Day,  Richard,  331. 

Deal,  53,  128,  130;  stores,  etc.,  at,  169, 
199,  204,  205,  210. 


Deane,  Colonel,  79. 

De  Calvaiar,  Antonio  Fernandez,  50,  150, 
154^  257;  buys  goods,  105,  120,  121, 
123(2),  124,  131,  134,  135,  145. 

Deccan,  the,  150(2). 

Defence^  the,  167. 

Deforestation,  Act  for,  280,  285. 

De  Guimaraes,  Don  JoSto,  Portuguese  Am- 
bassador, XXV,  83,  188,  278. 

De  la  Bord,  Monsieur,  iii. 

Delavall, — ,  138,  142. 

Delavere,  Peter,  270. 

Delinquents,  238;  commissioners  for  com- 
pounding with,  45,  48. 

Del  Sera,  Paolo,  no,  233,  244;  letters  to, 
255»  261,  315,  333,  342. 

Denny,  Anthony,  22,  25,  35,  39. 

Denny,  Lady,  39. 

De  Noronha,  Ferdinando,  218. 

De  Noronha,  Michael,  the  Conde  de  Lin- 
hares,  late  Viceroy  of  Goa,  218,  219,  278. 

Deptford,  168,  210. 

Derebauds.     See  Cotton  goods. 

Desborough,  General  John,  261,  347. 

Dethick,  John,  103,  264. 

Dethicke,  Thomas,  the  Company's  Agent 
at  Leghorn,  226;  letters  to,  233  (2),  244, 
260,  313,  333,  342. 

Dewey,  Josias,  200,  257,  273,  340;  salt- 
petre to  be  delivered  to,  160,  225,  237, 
268,  301. 

Diamonds,  60,  77,  292. 

Dicer,  Robert,  220. 

Dickons,  John,  328. 

Dimities.     See  Cotton  goods. 

Dirletoun,  Earl  of,  see  Maxwell,  James. 

Discovery,  the,  349,  362. 

Diu,  224(2). 

Dividends  (or  divisions),  42,  43  ;  in  money, 
viii,  ix,  xviii,  xix,  15,  26,  42,  64,  86, 116, 
149,  262,  303 ;  in  pepper,  vi,  viii,  xix,  7, 
44»  46,  55-58*  76,  126,  127,  154,  274, 
277,  280;  in  indigo,  129;  in  benzoin  and 
cardamoms,  274,  277,  280,  282. 

Dollars,  35,  105,  238,  240,  244,  251 ;  rix, 

344- 
Dolphin,  the,  28,  loi,  122,  246;  master  of, 

see  Bodilow  and  Bo  wen. 
Doughty,  Robert,  i,  152,  308;  his  enter- 
tainment and  security,  5,  8,  i8. 
Dove,  the,  xviii,  63,  229;  master  of,  see 

Terrell. 
Dove,  the,   xvi,  xviii,   207,  222,  223(2), 

224(2),  225(2),  226(2),  229. 
Dover,  53,  98,   128,  130,   136,  185,  358; 

private  trade  landed  at,  51,  53,  79,  138  ; 

coral  and  stores  at,  106,  131,  138,  152; 

letters  from  and  to,  236,  237,  323,  339. 
Dover  Merchant,  the,  59,  63,  66,  67. 
Dowle,  Thomas,  52. 


384 


COURT  MINUTES,  ETC. 


Downes,  Gregory,  33. 
Downs,  the,  references  to,  passim  \  ships 
brooght  into,  2a,  27,  40,  106,  145,  a66, 

Dnfgate,  John,  ai6,  ai;,  ai8. 

£hv^,  the,  16a,  167  (a),  aoa. 

Dragon's  blood,  60. 

Dniry  House,  aaS,  334,  343. 

Ducats,  36,  39. 

Dungeness  lights,  61. 

Dunkyn,  Michael,  cashier,  duties  allotted 
to,  xix,  38,  343,  278,  a8i,  283;  his 
salary,  a8a,  283,  285. 

Durham,  Robert,  37. 

Dnrson,  John,  master  of  the  Loyalty,  72, 
2S6. 

Dustataes.     See  Cotton  goods. 

Dutch,  the  (see  also  Holland  and  States- 
General),  57,  159,  169,  184,  208,  231, 
3o6»  354.  359:  liast  India  Company, 
xii.  184,  235*  247,  250,  276,  305,  334, 
345,  348,  349 ;  its  demands  from  the 
English  Company,  193-195;  answer  of 
the  English  to  the  same,  195-198 ;  cer- 
tificates and  orders  desired  from,  306, 
312,  341,  344(2),  352;  letters  to,  356, 
372;  the  English  Company  hopes  to 
procure  restitution  from,  vii,  xvii,  46,  47, 
50,  165,  341,  314;  Parliament  and  tiie 
Council  of  State  petitioned  concerning, 
xiv,  XV,  xvi,64,73, 104, 142, 143,145,148, 
151(2),  177(3),  249,  258;  Cromwell 
petitioned  concerning,  xiv,  xx,  309(2), 
346;  cloves  sold  to,  51, 155  ;  their  fleet, 
52,  250, 271,  341  ;  Englj^  ships  attacked 
and  taken  by,  xvii,  xviii,  69,  202,  244  (3), 
252,  357,  259,  260.  275,  304,  344,  345. 
347,  357,  361,  363  (2)  ;  English  expelled 
from  Amboyna,  Banda,  Lantore,  and 
Pulo  Run  by,  73,  113,  143(2),  151  (2), 
165,  196,  197(2),  198,  202,  246(4), 
347  (2),  248,  249,  258,  259,  357 ;  losses 
sustained  by  the  English  Company 
through,  74,  246-48,  316-17,  357,  358; 
answer  of  the  Dutch  Company  to 
the  demands  of  the  English  Company, 
xxi,  318-20;  reference  to  treaties  between 
the  English  and,  vi,  xx  »,,  xxi,  73,  74, 
143  (2),  144,  151,  162,  165,  167,  168, 
177,  248,  309,  321,  322,  325,  326, 
357  (2) ;  detention  and  seizure  of  ships 
belonging  to,  xiv,  130,  131,  194,  197, 
247,  272;  refuse  to  pay  customs  at 
Gombroon,  xxi,  74,  144,  331 ;  remon- 
strance of  the  English  Company  against, 
143-45,  247 ;  particulars  of  the  griev- 
ances of  the  English  Company  against, 
145 ;  their  factors  and  servants  ill-treated 
and  murdered  by,  166-68;  fear  of 
English  letters  and  ships  being  inter. 


cepted  by,  174,  175,  178,  179,  181,  186, 
245(2),  259;  'differences'  between  the 
English  and,  xv,  180,  181, 185,  240,  250, 
267,  274,  286,  361 ;  the  English  Company 
desired  to  provide  ships  to  fight,  181 ; 
compensation  accepted  by  the  English 
from,  xxi,  198,  203,  338,  341,  371(2); 
narrative  of  injuries  received  by  the 
English  from,  201-203  ;  a  factory  settled 
at  Bantam  by,  198,  201  ;  entertained  by 
the  English  at  Surat,  202 ;  committee 
appointed  to  seek  satisfaction  from,  xvii, 

241,  243,  315,  329,  330;  meetings  of, 

242,  243,  246,  248,  307, 309, 313,  315  (2), 
321,  323, 35U  352 ;  letters  from,  324,  325 ; 
East  India  trade  in  the  hands  of,  247,  305, 
334,  335,  337  5  proposal  to  dispatch  men- 
of-war  against,  253,  254,  255,  258,  259; 
peace  concluded  with,  xx,  306,  308,  311, 
321,  313(2),  341,  342,  363,  365;  claims 
of  the  English  Company  from,  xx,  xxi, 
321-23;  grounds  upon  which  these  are 
based,  325-26  ;  compensation  to  be  paid 
by,  338, 341, 352, 371  (2) ;  Pulo  Run  to  be 
restored  to  the  English  by,  371  (2),  372, 

374. 
Dutties.    See  Cotton  goods. 
Dycer,  Robert,  140,  256 ;  buys  indigo,  136, 

137,  262 ;  accepted  as  security  for,  169, 

271,  291. 
Dyer,  William,  31. 

£ag-le,ihe,  62, 193, 232 ;  master  of,  see  Prowd 
and  Steevens;  men  serving  in,  90,  91; 
to  be  paid,  58,  69,  76;  insurance  of,  41, 
42,  46,  78, 173 ;  return  and  discharge  of, 
viii,  XV,  53,  128, 183,  185, 187, 190,  266, 
267;  repairs  to,  27,  267,  275;  goods 
shipped  in,  54,  77«.,  97, 225,  296 ;  private 
trade  aboard,  54,  56,  62,  93,  94,  98; 
freighted,  valued  and  sold,  59,  62,  63,  64, 
66,  67,  69,  70,  253 ;  designed  for  Surat, 
viii,  ix,  62,  63,  68,  71,  89,  93,  95,  253  ; 
passengers  in,  xvi,  66,  71,  72,  75,  76  (2), 
84,  90,  105,  191 ;  her  dispatch,  xix,  84, 
229,  230,  231(2),  253,  254,  278,  293; 
charterparty,  88,  278,  291 ;  appointed 
'admiral',  96;  payment  to  her  owners, 
191,  205,  206,  208,  214,  253,275(2); 
warrant  for  imprest  and  protection  of, 
231,  232,  266,  267,  275;  hired  by  the 
State,  xvi,  254,  267  ;  stock,  etc.,  for,  xix, 
277,  283(2),  284,  285. 

East,  Captain  William,  107,  293. 

East  India  Company :  Governor,  see 
Cokayne,  William ;  Deputy-Governor, 
see  Methwold,  William,  and  Riccard, 
Andrew ;  Accountant,  see  Sambrooke, 
Jeremy ;  Auditor,  see  Markham,  Valen- 
tine, and  Pauls,  John ;  Beadle,  see  Spiller, 


INDEX 


3^5 


John;  Husband,  see  Calcott,  Sanauel, 
and  Rilston,  Thomas;  Secretary,  see 
Swinglehurst,  Richard;  Solicitor,  see 
Acton,  James;  Surgeon,  see  Boone, 
Henry;  Treasurer,  see  Massingberd, 
John  ;  trade  of,  how  best  to  carry  it  on,  iv, 
xxii,  xxiii,  xxiv,  2,  6,  13,  48,  52,  104, 
305,  3".  314.  324,  332  ;  resolution  of 
the  Coimcil  of  State  concerning,  6 ;  rea- 
sons in  favour  of  a  joint  stock,  6,  357- 
60 ;  reasons  preferred  by  Thomson 
and  others,  against,  340,  352,  354-55, 
365-69 ;  votes  of  Parliament  concern- 
ing, 13,  14,  48,  305  ;  relation  concerning, 
125;  reported  attempt  to  obstract,  109, 
no  ;  narrative  of  the  settlement  of,  201- 
203  ;  various  documents  relating  to,  247  ; 
the  state  and  considerableness  of,  333- 
35  ;  proposals  and  suggestions  concern- 
ing, 335-37»  337-39»  353;  Cromwell 
petitioned  concerning,  346-47,  349-50; 
Sambrooke's  account  of,  360-63 ;  agree- 
ment between  the  Assada  Adventurers 
and,  2,  4,  13,  48,  80,  93,  94;  Council  of 
State  petitioned  concerning,  2,  3;  en- 
gagement to  be  true  and  faithful  to  the 
Commonwealth  signed  by,  4 ;  suits 
brought  against,  4 ;«.,  36,  39,  57,  65,  loi, 
118,  134,  269,  272;  assurance  policies 
taken  out  by,  8,  9,  14,  iS,  19,  41,  42, 
43,  44(2),  45,  46,  62,  102,  105,  124, 
173,  174(3),  175,  208,  225;  authorized 
by  Parliament  to  export  foreign  coin  and 
bullion,  I3«.,  29 w.,  6in.,  87,  135,  148, 
306;  an  account  of  all  exported  since 
1620  desired  from,  61  ;  petitions  Parlia- 
ment concerning,  142 ;  money  to  be 
taken  up  at  interest  by,  26,  52,  89 ;  cus- 
toms due  from,  43,  118,  138,  140,  148, 
150,  153,  154,  158,  173,  250,  294;  peti- 
tions for  a  warrant  to  prevent  its  men 
being  'pressed',  32,  33,  267;  debt  for 
pepper  bought  in  the  late  King's  name 
from,  xxv-xxviii,  34,  43,  77,  132,  163, 

186,  211,  232,  359;  proposals  and  agree- 
ment for  payment  of,  163,  164,  165,  186, 

187,  211,  212,  213,  235,  239,  252,265, 
269,  278,  279,  280,  281,  284,  292;  to 
confer  with  other  trading  Companies 
concerning  the  protection  of  their  ships, 
37  ;  petitions  and  obtains  convoy  for,  37, 
106,  174,  175,  181,  182,  184,  186,  242, 
245,  246,  251,  255,  267,  268(2);  arms 
of,  38,  193;  desired  to  furnish  the 
State  with  rials,  38 ;  money,  etc.,  be- 
longing to  Courteen  demanded  from,  29, 
36,  39,  65,  269,  272,  307;  proposals 
made  to  the  Guinea  Company  by,  42  (2), 
52,  57,  66 ;  hopes  to  obtain  restitution 
from  the  Dutch,  vii,  xvii,  46,  47,  50, 


165,  241,  314;  petitions  Parliament  and 
the  Council  of  State  concerning,  xiv,  xv, 
xvi(2),  64,  73,  104,  142,  143,  145,  148, 
151(2),  177(2).  249,  258;  petitions 
Cromwell,  xiv,  xx,  309(2),  346;  its 
remonstrance  against  wrongs,  etc.,  sus- 
tained from,  143-45 ;  particulars  of 
grievances  against,  145  ;  demands  of  the 
Dutch  Company  from,  193-95 ;  answer 
to,  1 95-98 ;  narrative  of  the  injuries 
received  by,  from  the  Dutch,  201-203; 
compensation  accepted  from  the  Dutch 
by,  198,  203,  338,  341,  371  (2) ;  ships 
belonging  to,  attacked  and  taken  by  the 
Dutch,  xvii,  xviii,  69,  202,  244  (3),  245, 
252,  257,  259,  260,  275,  304,  344,  345, 
347.  357,  361,  363(2);  Dutch  ships 
seized  and  detained  by,  xiv,  130,  131, 
194,  197,  247,  272  ;  reference  to  treaties 
between  the  Dutch  and,  vi,  xx,  xxi,  73, 
74,  143(2),  144,  151,  162,  165,  167, 
168,  177,  248,  309,  321,  322,  325,  326, 
357(2);  illtreatment  and  massacre  by 
the  Dutch  of  factors  and  others  employed 
by,  73,  "3,  143(2),  151(2),  165,  166- 
68,    196,    197(2),    198,    202,    246-48, 

249,  258,  259,  357;  losses  sustained 
from  the  proceedings  of  the  Dutch  by, 

74,  316-17,  357,  358;  claims  niade  for 
these  by,  xx,  321-23;  a  Committee  ap- 
pointed to  obtain  satisfaction  for,  xvii, 

241,  243,  315,  329,  330;   meetings  of, 

242,  243,  246,  248,  307, 309,  313, 315(2), 
321,  323,  351,  352;  letters  from,  324, 
325 ;  answer  of  the  Dutch  to  the  de- 
mands of,  318-20;  grounds  upon  which 
these  are  based,  325-26 ;  money  due  to 
Sir  Peter  Ricaut  from,  43,  45,  75,  76; 
letters  to,  52,  114,  180,  181 ;  letters  from, 
148,  233(4),  234,  236,  237,  238,  244(2), 

250,  251,  255(2),  259,  260,  261  (2),  260, 
270,  302(2),  305,  306,  312,  313(3), 
315(2),  323,  332,  333(3),  339,  341, 
342.(3),  344.  348,  352,  356(2),  372; 
prejudiced  by  private  trade,  vi,  53,  59, 

75,  90,  129,  155,  178,  206,  346;  Christ- 
mas and  other  charities  given  by,  81, 
100,  112,  141,  180,  i8i,  206,  214,  217, 
223,  226,  227,  254,  264,  281,  370;  nego- 
tiates about  the  lease  and  sale  of  Black- 
wall  Yard,  xxix,xxx,45, 46, 5 1, 53,79, 83- 
86,  88,  95,  96,  115,  123,  124,  133,  136, 

137,  139,  140,  145,  155,  157,  159,  172, 
176,  177,  190,  19T,  199,  204,  210,  260, 
270,  307,  343;  money  for  Algiers  duty 
due  to,  88,  156,  176,  307;  declines  to 
appear  against  Sir  John  Wolstenholme, 
88,  94 ;  desired  to  provide  ships  to  help 
fight  the  Dutch,  181 ;  decides  to  open  a 
subscription  to  fit  out  privateers  against 


cc 


386 


COURT   MINUTES.  ETC. 


the  Dutch  in  the  East,  xviii,  253,  354, 
255 ;  petitions  the  Council  of  State  for 
the  loan  of  vessels,  258;  preamble  to 
the  said  subscription,  258-59;  sells 
saltpetre  to  the  State,  loi,  102,  104, 
118,  142,  148,  173(2),  173,  215,  228, 
330,  334;  its  seal,  116,  282,  284;  its 
charter,  346,  359,  360 ;  Markham's  peti- 
tion to,  272 ;  Cuttler  appointed  garbler 
to,  306  ;  offer  to  enfranchise  its  estate  at 
Stepney,  307 ;  house  rented  by,  see  East 
India  House. 

East  India  House,  60,  106,  107;  Hollo- 
wav  appointed  to  help  guard,  66,  252, 
280 ;  lease,  purchase,  and  rent  of,  xxviii, 
xxix,  96,  98.  114,  115,  141,  145,  149, 
156,  161,  189(2),  193,  193,  230,  245; 
assessment  of,  183,  188,  191,  192,  245, 
392. 

Easi  India  Merchant,  the,  17,  181,  320; 
master  of,  see  Newport,  Anthony;  men 
serving  in,  5 ;  to  go  to  Bantam,  v,  xiv, 
xxii,  5,  132,  312,  314  ;  her  charterparty, 
9,  314;  bullion  and  stock  shipped  in, 
»3«-)  37>  314*  323»  327  ;  payment  to  her 
owners,  16,  120,  121,  124,  126,  153, 
281,  291,  298,  299;  insurance  of,  102; 
her  return,  xii,  xviii,  115;  goods  returned 
in,  120,  128,  251,  274,  278. 

Edmonds,  Edward,  340. 

Edwards,  — ,  229,  368. 

Edwards,  James,  134,  213,  295,  296,  351 ; 
elected  a  Committee,  103,  no,  iii,  177, 
241  (2),  328,  331  ;  buys  goods,  135,  302, 
348 ;  accepted  as  security  for,  172. 

Egleston,  Clement,  340. 

Eighth  Voyage,  the,  361. 

Elder,  Daniel,  i,  24. 

Elephants'  teeth  (ivory),  10,  98;  private 
trade  in,  prohibited,  9,  33,  59;  to  be 
provided  for  India,  27,  56,  117,  158. 

Eleventh  Voyage,  the,  361. 

Elizabeth  and  Anne,  the,  122  ;  master  of,  see 
Langford,  Richard. 

Ellis,  Robert,  27. 

Ellis,  Valentine,  363,  371. 

EUoby,  Francis,  226. 

Endeavour,  the,  xviii. 

Endymion,  the,  vi,  54  (2),  59,  248 ;  master 
of,  see  Couchman  and  Seaman;  goods 
returned  in,  40,  45,  51,  54,  56;  pay- 
ment to  her  owners,  43,  44,  51,  56,  62 ; 
her  cargo  seized  by  the  Dutch,  69,  73, 
74»  144,  259,  322,  331;  offered  for 
freighting,  122. 

Engano,  358. 

Erith,  190. 

Essex,  186,  190,  290. 

Estwicke,  Alderman,  276. 

Evans,  Richard,  8,  12. 


Everson,  Joas,  121. 

Exchange,  the,  38,  153,  176,  242;    cellar 

warehouse  at,  40,  51, 102, 182,  237,  326 ; 

to  be  inspected,  115,  295  ;  goods  in,  87, 

295,  327  ;  complaints  of  porters  at,  258 ; 

Keeper  of,  see  Swinglehurst  and  Stan- 

yan. 
Exchequer,  the,  xxv,  51,  I53>  154;  suits  in, 

3,  39.  65. 
Excise  Office,  88,  90,  172. 
Exeter,  30. 

Expedition,  the,  167,  363. 
Experience,  the,  59,  63,  67. 
Exton,  Dr.  Johij,  xx,  315  (2),  329. 
Eyens,  Samuel,  217(2),  226. 

Fabor,  Bodowin,  193,  198,  200. 

Fairfax,  the,  63,  67,  122;  master  of,  see 

Mar  veil. 
Fairfax,  General,  7. 
Fairfax,  William,  160;  his  entertainment, 

II,  133,  134,  154. 
Falcon,  the,  xviii,  63,  158,  178;  master  of, 

see  Trumball,  Andrew. 
Falmouth,  arrival  of  ships  at,  xviii,   242, 

244  (3),  245,  246. 
Fanams,  263,  350. 
Farewell,  the,  41, 61  n.,  65,  76 ;  her  return, 

viii,  55 ;  private  trade  in,  62,  69 ;  to  be 

examined,  valued  and  sold,  57,  59,  64, 

65,  66,  68,  85,  96. 
Farr,  — ,  221. 
Fenn,  Anthony,  5. 
Fenn,  Thomas,  23,  114(2),  206;  requests 

a  gratuity  and  payment  of  his  salary,  223, 

273. 

Fernandez,  Don  Antonio.   See  De  Calvaiar. 

Ferrara,  Signor,  163,  169,  243. 

Fifth  Voyage,  the,  360. 

Fines,  19,  54,  157, 159,  189,  192,  319,  320; 
on  admission  to  the  freedom  of  the 
Company,  8,  17,  19,  20,  33(2),  91  (2), 
103,  205  ;  for  private  trading,  vi,  42,  51, 
55,  67,  70,  87,  120,  132,  146,  155,  158, 
171,  178,  185,  186,  189,  192,209,  214, 
217,  262,  269,  272,  277,  278,  298,324, 
.327,328,351. 

First  General  Voyage,  359,  360. 

First  Joint  Stock,  46,  354,  357. 

Fitch,  Richard,  106. 

Fitch,  Thomas,  106, 

Fleet  prison,  the,  170. 

Fleetwood,  David,  22. 

Fletcher,  Rachael,  166  n. 

Florence,  Duke  of,  163. 

Flower,  Ralph,  95,  355. 

Flower,  Stephen,  86,  95,  355. 

Forbes,  George,  xxxi,  113,  247. 

Forest  lands,  290;  Act  for  sale  of,  290,  291, 
293- 


INDEX 


387 


Forler,  Walter,  332. 

Fort  Geldria  (Pulicat),  193,  196,  197. 

Fort  Nassau  (Bandas),  319. 

Fort  Nelacca  (Pulo  Run),  317. 

Fort  St.  George  {see  also  Madras),  14,  133, 
279 ;  to  be  manned  with  sixty  English 
soldiers,  23;  James  Martin  to  command 
them,  29,  31 ;  factors  at,  149,  261 ; 
ammunition,  etc.,  bought  for,  200,  263; 
bills  of  exchange  and  ledger  from,  257, 
263(2). 

Fortune,  the,  195. 

Foster,  Isaac,  256,  271,  291 ;  buys  indigo, 
136,  137»  262. 

Foster,  Robert,  63. 

Foster,  Sarah,  63. 

Foster,  William,  169. 

Fotherby,  Robert,  67. 

Fountaine,  — ,  88. 

Fourth  Joint  Stock,  the,  iii,  27,  46,  47, 
240,  271,  352,  354,  359;  transfer  of  ad- 
ventures in,  5,  53,  89,  94 ;  dividends  and 
divisions  in,  iii,  viii,  xix,  44,  56,  126, 
127,  228,  307,  358,  359 ;  money  adven- 
tured in  the  United  Joint  Stock  by,  iv,  8, 
13,  14,  16(2),  17,  18,  127;  ships  and 
stock  dispatched  and  returned  for  account 
of,  V,  vi,  14,  18,  37,  45,  61,  70.  102, 
359  ;  insurance  of,  39  (2),  41,  43-46,  99, 
loi,  102,  105 ;  drawing  to  an  end,  xviii, 
xix,  xxiv,  15,  46,  103,  267;  valuation  to 
be  made  of  its  effects,  17,  18,  30;  Com- 
mittees, factors,  and  others  chosen  for, 
XV,  18,  49,  53,  58,  82,  83,  85,  100,  no, 
III,  176,  177,  261,  278;  matters  con- 
cerning only,  XXX,  36,  85,  116,  177,  189, 
257,  276,  292(2);  its  debts,  46,  56,  79, 
83,  127,  175,  176,  359;  transactions  with 
the  Second  General  Voyage,  viii,  ix,  55, 
58,  61,  79,  80,  83,  84,  91,  92,  100,  120, 
146  «.,  205,  220;  disposes  of  the  Blessing 
and  Eagle,  62,  71,  74;  payments  made 
by,  85,  106,  107  (2),  139,  141,  169,  236, 
253,  263,  264,  267,  302 ;  transactions 
with  the  United  Joint  Stock,  xi,  17,  18, 
79,  100,  101,  102,  103,  107, 113  (2),  120, 
121,  169,  191,  203-205,  215(2),  257, 
263,  266,  267,  279,  281,  295;  a  court  to 
be  held  monthly  for,  146,  272  ;  no  insur- 
ance to  be  made  for,  1 74 ;  an  estimate  of 
its  estate  to  be  made  out,  188,  232  ;  fines 
to  be  paid  to,  189,  192,  265  ;  to  contri- 
bute towards  obtaining  satisfaction  from 
the  Dutch,  243  ;  proportion  of  what  shall 
be  recovered  from  the  Dutch  assigned  to, 

313- 

Fourth  Voyage,  the,  360. 

Fowke,  Alderman  John  (Lord  Mayor,  1653), 
xxxi,  162,  188;  Committees  to  attend 
Parliament  about   the  dispute  between 


the  Company  and,  47,  48,  51,  57,  6i,  63, 
68,  69,  70,  72,  75,  79,  152  ;  permitted  to 
have  copies  of  the  Company's  entries 
about  his  adventure,  55 ;  Act  of  Parlia- 
ment to  relieve,  152  n.,  157,  289,  290; 
petition  to  be  presented  by  the  Company 
against,  99,  157,  160,  1 61,  180  ;  petitions 
Parliament  and  the  Protector,  180,  288- 
90,  291,  296,  309,  310,  370(2),  371, 
372  ;  concerning  his  office  of  garbler, 
206,  207,  224,  225,  227,  277,  306,  307, 
320;  land  allotted  to,  290,  310,  313, 
314;  orders  of  Council  relating  to,  291, 
394,  310 ;  statement  of  his  case,  296-298 ; 
the  Company's  answer  to,  299-300,  301 ; 
report  on,  309-10;  agreed  to,  313;  his 
bill  against  John  Chilcot,  355. 

Fowke,  John,  Junior,  225,  320  (2). 

Fox,  — ,  87. 

Foxcraft,  George,  213. 

Foy,  Walter,  355. 

France,  xiii,  xxiv,  37,  165,  360. 

Francis,  Philip,  Mayor  of  Plymouth,  175. 

Francklin,  William,  13. 

Frederick,  John,  172. 

Freeman,  John,  150,  154,  160;  saltpetre 
to  be  delivered  *to,  154,  214,  237,  271, 

301,  332. 
Fremlen,  William,  a  former  President  at 

Surat  (1639-44),  301. 
French,  the,  xiv,  in,  350. 
Friem  Bamet,  xvi,  331  «. 
Frith,  John,  23,  94,  97,  211;  his  debt  to 

the  Company,   99,  100,  105,  106,  231, 

234- 

Frost,  Gualter,  132,  133,  141,  145;  elected 
a  Committee,  113;  adventure  transferred 
to,  109  ;  transfers  adventure,  264. 

Frost,  Gualter,  Junior,  109. 

Gallihome,  316. 

Gandevi,  206. 

Garbler,  the,  see  Cuttler,  Fowke,  and  Jones. 

Gardner,  Gilbert,  140,  298. 

Garland  of  Roses ,  the,  106. 

Garrad,  Sir  Jacob,  240,  328 ;  elected  a 
Committee,  49,  83,  in,  177,  182,  241, 
251,  328. 

Garrad,  William,  purser  in  the  Aleppo 
Merchant.,  211,  213,  220. 

Garry,  Henry,  24. 

Garway,  John,  330. 

Garway,  William,  192,  226,  231,  355; 
lease  of  Blackwall  property  in  name  of, 
xxix,  46,  53,  88 ;  to  assist  in  procuring 
restitution  from  the  Dutch,  323,  330, 
371 ;  elected  a  Committee,  328. 

Gawton,  George,  298,  330,  340;  entertain- 
ment and  salary,  11,  14,  147,  153. 

Gayer,  Sir  John,  58. 


c  c  a 


388 


COURT   MINUTES,  ETC. 


Gayer,  Robert,  58. 

Gee,  Thomas,  313,  325,  33^;   letter  to, 

3a4-»5- 
GdTery,  Robert,  340. 
Genoa,  instmctions  to  factors  at,  105,  no  ; 

letters  sent  to,  337,  338,  340,  244,  351, 

370;    the  Company's   Agents    at,    see 

Wright  and  Howe. 
Geoffrey,  Thomas,  as6. 
Germans,  the,  350. 
Ghilan,  302. 
Gibbons,  Colonel,  114. 
Gibbs,  Samuel,  33. 
Gibson,  William,  138. 
Ginger,  78,  206,  30a. 
Ginghams.    See  Cotton  goods. 
Glover,  Michael,  1 2. 
Glynn,  John,  Recorder  of  London,  39,  88, 

I34>  135- 

Goa,  201,  358 ;  Viceroy  of,  see  De  Noronha, 
Michael. 

Goats  Island,  ix. 

Godfrey,  Thomas,  14,  275. 

Goffe,  James,  45. 

Golconda,  142  n. 

Gold,  77,  117,  299;  to  be  shipped,  i,  18, 
63;  belonging  to  Courteen,  39,  238,  269, 
272,  307;  from  Guinea,  42,  52,  62,  63, 
77;  proposal  concerning  exportation  of, 
135-36;   petitions  for  leave  to  export, 

363,  373- 

Gold  Coast,  the,  62. 

Golden  Fleece,  the,  xii,  27,  6r,  122,  128; 
master  of,  see  Hill,  Thomas  ;  her  freight, 
8;  payment  for,  10,  35,  36,  117,  124; 
stock  for,  26, 37 ;  dispatch  and  insur- 
ance of,  V,  35,  40, 102  ;  her  charterparty, 
36. 

Goldsmith,  Charles,  14. 

Goldsmiths'  Hall,  98,  228. 

Gombroon,  xvii,  178,  259 ;  customs  at,  136, 
138,  149,  227,  260,  349 ;  Dutch  refuse  to 

pay,  144.  331- 

Gonninge,  John,  247. 

Good  Hope,  \.\it,2fii. 

Goodman,  Godfrey,  22,  25(2),  35,36. 

Goodman,  John,  36. 

Goodyear,  John,  24. 

Goodyear,  Moses,  340. 

Gore,  Sir  John,  88. 

Gosling,  Captain,  129. 

Gosnall,  Benjamin,  11. 

GosnoU,  John,  340. 

Gostlin,  Benjamin,  340. 

Gostwick,  W'illiam,  228,  246,  275. 

Gould,  John,  16,  137. 

Gould,  Nicholas,  158, 177  ;  elected  a  Com- 
mittee, no,  III,  240,  241. 

Gould,  Thomas,  162,  163,  184;  buys  guns, 
173,  174,  180,  182,  243. 


Gower,  Colonel  Thomas,  135,  229;   buys 

sugar,  139,  214,  252,  253,  254. 
Gravenor,  Colonel  Edward,  328. 
Gravesend,  11,  79;   ships  to  go  to,  2,  26, 

35,  314;  at,  15,  16,  17,  33,  34,  38,  190; 

to  sail  from,  26,  60,  63,  66,  84. 
Gray,  Simon,  206,  348. 
Green,  Thomas,  236,  237. 
Greene,  Giles,  85,  142,  193,  304  (2),  225, 

226. 
Greeneway,  Thomas,  22,  25  (2),  29,  35. 
Greenewell,  George,  23. 
Greenhill,  Henry,  Agent  at  the  Coast,  i, 

18,  23,  91,  15?. 
Greenland  Company,  the,  68. 
Greenwich,  121. 
Greyhound,  the,  viii,  62,  76,  86  ;  master  of, 

see  Grimes  and  Lee  ;  men  serving  in,  90 ; 

to  be  paid,  57,  69,  76  ;  insurance  of,  41  ; 

goods,  etc.,  taken  out  of,  54,  55  (2),  56, 

76,  III  ;   private  trade  aboard,  62,  69; 

valued  and  sold,  64,  66,  67,  79. 
Griff  en,  Constance,  167. 
Griffen,  Richard,  167. 
Griffen,  Sarah,  14. 
Griffen,  William,  14. 
Griffen,  — ,  107. 
Griffith,  — ,  82. 
Grimes,  Gilbert,   95,   98;    master   of   the 

Blessing,  75,  91 ;  of  the  Greyhound,  155. 
Grimston,  Henry,  115,  187. 
Grove,  Edmond,  167. 
Guilders,  xxi,  50. 
Guildhall,  the,  183,  321. 
Guilford,  John,  118. 
Guinea,  37,  65  n.,  334 ;  proposal  to  obtain 

gold  from,  42  (2),  52,  57,  62,  66,  77  ; 

ships  to  and  from,  63,  140,  175,  179, 

i8i  ;  stuffs  from,  65,  119,  206,  262,  272  ; 

the  Guinea  Company  to  buy  cl^th,  117, 

118. 
Gullipher,  Walter,  158. 
'Gumbutts',  100. 
Gum-lac,  36,  59>  77,  ii9- 
*  Gunnells ',  100. 
Gunpowder,  207,  317,  320;   contract  for, 

149,  150,  154,  173;  makers,  180,  203; 

complaint  of,    176,   178;   to  be  settled 

with  about  tare,  etc,  234,  237,  243,  245. 
Gunpowder  Alley,  198. 
Gurney,  John,  18. 
Gurney,  William,  23,  298. 
Gurney,  William,  Senior,  158,  298. 
Gurraes.     See  Cotton  goods. 
Guyney,  Richard,  340. 
Guzees.    See  Cotton  goods. 

Haberdashers' Hall,  83  (2),  114  (2),  115, 

156. 
Hackwell,  Robert,  167. 


INDEX 


389 


Hackwell,  Thomas,  167. 

Hague,  the,  xiii,  247,  344. 

Hales,  Matthew,  20,  23,  134. 

Hall,  — ,  anchorsmith,  65. 

Hall,  Captain,  216. 

Hamberton,  Thomas,  69. 

Hamburg,  353. 

Hamersly,  Francis,  i,  24,  214,  222,  223. 

Hampson,  Henry,  buys  calicoes,  118,  124, 
207,  252,  266. 

Hanson,  Thomas,  5,  23,  27,  34;  his  debt 
to  the  Company,  78,  94,  97,  99,  100, 
105,  106,  109,  134,  170,  211,  214,  215, 
223,  230,  231,  234,  238,  256,  275,  285, 

295.  343,  344- 
Happy  Entrance,  the,  131. 
Harbert,  John,  116,  171,  183. 
Harby,  Sir  Job,  concerning  his  share  in  the 

pepper  debt,  xxv-xxviii,   163,  165,  186 

(2),  187,  188,  234,  235,  239,  252,  265, 

280. 
Hare,  Thomas,  95. 
Hargrave,  William,  master  of  the  Roebuck, 

122,  138,  139. 
Hariharpur,  209,  339. 
Harman,  Captain,  master  of  the  Merchants' 

Delight,  122,  312. 
Harper,  Charles,  217. 
Harper,  Elizabeth,  217. 
Harrington,  Sir  James,  170. 
Harris,  Thomas,  188. 
Harris,  — ,  cashier,  282,  283,  285. 
Harris,  William,  53. 
Harrison,  Sir  John,  186,  234,  252. 
Harrison,  Thomas,  22,  25  (2),  35,  36. 
Harrison,  — ,  36. 
Hart,  the,  31,  41,  194,  196. 
Hartly,  Major  Jeremy,  x,  11,  285. 
Hartly,  — ,  287. 
Harvey,  John,  340. 
Harvy,  Colonel,  153. 
Harwich,  130. 
Hastings,  Richard,  69. 
Hatsell,  Captain  Henry,  271  (2),  272. 
Hawes,  John,  340. 
Hawley,  Henry,  246. 
Head,  John,  330,  331. 
Heathly,  Thomas,  205. 
Hector,  the,  362. 
Helmes,  William,  23. 
Helverio,  Signor,  159. 
Heningway,  Edward,  121. 
Henrietta  Maria,  Queen,  109,  no. 
Herbert,  Edmond,  51. 
Herbert,  James,  27. 
Heme,  Thomas,  24,  36. 
Herring,  Michael,  80,  107. 
Herring,  Nathaniel,  213. 
Hesilrigge,  Sir  Arthur,  149. 
Hewes,  Thomas,  166  w. 


Heys,  James,  340. 

Heynes,  Robert,  70. 

Hicks,  — ,  T50,  152. 

Hide,  Silvanus,  70,  161. 

Hiet,  Mary,  168. 

Hiet,  William,  168. 

Higgenson,  Bridget,  162,  163. 

Higgenson,  Samuel,  163. 

Hildesley,  Martin,  294. 

Hill,  Bartholomew,  136. 

Hill,  Richard,  123,  264,  331. 

Hill,  Thomas,  master  of  the  Golden  Fleece, 
112,  116,  122. 

Hind,  the,  63. 

Hinson,  John,  152. 

Hobart,  John,  206. 

Hobby,  John,  122. 

Hobson,  Deputy,  116. 

Hobson,  John,  5,  26,  32,  33,  45. 

Hodal,  xii. 

Hodgekyns,  Richard,  52. 

Hodges,  Thomas,  27,  161,  172, 182  ;  elect- 
ed a  Committee,  50,  103,  in,  113,  177, 
182,  241,  328. 

Holden,  Barnabas,  master  of  the   Unity, 

193- 

Holder,  — ,  210,  211,  213,  217. 

Holditch,  Isaac,  23,  129. 

Holland  {see  also  Dutch,  the,  and  States- 
General),  vii,  20,  50,  119,  184,  247,  253, 
338  ;  rials  from,  8,  9 ;  war  with,  xii,  xiv, 
xvii ;  peace  concluded  with,  xx,  xxv, 
306,  313  (2);  ambassadors  to,  see  St. 
John  and  Strickland. 

Holloway,  Bartholomew,  242,  286,  341 ; 
entertainment  and  salary,  66,  252,  320, 

327,  356. 
Holloway,  John,  46,  132,  285,  294. 
Holworthy,  John,  the  Company's  Agent  at 

Marseilles,  letters  from  and  to,  233,  261, 

269,  313,  333,  342- 
Honnywood,  William,  132. 
Hooker,  — ,  clerk  to  the  Ordnance  Com- 
missioners, 301. 
Hooker,  William,  a  grocer,  146,  206,  210, 

213;  buys  goods,  7,  92,  131,  138,  230. 
Hope,  the,  358. 
Hopewell,  the,  245. 
Hopkins,  Fabian,  264. 
Hopkins,  Thomas,  198,  203,  205. 
Hopkyns,  William,  156. 
Hougham,  Solomon,  169,  213. 
Houghton,  Robert,  90,  91. 
Hound,  the,  i68. 
Howcroft,  Anne,  324. 
Howe,   Roger,   the  Company's  Agent  at 

Genoa,  239 ;   letters  to,  237,  238,   240, 

244,  251,  270. 
Howland,  Geoffrey,  44,  47,  246  ;  elected  a 

Committee,  176,  177;  retires,  240. 


cc  3 


390 


COURT  MINUTES,  ETC. 


Hnckford,  Henry,  a;. 

HOgll,  lo,  II,  353;  Committees  to  confer 
oonceming,  10(a),  11,  la,  14;  factors 
and  others  at  and  for,  v,  11,  la,  2$,  134, 

139.  M7»  333. 
Hummnnuk    Sit  Cotton  goods. 
Hwnphrey,  Caotain  John,  355. 
Hunt,    Colonel  Robert,  Governor  of  As- 

sada,  ix(a).  10,  393. 
Hunt,  George,  356. 
Hunt,  Richard,  lai,  377. 
Hunter,   Captain   John,    335,    336,    373; 

letter  to,  335,  374. 
Hurleston,  Captain  Michael,  master  of  the 

Smyrna  Merchant,  133,  134,  137,  368; 

payment  to,  153,  356;  his  objections  to, 

and  breach  of  his  charterparty,  157,  353, 

373,  374,  376,  377,  379,  380;  instructions 

to,  342,  343. 
Hurrig,  Edmund,  294. 
Hurt,  William,  paymaster  of  the  marines, 

16,  54- 
Hussey,  Richard,  103. 
Hussy,  — ,  46. 
Hutchins,  Abraham,  33. 
Hutchinson,  Colonel  John,  I3. 
Hutchinson,  Richard,  340. 

Ignatius,  Padre,  333,  359. 

Ilford,  Walter,  146. 

Indigo,  references  to,  passim ;  private  trade 
in,  prohibited,  9,  59  ;  sale  of,  47,  58,  77, 
100,  136,  153;  dust  of,  140,  160,  162, 
233;  from  Agra,  252;  Lahore,  Sarkhej, 
and  Sinda,  100,  139,  133,  137,  139,  150, 
^53. 169,  306, 330,  356, 262  (2),  272,  282; 
shirts  and  skins,  100,  139,  228,  262;  di- 
vision in,  129;  price  of,  129,  135,  136, 
137,  230,  256,  262  (2). 

Indrapura,  144. 

Ingania  Island,  358. 

Ingram,  Richard,  14,  51. 

Inspection,  Committee  for,  228. 

Iron,  246. 

Isaacson,  William,  minister  at  Surat,  53. 

Isaackson,  Randall,  327. 

Ispahan,  259. 

Italy  {see  also  Genoa,  Leghorn,  aw</ Venice), 
37»  334i  350- 

Ivatt,  George,  purser  in  the  Blessing,  71, 
75,  95. 

Ivy,  Thomas,  a. 

Jackett,  Thomas,  152. 
Jackson,  Isaac,  369. 
Jackson,  Joseph,  1 79. 
Jackson,  Margaret,  29. 
Jacob,  Sir  John,  concerning  his  share  in 
the  pepper  debt,  xxv-xxviii,  164,  165,   I 


235»  339i  252,  365(3),  380;  to  be  pro- 
secuted for,  186,  188,  334. 

Jakatra.     See  Batavia. 

Jambi,  346;  factors  at,  67,  139;  pepper 
from,  53,  80,  83,  119,  135,  159,  161, 
a  10,  363  ;  misdeeds  of  the  Dutch  at,  144, 
145 ;  King  of,  85,  216,  220 ;  Queen  of, 
264. 

James  I,  167,  201,  322. 

James, — ,  i. 

James,  Thomas,  12,  93. 

Japan,  353. 

Jarvis,  John,  301. 

Java,  3 01  (3).    - 

Jennings,  — ,  94. 

Jennings,  Thomas,  50,  222,  241;  elected 
a  Committee,  49,  50,  iii,  113, 177, 183, 
241 ;  helps  contract  for  the  sale  of  Black- 
wall  Yard,  115,  140,  159,  210;  bill  of 
exchange  drawn  on,  237,  238,  240,  244, 
251. 

Jephson,  Sir  John,  130. 

Jermin,  — ,  28. 

Jesson,  Randall,  243,  325. 

Jesson,  William,  24,  158. 

Jessop,  William,  Clerk  of  the  Council,  291, 
305,  345 ;  letter  to,  370,  373. 

Jewel,  the,  362. 

Joachimi,  Sir  Albert,  Dutch  Ambassador 
to  England,  248. 

John,  the,  iii,  53. 

Johnson,  Henry,  168,  232,  312;  part  of 
Blackwall  Yard  let  to,  xxx,  210, 307,  343. 

Johnson,  Lancelot,  14,  308. 

Johnson,  William,  5,  14,  308. 

Jolliffe,  — ,  303. 

Jonas,  the,  362. 

Jonathan,  the,  xxii,  323. 

Jones,  John,  City  Garbler,  28,  46,  76, 
225. 

Joseph,  John,  254. 

Josselyn,  Edward,  22,  25,  31. 

Joyce,  Isaiah,  24,  263. 

Judd,  Daniel,  104,  158,  160;  to  supply 
gunpowder  to  the  State,  149,  150,  154; 
saltpetre  to  be  delivered  to,  149,  180, 
268,  302,  303,  332. 

Jurden,  Captain,  master  of  the  Love,  312. 

Justice,  William,  36. 

Juxon,  — ,  292. 

Katherine,  the,  master  of,  see  Russell, 
Jarvis;  freighted  for  the  Coast,  xix,  302, 
303;  her  charterparty  and  dispatch,  xx, 
305,  308,  310,  311. 

Kayal,  125  «. 

Keate,  Gilbert,  120,  122,  272,321 ;  elected 
a  Committee,  50,  in,  177,  241  (2), 
328. 

Keeble,  —,129. 


INDEX 


391 


Keele.    See  Kayal. 

Keene,  Margaret,  281. 

Keightly,  Thomas,  160,  246. 

Kelly,  Barbara,  120. 

Kempe,  Captain,  8. 

Kempe,  Matthew,  64. 

Kendall,  Thomas,  xx,  315  (2). 

Kendrick,  John,  264. 

Kennett,  Sarah,  304. 

Kenniston.   See  Kynaston. 

Kerebauds.    See  Cotton  goods. 

Kerridge,  Thomas,  formerly  President  at 

Surat    (1616-21),    82    (2),    202,    321  ; 

elected  a  Committee,  50,  iii,  177,  241 

(2),  251,  291,  328,  331 ;   nominated  as 

Deputy,  240. 
Kerseys,  90. 

Kersywale.     See  Cotton  goods. 
Kilvert,  Roger,  119. 
King's  Bench  prison,  16. 
King's  Head  tavern,  26. 
Kinnersly,  Edward,  23. 
Kirby,  Robert,  mate  in  the  Eagle,  90,  91, 

92,  93- 
Knight,  — ,  82,  107. 
Knightsbridge,  William,  119. 
Knipe,  Edward,  i6i,  343;  charges  against, 

I,  93,  101,  107,  no;  his  private  trade, 

III,  113,  120. 
Knives,  31,  224. 
Kuns,  Bartholomew,  248. 
Kynaston,  Thomas,  307. 

Lace,  gold  and  silver,  31,  85. 
Lagundy  Island.     See  Pulo  Lagundy. 
Lahore,  indigo  from,  100,  129,  133,  137, 

I39>  I53j  169,  206,  220,  256,  262  (2), 

272. 
Lambe,  — ,  230. 

Lambton,  John,  i,  31,  296;  his  entertain- 
ment, 7,  22,  25  (2). 
Land,  Richard,  36,  85. 
Land's  End,  ships  to  ply  off,  xv,  174,  175, 

179,  242  (2),  257,  272. 
Lane,  John,  46,  172. 

Lane,  Jacob,  commander  of  the  .Slc^/itJw^w,  167. 
Lane,  Sarah,  167. 
Langford,  Richard,  master  of  the  Elizabeth 

and  Anne,  122. 
Langham,  John,  295,  326. 
Langham,  Stephen,  141. 
Langham,  Thomas,  256  (2),  257,  261. 
Langhorne,  William,  1 70 ;  his  bond  for  the 

Leghorn  factors,  95,  96,  97,  232. 
Langley,  Alderman   John,   5,    1 19,    268  ; 

elected  a  Committee,  50,  58,  iii,   240, 

241  (2),  328;  retires,  177. 
Lanneret,   the,    63,    339 ;    taken    by   the 

Dutch,  xvii,  xviii,  363. 
Lantore,  243,  246 ;  misdeeds  of  the  Dutch 


at,  73,  143,  144.  i45»  I97»  202,  259; 
the  English  claim,  xx,xxi,32i  (2), 322  (2). 

Larkin,  Mrs.,  70. 

Lawrence,  Richard,  157  w. 

Lead,  90,  92,  208,  327 ;  to  be  provided  for 
India,  i,  2,  11,  21,  77,  117,  142,  285; 
exportation  of,  as  private  trade  pro- 
hibited, 9,  33,  59. 

Leadenhall  Street,  239,  277 ;  the  Com- 
pany's warehouses  in,  40,  83,  85 ;  lease 
of,  to  be  renewed,  28,  93,  98 ;  goods  to 
besentto,i25,i37,i93,  204,  256  (2),  286. 

Leaver,  Thomas,  41,  70. 

Lee,  Adam,  formerly  master  of  the  Grey- 
hound, 75,  87,  106  ;  pilot  in  the  Roebuck, 

123,  363. 

Lee  Road,  249  (2). 

Leghorn,  117,  138,  232,  269,  353;  pepper 
to  be  sent  to,  68,  70,  72  ;  factors  at,  95, 
96,  97,  226,  231  ;  instructions  to,  56,  57, 
105,  no;  letters  sent  to,  233  (2),  244, 
260,  313,  333,  342;  the  Company's 
Agents  at,  see  Browne  and  Dethick. 

Leigh,  79. 

Leigh,  Godfrey,  20. 

Leigh,  John,  5,  8, 18  ;  payment  to  his  wife, 
123,  261,  262,  278. 

Leigh,  John,  216,  217,  218. 

Leigh,  Margaret,  123,  261,  262,  278. 

Lemons,  272. 

Lenthall,  William,  Speaker  of  the  House 
of  Commons,  67,  70,  84. 

Lenthwaite,  John,  76,  78,  93. 

Levant  Company,  the.     See  Turkey. 

Lewen,  — ,  150. 

Lewis,  John,  i,  24,  211,  331 ;  musk  received 
by,  223,  293;  his  account,  268,  276,  271. 

Lewys,  Robert,  121. 

Limbrey,  Captain,  61. 

Lime  Street,  xxix,  230  n, 

Limehouse,  22. 

Lion,  the  (a  Dutch  vessel),  130. 

Lion,  the,  115. 

Lion,  the,  358. 

Lion,  the,  363,  373  (2). 

Lioness,  the,  6, 10,  22,  23,  34, 129;  master 
of,  see  Brookhaven,  John;  men  serving 
in,  II,  136,  147,  162,  323;  stock,  etc., 
shipped  in,  I,  11,  13  w.,  17,  140;  pas- 
sengers in,  I,  60,  133,  139,  147,  154;  to 
go  to  Assada  and  the  Coast,  v,  5,  7,  10, 
14;  insurance  of,  8,  9,  14,  18,  19,  100, 
102;  return  of,  xii,  115;  private  trade, 
etc.,  returned  in,  117  (2),  118,  119,  120, 

'    138,  142. 
vLisle,  Lord  John,  82,  351. 

Little  President,  the,  245. 

Littleton,  Walter,  149. 

Little  William,  the  (Courteen's  ship),  36, 
39»  303- 


392 


COURT   MINUTES,  ETC. 


Uxard,  the,  thipt  lying  off,  xviii,  343,  344 
(a).  245.  346. 

Lombard  Street,  38. 

London,  246,  348  w.,  359,  371 ;  goods,  etc., 
to  be  brought  to,  153,  184,  188,  193, 
361 ;  ships  at  the  port  of,  183,  343,  349, 
351;  Lord  Mavor  of,  se^  Fowke;  Re- 
corder of,  see  Glynn. 

lAmdotty  the,  master  of,  see  Steevens,  John  ; 
133,  130. 

Long,  Lisle,  Secretary  to  Cromwell,  308, 

309- 

Longcloth.    See  Cotton  goods. 

Looker,  John,  340. 

Looking-glass,  31,  32- 

Loove,  — ,  310,  323. 

Lord  Mayor.    See  Fowke,  John. 

Lords,  House  of  {see  also  Parliament), 
order  of,  389,  290,  300;  petitioned  by 
Fowke,  396,  370. 

Loot,  the,  32,  35,  60,  159,  268  ;  master  of, 
see  Brookhaven,  Day,  and  Jurden ;  men 
serving  in,  21,  135,  140,  147,  149,  152, 
153.  156,  398,  304  ;  her  dispatch,  v,  xiv, 
26;  rettum,  xii,  xviii,  115  (2),  251,  266; 
stock,  etc.,  shipped  in,  26,  142,  152 ; 
passengers  in,  31,  62  «.,  137,  140,  147 
(2),  152,  155  (2),  205,  330;  insurance 
of,  100,  1 02  ;  goods,  etc.,  returned  in, 
116,  117,  118,  158,  261,  267,  274,  275 
(3),  278,  286,  387,  328;  offered  and  ac- 
cepted for  freighting,  37,  122  (2),  123, 
312;  payment  to  her  owners,  125,  138, 
139,  156,  278,  291,  298,  302  ;  convoy 
for,  242,  245,  266. 
^  Love,  William,  340 ;  petition  of,  343, 
345  (2),  347,  348  (2). 

Lovell,  William,  i. 

Low,  Oliver,  330,  355. 

Lowder,  Robert,  39. 

Loyalty,  the,  72,  105,  286 ;  master  of,  see 
Durson,  John. 

Lucar,  John,  21. 

Lucknow,  24. 

Lucy,  Lucas,  23,  198,  371  (2),  373. 

Lumbly,  Elizabeth,  67,  70;  payment  to, 
131,  132,  217,391. 

Lumbly,  Nathaniel,  18,  131,  132;  pay- 
ment to  his  widow,  131,  132,  217,  291. 

Lupart,  Peter,  92. 

Lynn,  42. 

Macao,  196. 

Macassar,  xviii,  17  ;  trade  with,  xxiv,  340, 
341  ;  presents  for  the  King  of,  88,  129, 

Ma^,  47,  59,  153,  153,  201,  302,  331,  338, 

362. 
Machlwara,  161  m. 
Mackworth,  Colonel  George,  351. 


Macro,  Mrs.,  161,  162. 

Madagascar  {see  also  Assada) ,  iv,  ix,  x,  xi. 

Madocke,  John,  179,  184,  361,  267;  pay- 
ment and  presentation  to,  51,  193,  284. 

Madox,  William,  115. 

Madraspatan  {see  also  Fort  St.  George), 
viii  (2),  17,  140,  171,  178. 

Mahmudls,  33,  41,  102, 104. 

Mainard,  — ,  187. 

Maisters,  Edward,  31. 

Malabar  Coast,  pepper  from,  53,  61,  82, 
125,  I39>  ^"55,  161,  209,  262,  271,  272, 
339- 

Manillas,  the,  196,  201. 

Mann,  James,  14,  35,  57,  216 ;  elected  a 
Committee,  50,  177,  241,  328;  retires, 
III. 

Mann,  Thomas,  26,  45,  261 ;  elected  a 
Committee,  50,  in  ;  retires,  177. 

Maquian,  247. 

Margate,  stores,  etc.,  at,  169, 199,  204,  205, 
210,  215. 

Markham,  John,  29. 

Markham,  Valentine,  Auditor  to  the  Com- 
pany, 240,  252,  331  ;  gratuity  given  to, 
48,  112,  113,  273  ;  duties  allotted  to,  54, 
1 20, 207,  226 ;  dismissed,  108 ;  re-elected 
auditor,  112, 182, 183 ;  his  petition,  272  ; 
decease,  xxii,  341. 

Marks,  214,  263,  285,  301. 

Marseilles,  the  Company's  Agent  at,  see 
Holworthy,  John;  letters  sent  to,  233, 
261,  269,  313,  333,  342. 

'Martaledge',  x(2). 

Marten,  Captain  Roger,  242,  244,  246, 
249. 

Martin,  Hopton,  33. 

Martin,  James,  33,  99, 103, 105  (2) ;  accept- 
ed as  security,  7,  35,  88;  buys  goods, 
37»  64, 65,  68  (2),  69,  100, 106,  107, 137, 
138 ;  elected  a  Committee,  50 ;  retires, 
111. 

Martin,  James,  29,  31,  39, 

Martin,  Mary,  34,  70. 

Martin,  Richard,  34,  70. 

Marvell,  Captain,  master  of  the  Fairfax, 
122. 

Mary,  Princess  of  Orange,  vii  «.,  xiii. 

Mary,  the,  115,  121. 

Mason,  Ellen,  168. 

Mason,  John,  168. 

Massey,  Jonathan,  23. 

Massey,  Walter,  23. 

Massingberd,  John,  Treasurer  to  the  Com- 
pany, 19,  94,  210,  212,  222,  230,  243; 
reports  made  by,  7,  8,  26,  66,  77,  159, 
199,  204,  210,  245;  elected  a  Commit- 
tee, viii,  49,  50,  58,  83,  113,  182,  241, 
251,  261;  re-elected  Treasurer,  viii,  xv, 
xvii,  49,  no,  113,  176,  182,  240,  251; 


INDEX 


393 


duties  allotted  to,  52,  81,  99,  108,  116, 
117,  119,  137,   161;   payment  to,   215, 
238,  282  ;  deceased,  xix,  278;  his  salary, 
283,  285  ;  his  widow,  295. 
Masulipatam,  350,  353;  factors  at,  2,  77, 

131- 

Mataram,  the  Sultan  of,  128. 

'  Matchavore  bafts '.  See  Cotton  goods. 

Mathews,  — ,  65. 

Maurice,  Prince,  106  n. 

Mawes,  Jodooco,  175. 

Maxwell,  James,  Earl  of  Dirletoun,  xxv. 

May,  Isle  of,  181. 

May,  Elizabeth,  162,  163. 

May,  John,  163,  323,  328. 

May,  Robert,  master  of  the  Advice,  122. 

May,  Thomas,  168. 

Mayflower,  the,  122  ;  master  of,  see  Bell. 

Mayre,  Barnabas,  31. 

Mead, Philip,  loi,  118, 162  ;  buys  calicoes, 
56,57,  107,123,124,153,155,  159. 

Meade,  Marie,  167. 

Meade,  Valentine,  167. 

Mediterranean,  the,  37. 

Meggs,  William,  elected  a  Committee,  50, 
III,  240,  241,  261,  328;  retires,  177. 

Melinda,  374. 

Merchant  Adventurers,  the,  354. 

Merchant,  Edmund,  5. 

Merchants'  Delight,  the,  122,  312  ;  master 
of,  see  Harman. 

Merculees.    See  Cotton  goods, 
'^errick,  Sir  John,  271. 

Merry,  Thomas,  President  at  Surat  (1649- 
52),  I,  17,  92,  109,  158,  331 ;  proposed 
successor  to,  21,  22,  66;  his  salary,  23 ; 
silk  sent  home  by,  58,  72,  75,  136,  138, 
199,  227;  to  return  in  the  Eagle,  66, 
191  ;  payment  to,  188;  questioned  about 
musk  bought  for  the  Company,  209 ;  to 
make  satisfaction  for  it,  217,  222,  223, 
227,  230,  293  ;  his  action  with  regard  to 
Eyens'  estate,  217  (2),  225,  226,  227; 
adventure  transferred  to,  227  ;  complains 
of  unjust  accusations,  229;  his  affairs 
referred  to  arbitration,  266 ;  his  death, 
xvi. 

Mervyn,  Sir  Henry,  131. 

Mervyn,  Captain,  131. 

Messina,  64. 

Methwold,  William,  Deputy-Governor,  22, 
38,  40,  43  (2),  96,  117,  213,  222,  229, 
243,  364;  to  have  a  vote  in  all  matters 
passed  in  court,  20;  his  debts,  40,  51, 
67,  229,  301 ;  treats  with  the  Guinea 
Company,  42  ;  with  the  Portuguese  Am- 
bassador, 83 ;  appointed  a  Committee, 
viii,  49,  58,  113,  182;  re-elected  Deputy, 
viii,  XV,  49,  no,  176;  reports  made  by, 
42,  50,  64,  150,  156,  165,  176,  181,  207, 


211  ;  to  treat  about  the  recovery  of 
money  from  the  Dutch,  50,  241 ;  part- 
owner  of  the  Endymion,  51 ;  buys  the 
William,  170;  silk  sent  to,  58,  72,  75; 
transfers  adventure,  66,  227  ;  accepted  as 
security,  70,  86 ;  goods  bought  by,  86, 
98,  III,  154,  156,  200,  210,  213,  226, 
227  (2),  229;  sends  cloth  as  presents  to 
Surat,  92, 97, 156 ;  to  act  as  *  moderator', 
loi  ;  petition  signed  by,  104;  pass  from 
the  Council  of  State  for,  121 ;  bitten  by 
a  tiger,  121  n.',  offers  to  sell  quicksilver 
to  the  Company,  134;  desired  to  go  as 
Ambassador  to  Constantinople,  157 ; 
agrees  to  buy  Lord  Craven's  house  for 
the  Company,  xxix,  192,  199 ;  his  private 
trade,  97,  274;  his  paper  relating  to  the 
truce  between  the  English  and  Portu- 
guese, xvii,  218-20;  illness  and  death, 
xvi,  xvii,  226,  227,  240;  almshouses 
founded  by,  xvi  n. 

Me)mell,  Francis,  92. 

Michael,  the,  263. 

Mico,  Alderman,  303. 

Micott,  Samuel,  340. 

Middelburg,  30,  52. 

Middleton,  Andrew,  340. 

Middleton,  John,  206. 

Midleton,  Richard,  5. 
J^'Mildmay,  Sir  Henry,  40. 

Millett,  Captain  John,  master  of  the  Aleppo 
Merchant,  xv  n.,  312  ;  payment  to,  116, 
189,  205. 

Mills,  Captain,  246. 

Milward,  Charles,  24. 

Milward,  Thomas,  17,  41,  64. 

Minors,  Edward,  23. 

Minors,  Captain  William,  commander  of 
the  William,  14,  35,  38,  124,  146; 
gratuity  and  payment  to,  120,  145,  156; 
his  private  trade,  123,  145. 

Mint,  the,  propositions  submitted  to  the 
Committee  for,  170. 

Mir  Jumla,  142,  149,  152. 

Misselden,  Edward,  247  (2). 

Mitton,  Thomas,  189. 

Mogul,  the  Great  {see  also  Shah  Jahan),  xii, 
73,  74,  144,  202,  322. 

Mokha,  24,  72. 

Molins,  William,  268,  301. 

Moluccas,  the,  198,  246,  362  ;  English  ex- 
pelled from,  73,  143,  317  ;  compensation 
demanded  for  loss  of  trade  at,  74,  151, 
316  ;  misdeeds  of  the  Dutch  at,  145,  151, 
316,  317,  358;  they  demand  part  of 
the  charges  at,  193,  194  (2),  316,  318; 
spices  obtained  from  and  accorded  to  the 
English  at,  151,  196,  201,  202. 

Money,  Commissioners  for  the  advance  of, 
83. 


394 


COURT   MINUTES,  ETC. 


Monk,  George,  General  of  the  Fleet,  244, 

Hi- 
\  Monmouth,  Thomas,  1 36. 
'Montague,  Colonel  Edward,  291  «.,  30i» 

^     370- 

Mo^t  the.  358. 

Moore,  William,  96. 

Mordin,  Dorothy,  381. 

Morees.   Sm  Cotton  goods. 

Moretti,  Gio  Maria,  144,  317. 

Morewood,  lienjamin,  170. 

Morcwood.  Gilbert,  58,  170. 

Morris^  the,  358. 

Morse  teeth,  68. 

Mosely,  — ,  23- 

Mosse,  Roger,  i,  33i  (»)• 

Mountford,  Francis,  55. 

Mount's  Bay,  254. 
N/Moyer,  Samuel,  2i,  47,  48,  97,  162,  262, 
340, 35 1 ;  to  attend  the  Council  of  State, 
6;  to  assist  concerning  Assada  and 
Hugll,  10,  12  ;  appointed  a  Committee, 
49,  113,  182,  251,  257;  accepted  as 
security,  75,  95 ;  allowed  to  send  rials 
to  Surat,  156 ;  contracts  for  lease  of  the 
Company's  house,  156 ;  agrees  to  buy  it, 
xxix,  192,  199;  to  advise  concerning 
obtaining  restitution  from  the  Dutch, 
248,  249;  to  act  as  'umpire',  270,  274, 
2S0. 

Mozambique,  x  (2),  xxiii,  196,  374. 

Mucknell,  John,  53. 

Mnlgrave,  Earl  of.    See  Sheffield,  Edmund. 

Murthwaite,  Thomas,  340. 

Muscovy,  37 ;  Company,  353  (2),  354  (2), 

359.  364- 

Musk,  importation  of,  as  private  trade  pro- 
hibited, 59,  68;  sold,  206,  211,  254; 
price  of,  211,  222  ;  bought  for  the  Com- 
pany but  missing,  207,  209,  217,  222, 
2  23>  227,  230,  293. 

Muskets,  31. 

Mynne,  William,  23. 

Myrobalans,  60. 

Myrrh,  60. 

Nasarpur,  272  n. 

Nassapores.    See  Cotton  goods. 

Navigation  Act,  xiii,  xiv,  1 33  n. 

Navy,  the,  138,  153, 187,  215  ;  Committee 
of,  orders,  reports  and  warrants  from,  3, 
4,  4  n.,  158,  200,  203,  288,  289,  328, 
332  ;  payment  of  Algiers  duty  to  be  de- 
manded from,  88 ;  letters  to,  154,  236, 
237  ;  proposal  for  payment  of  the  pepper 
debt  made  to,  164;  anchors,  etc.,  to  be 
bought  by,  200,  204,  205;  petitions 
referred  to,  305,  310,  347  ;  Victuallers 
of,  hire  the  Company's  slaughterhouse 
and  Yard,  xxx,64,  75,  86,  172,  191,  199, 


204,  230,  235  ;  clerk  to,  see  Blackborne, 
Robert. 

Naylor,  John,  155. 

Neale,  Robert,  36. 

Neira,  319,  326. 

Nelson,  John,  1 7,  46. 

Nettlam,  William,  16,  23. 

Newdigate,  Richard,  75. 

Newfoundland,  254. 

Newland,  Richard,  24,  166  «.,  331. 

Newland,  William,  179. 

Newport,  179. 

Newport,  Captain  Anthony,  master  of  the 
East  India  M^chant^c^,  122,  312,  314, 
323;  payment  to,  16,  153;  permitted  to 
bring  his  ship  into  the  Company's  dock, 
137 ;  instructions  to,  266. 

Newton,  Henry,  256;  buys  silk,  273,  275  ; 
accepted  as  security  for,  121,  277. 

J^ew  Year's  Gift,  the,  361. 

Nieuport,  Willem,  372,  373. 

Nightingale,  the,  255. 

Ninth  Voyage,  the,  361. 

Npbles,  14,  190,  269. 
..Koell  (or  Nowel),  Martin,  340,  373. 

Nokes,  William,  150,  152,  155,  302  ;  helps 
provide  a  ship  and  goods  for  dispatch  to 
Surat,  206,  207  (2),  208,  223,  224,  225 
(2),  226  ;  goes  to  India  in  her,  229. 

Noonies,  Emanuel,  65. 

Norden,  — ,  230, 

Norris,  Hugh,  285,  287,  288;  elected  a 
Committee,  251,  257,331. 

Northy,  — ,  steward  of  Stepney  manor,  188, 

307- 

Nossi-be,  iv. 

Nowell,  Matthew,  36,  41,42. 

Nulls,  Sir  John,  concerning  his  share  in  the 
pepper  debt,  xxv,  165,  186,  235 ;  a 
statute  of  bankruptcy  to  be  issued  against, 
186,  187  (2),  188;  deceased,  xxvi,  239. 

Nutmegs,  123,  201,  202,  321,  362,  363; 
private  trade  in,  59,  79,  133,  152;  sold, 
206,  213,  262,  282. 

Ockford,  Anne,  347,  348. 

Offly,  — ,  332. 

Ogree,  --,217  (2),  227. 

Oil,  156. 

Oldfield,  John,  177,  241,  328. 

Old  Ford,  188. 

Olibanum,  59,  64,  119. 

Olton,  Elizabeth,  155,  161 ;  payment  to,  24, 
62,  67,  70. 

Olton,  Henry,  20,  23,  119;  his  account, 
141,  146  ;  fine  imposed  on  his  estate,  146, 
155)  161 ;  his  wife,  see  Olton,  Elizabeth. 

Orange,  Mary,  Princess  of,  vii«.,  xiii. 

Orange,  William,  Prince  of,  vii  n. 

Orange,  the  (Dutch  ship),  130. 


INDEX 


395 


Orankay,  317. 

Ordnance,  34,  184,  243;  for  Assada,  90; 
bought,  172,  174,  180,  182;  Committee 
of  the,  193,  228;  orders  and  warrants 
from,  225,  261,  268,  271,  301,  302;  to 
examine  and  contract  for  saltpetre,  117, 

142,  17T,  172  (2),  173,  174,  176,  192, 
198,  199  (3),  208,  237,  262,  268,  284, 
285,  287,  288,  294;  letter  to,  148. 

Osbaston,  Francis,  27. 
Osbaston,  Henry,  27. 
Osborne,  John,  29,  161. 
Osborne,  Sarah,  29,  161. 
Osiander,  the,  202. 
Ottgar,  Daniel,  26,  31,  33. 
Ottgar,  David,  26,  27  (2). 
Owen,  — ,  57. 

Owen,  Thomas,  i,  36,  42,  81,  82. 
Oxenden,  Christopher,  343,  344,  347 ;  his 
entertainment  and  security,  22,  25  (2), 

31  (2). 
Oxenden,  George,  22  n.,  24,  135. 
Oxford,  1 01. 
Oyles,  Jaques,  27,  41,  86;   his  debt  to  the 

Company,  51,  163,  173. 

Padang,  322. 

Pagodas,  102,  104,  263,  279. 

Paige,  John,  340. 

Pallicatta,  the,  195. 

Palmer,  Andrew,  39. 

Pantan,  Anthony,  100. 

Parkes,  Richard,  24. 

Parliament  {see  also  Lords,  House  of),  4, 
156,  167, 172, 173,  248  «.,  258,  259,  299, 
300,  359;  Acts  of,  referred  to,  2,  3,  6, 
i33>  139  «•>  152,  152  w-5 157>  1S7,  189, 
207,  211,  212,  238,  265,  269,  280,  289, 
290  ''3),  297,  298  (4),  309 ;  petitioned, 
iv,  2,  4  n.,  43,  49,  61  w.,  73,  104,  142, 

143,  161,  180,  247,  249,  289-90,  296- 
985  309,  310,  352;  orders  and  votes  of, 
iv,  6,  13,  14,  38  n.,  39,  47,  48,  55,  74,  87, 

148,  150,  153,  243,  247,  289,  290,  299, 
3059  306,  310,  364;  book  for  subscrip- 
tions to  the  United  Joint  Stock  sent  to, 
iv,  18;  Committees  desired  to  attend, 
34,  48,  51,  57,  61,  63,  68,  69,  70,  72,  79, 
99,  152,  160,  161,  265;  report  made  to, 

149,  150  ;  contract  for  powder  confirmed 
by,  154;  refuses  to  hear  private  business, 
180;  its  decision  regarding  the  Com- 
pany's trade,  iv,  208 ;  proposal  for  pay- 
ment of  the  pepper  debt  to  be  presented 
to,  211,  212,  265;  proposal  for  sending 
men-of-war  to  the  East  Indies,  255. 

Parrott,  Abraham,  273,  276. 
Parrott,  Christopher,  23,  273,  276. 
Pasford,  John,  xxix,  230. 
Pauls,  John,  xxii,  341. 


Payne,  Michael,  167. 

Payne,  Pleasance,  167. 

Payte,  Edward,  90. 

Pearly  the,  245,  272,  325. 

Pearle,  Thomas,  8,  279,  340. 

Pearls,  60,  77,  117. 

Pearse,  Edward,  24,  66,  96,  217. 

Pearse,  William,  32,  152. 

Peeters,  Captain  Benjamin,  late  commander 
of  the  Aleppo  Merchant^  66, 192. 

Pegu,  279  ;  King  of,  77  w. 

Pell,  Walter,  96. 

Penn,  Admiral  William,  xxiv. 

Penning,  Nicholas,  72,  340. 
'Pennington,  Alderman  Isaac,  4. 

Penniston,  Anthony,  193, 198,  227,  236  (2), 
327  ;  his  request  concerning  the  estate  of 
his  brother  Thomas,  183,  185,  189,  193, 
200  (2),  205,  263,  264,  274,  284,.  304, 
3o8j  363;  refused,  191,  193,  200(2), 
210,  216;  referred  to  arbitration,  206, 
216,  264. 

Penniston,  Anthony,  Junior,  193. 

Penniston,  Robert,  183,  200  (2),  216,  274. 

Penniston,  Thomas,  a  former  President  at 
Bantam  (1648-49),!,  206,  227;  recalled 
from  Bantam,  20,  23;  payment  of  his 
estate  desired  by  his  executors,  183,  185, 
189,  193,  200  (2),  205,  263,  264,  274, 
284,  304,  308,  363;  refused,  191,  193, 
200  (2),  210,  216  ;  his  affairs  referred  to 
arbitration,  206,  216,  264;  breach  of  his 
commission,  191  ;  his  private  trade,  155  ; 
fine  demanded  for,  185,  186,  189;  part 
to  be  given  towards  the  chapel  at  Black- 
wall,  264,  265,  266. 

Pennoyer,  Samuel,  24,  42. 

rennoyer,  William,  6,  10,  12,  20, 121, 162, 
340  ;  buys  saltpetre,  etc.,  14,  25,  36,  39, 
65,  86,  104,  106,  III,  140,  141,  256, 
339  ;  allowed  tare  on,  34  ;  to  supply  the 
State  with  gunpowder,  149,  150,  154; 
adventure  transferred  to,  264  ;  petition  of 
Thomas  Allen  and,  299  ;  referred  to  the 
Admiralty,  305,  306;  elected  a  Com- 
mittee, 331 ;  warehouse  let  to,  364. 

Pennynge.     See  Penning. 

Pepper,  references  to, /ajj/w  ;  divisions  in, 
vi,  viii,  xix,  44,  46,  55,  56,  57,  58,  76, 
126,  127,  154,  274,  280,  295,  307;  im- 
portation of,  as  private  trade  prohibited, 
9,  59  ;  price  of,  28,  39,  41,  44,  53,  56, 
70,  76,  79,  80,  82,  105,  123,  126  (2), 
154,  159,  201,  210,  220,  222,  271,  280, 
307,  350,  369  ;  bought  by  Lord  Cotting- 
ton  on  behalf  of  King  Charles,  xxv- 
xxviii,  34,  43,  77,  132,  163,  186,  211, 
232,  359;  dust  and  scummings  of,  34, 
48,  89,  92,  106,  117,  139,  170,  228,  251, 
262,  292,   339;    charges   for  freighting, 


30 


COURT  MINUTES,  ETC. 


sifting,  weighing,  etc.,  43,  66,  338  ;  from 
Banjannassin,  aa;  from  Kayal,  125; 
Jambi  and  Malabar,  53,  61,  80,  8a,  119, 
"5»  «39.  »55.  159.  »<>».  ao9»  3»o,  aaa, 
aa8,  a6a,  371,  ap,  303,  339;  sent  to 
Leghorn  and  Venice,  68,  70,  255;  sale 
of,  65,  69,  89,  107,  119,  135,  133,  133, 
ao6,  aaS,  373,  339;  seized  by  the  Dutch, 
69,  73, 144,  333  ;  warehouses,  183 ;  com- 
pensation demanded  by  the  Dutch  for 
loss  of  trade  in,  194;  custom  paid  for, 
364. 

Pepper,  Mr.,  166,  169,  338. 

Pepys,  Samuel,  1 16  «. 

Pepys,  Thomas,  116,  117,  185. 

/Vm,  the,  194. 

Percallaes.    See  Cotton  goods. 

Peregrine,  the,  59,  63. 

Peremont,  — ,  118,  134,  356. 

Perkyns,  Peter,  139. 

Perring,  John,  19. 

Perrott,  Christopher.    See  Parrott. 

Persia  {see  also  Gombroon  and  Ispahan), 
90,  198,  346,  330  ;  ships  to  go  to,  10,  62, 
71,  89, 13  3,  383,  333  ;  factors  for  and  in, 
34,  106,  138,  199;  silk,  etc.,  from,  65, 
69,  89,  100,  119, 136,  254,  287,  302  (2)  ; 
customs  on  goods  landed  in,  74  (2),  322  ; 
reported  attempt  to  obstruct  the  Com- 
pany's trade  in,  xii,  109  ;  letters  to,  xix, 
"3,  309,  303,  333,  333;  advices  from, 
339,  359,  371 ;  misdeeds  of  the  Dutch 
in,  145 ;  proposal  to  settle  factories  in, 
353  (2)  ;  King  of,  144  ;  agreement  made 
with,  303,  333. 

Persian  Gulf,  seizure  by  the  Dutch  of  Eng- 
lish ships  in,  259,  317. 

Peru,  30. 

Petts,  Captain,  215. 

Phelstead,  Humphrey,  146  (2). 

Phoenix,  the,  59. 

Piccott,  Anthony,  168. 

Piccott,  Margaret,  168. 

Piece-goods,  list  of,  i. 

Pindar,  Sir  Paul,  xxv,  43. 

Pintadocs.     See  Cotton  goods. 

Pirates,  37,  99,  100,  244,  245. 

Pitch,  31. 

Pitts,  -,  I. 

Plummer,  — ,  83. 

Plymouth,  xv,  18,  184,  267;  ships  at,  xv, 
xviii,  179,  183,  183,  184,  186,  193,  313, 
351,  255,  266,  267,  268,  271,  272; 
letters  from,  254,  271  (2),  272  ;  Mayor  of, 
see  Francis,  Philip. 

Poles,  the,  350. 

Pollein,  John,  69,  70. 

Poplar  {see  also  Blackwall),  men  admitted 
to  the  Company's  almshouse  at,  xxx, 
3^».  37»  64,   113,  121,   156,   216,    295, 


355  i  A  woman  admitted,  xxxi,  370; 
completion  of  chapel  at,  petitioned  for, 
xxxi,  163,  164(3),  331 ;  payment  and 
donations  towards,  xxxi,  173,  221,  231, 
364,  365,  a66;  money  at  interest  for, 
xxviii,  189,  190,  231;  the  Company's 
title  to,  188,  330  ;  legacy  to,  301. 

Porter,  — ,  1,4. 

Porter,  Joanna,  37. 

Porter,  Captain  Thomas,  27. 

Portland,  179. 

Portsmouth,  100,  182,  242,  244,  246; 
Dutch  ships  detained  at,  130,  197,  247; 
compensation  dgmanded  for,  194. 

Portugal,  xiii,  37, 179,  219;  fleet  dispatched 
against,  196,  357  ;  treaty  with,  xxv,  219; 
Ambassador  from,  see  De  Guimaraes, 
Don  Joao ;  King  of,  220. 

Portuguese,  the,  xxiii,  71,  85,  253,  336, 
350,  365 ;  failure  of  negotiations  for  a 
peace  with,  83  w. ;  probability  of  a  peace 
with,  129;  trading  in  India  of,  201(2), 
334  (3).  337,  349,  354 ;  fight  the  English, 
302,  357,  358;  Methwold's  paper  con- 
cerning the  truce  with,  218-220. 

Powle,  William,  166  n. 

Prerogative  Court,  the,  146,  256. 

Priaraan,  362. 

Price,  George,  14,  75. 

Prickman,  John,  20(2). 

Prickman,  Jonathan,  170. 

Prickman,  Joseph,  246,  264. 

Prince,  Thomas,  146(2),  217. 

Private  trade.     See  Trade. 

Providence,  the,  271. 

Prowd,  Jean,  311,  324. 

Prowd,  John,  master  of  the  Eagle,  78,  98, 
187,  373;  gratuity  and  payment  to, 
79  (2) ;  granted  remission  of  freight,  79, 
96;  letter  from,  232;  to  help  examine 
and  report  on  ships,  312. 

Prowd,  Thomas,  232,  311,  312. 

Pryor,  George,  79,  211. 

Pulicat,  193,  196,  197. 

Pullyn,  Dr.,  269,  272. 

PuloAi,  143,  177,249- 

Pulo  Lagundy,  144,  195  (2),  198,  201. 

Pulo  Run,  vi,  317,  325,  331,  362;  English 
expelled  from,  73,  143,  145,  151,  197, 
202,  248,  249,  259,  357;  they  demand 
its  restoration,  xx,  xxi,  73,  177,  241, 
249,  321,  322,  325,  326,  344,  352(2); 
relation  of  the  taking  of  Lantore  and, 
243,  248 ;  estimated  value  of  crops  on, 
74,  321,  325 ;  complaints  concerning, 
246,  247 ;  misdeeds  of  the  Dutch  at,  vii, 
145,  202,  316,  317;  they  refuse  to  give 
up,  247,  248,  326 ;  restored  to  the  Eng- 
lish, xxi,  341,  342,  348,  349,  357,  371  (2), 
372  (2),  373 ;  proposal  to  buy,  353 ;  con- 


INDEX 


397 


sideration  of  measures  for  taking  posses- 
sion of,  xxiv,  369,  372,  373,  374 ;  com- 
mittee appointed  for,  meetings  of,  373  ; 

^  ,    letter  from,  374. 

'  Purefoy,  Colonel  William,  121. 
Pye,  Edward,  80. 

Queen's  Court,  the,  48. 

Quicksilver,  exportation  of,  as  private  trade 
prohibited,  9,  33,  59;  purchase  of,  31, 
90,  95,  117,  118;  private  trade  in,  98, 
208,  222,  223,  224,  225(2),  333;  price 
of,  118,  134;  packed  in  kettles,  163; 
pots,  169;  skins,  256. 

Quilts,  117,  119(2),  254,  256;  pintado, 65, 
100,  125,  206,  272. 

Quiney,  Richard,  286,  287. 

Rainey,  Edward,  22,  25,  35,  36. 

Rainshall,  William,  206,  217. 

Rajapur,  150,  257,  273,  365. 

Ralfes,  William,  9. 

Ramsy,  John,  150. 

Randall,  Alexander,  351,  356  (3),  369. 

Ratcliff,  19. 

Rawlings,  John,  5,  8. 

Rayment,  Humphrey,  95. 

Rea,  Nicholas,  70. 

Read,  Captain,  124. 

Recorder,  the.     See  Steele,  William. 

Recovery^  the,  66,  78  ;  master  of,  see  Strong; 
to  go  to  Assada,  viii,  xi,  75 ;  passengers 
in,  81,  92. 

Red  earth,  117,  186. 

Redruth,  139. 

Red  Sea,  the,  105;  piracies  committed  in, 
73,  144,  196,  350. 

Reeves,  — ,  243. 

Reformation,  the,  130. 

Reimao,  Padre  Paulo,  218. 

Resolution,  the,  245. 

Revington,  Henry,  87. 

Reynardson,  Abraham,  transfers  adventure, 
10,  83  (2) ;  elected  a  Committee,  240, 
241 ;  nominated  as  Governor,  328. 

Reynardson,  Abraham,  Junior,  10,  83. 

Reynardson,  Thomas,  24. 

Rhubarb,  117. 

Rials,  reference  to,  passim ;  rate  of  ex- 
change for,  3,  15,  16,  17,  19,  32,  33,  36, 
41,  44,  loo,  102,  104,  117,  127,  128, 
152,  214,  350;  from  Holland,  9;  for 
Assada,  15;  to  be  provided  at  Amster- 
dam, 30  ;  scarce,  56;  sent  to  India,  127, 
129,  156,  299. 

Ricaut,  Sir  Peter,  Parliament  to  be  peti- 
tioned concerning  money  due  to,  43 ; 
desired  to  give  up  his  bill  to  the  Com- 
pany, 45,  47,  67,  68;  offers  a  bond,  48 ; 
refused  interest,  75,  76;  claims  money 
from  Sir  John  Wolstenholme,  89,  94. 


Ric^Ait,  Peter,  48,  76. 
-HKiccard,  Andrew,  192,  287,  292,  326,  340  ; 
appointed  on  a  committee,  14,  241,  282, 
295;  elected  a  Committee,  49,  50,  iii, 
113,  177,  182,  251,  261,  331;  buys 
goods,  1 37 ;  nominated  as  Governor, 
240,  328 ;  elected  Deputy-Governor,  xvii, 
240,  328  ;  reports  made  by,  262,  268. 

Rice,  10,  64,  171,  178. 

Rich,  Thomas,  99,  119,  159;  elected  a 
Committee,  50,  iii,  177,  241;  goods 
bought  by,  10,  106,  117,  217;  adventure 
transferred  to,  134,  170. 

Richards,  Peter,  332. 

Rilston,  Thomas,  Husband  to  the  Com- 
pany, III,  187,  253,  331(2);  duties  al- 
lotted to,  2,  31,  40,  78,  90,  91,  97,  204, 
209,  223,  251 ;  his  account,  97,  106 ; 
dismissal,  108;  petitions  against,  11 1; 
deceased,  356. 

Rings,  77,  273,  292. 

Roach,  Henry,  79,  86,  180,  312. 

Roane,  — ,  327. 

Robinson,  Benjamin,  2,  18,  20,  23,  35,  81. 

Robinson,  Henry,  i6o,  161. 

Robinson,  John,  20,  117,  137,  209;  part- 
owner  of  the  Endymion,  51,  54  ;  elected 
a  Committee,  113,  182. 

Robinson,  William,  36. 

Rochelle,  271. 

Rochester,  79,  136. 

Rockwell,  Katherine,  167. 

Rockwell,  William,  167. 

Roderiges,  John,  180. 

Roe,  Sir  Thomas,  247. 

Roebuck,  the,  xiv,  122(2),  304;  master  of, 
see  Hargrave,  William ;  men  serving  in, 
123, 125, 129,  339,  344;  stock,  etc.,  to  be 
shipped  in,  127,  129,  134,  138;  her 
charterparty,  262,  275,  285;  taken  by 
the  Dutch,  xvii,  xviii,  275,  304,  363. 

Rolfe,  Mabel,  333. 

Rolt,  Edward,  95,  226. 

Roote,  Jeremy,  152. 

Roper,  Thomas,  256  (2). 

Rose^  the,  167. 

Roswell,  Thomas,  168. 

Rowladoes.     See  Cotton  goods. 

Rowse,  Hester,  131. 

Rowse,  Thomas,  33,  172. 

Royse,  Samuel,  52. 

Rubies,  60,  77,  292. 

Ruby,  the,  272. 

Rupee,  valuation  of,  104. 

Rupert,  Prince,  xiii,  105,  io6  n.,  165,  181. 

Rushworth,  John,  7,  296. 

Russell,  James,  340. 

Russell,  Captain  Jarvis,  master  of  the 
Katherine,  302,  303,  310,  311;  letter 
to,  315- 


39» 


COURT   MINUTES,   ETC. 


Rnasia.    Ste  Moscovy. 

^«/i,  the,  her  freight,  54,  ai6,  aao ;  goods 
retained  in,  55,  56  (a),  61 ,  91  ;  seizure  of 
her  cargo,  150,  15a  ;  part  of  it  recovered, 
a86,  30a 

Ryder,  Captain  William,  94,  98,  105,  185, 
253,  375;  duties  allotted  to,  10,  66,  95, 
99,  I37»  >84, 185,  190,  366,  375, 303,  305. 
330»  34O1  373 ;  part-owner  of  the  Love, 
26,  115;  adventure  transferred  to,  37; 
elected  a  Committee,  49,  113,  183,  351, 
257,  3^8,  33» ;  goods  bought  by,  186, 
a  I  o,  337  (3) ;  to  act  as  arbitrator,  355,  369. 

Ryley,  Henry,  Consul  at  Aleppo,  payment 
and  gratuity  to,  309,  368,  370 ;  letters  to, 
a33  (3)1  244,  359,  360,  361  (3),  369,  287, 
302,  3»3(3).  315,  33»,  333  (3),  342  (3). 

Saddle,  as  a  present  for  Mir  Jumla,  142. 

Sadler,  — ,  Town  Clerk,  38. 

St,  Andrew  Undershaft,  63  n. 

St.  Augustine's  Bay,  x,  xi. 

St  Bartholomew  the  Great,  xv  n. 

St.  Giles,  Cripplegate,  333. 

St.  Helena,  33,  53,  60,  66. 

St.  Helen's,  395,  351. 

SL  Ives,  354,  355. 

St.  John,  Oliver,  Ambassador  to  Holland, 
vii,  xiii,  104  «. 

St.  Malo,  371. 

St.  Mary  Axe,  326  n. 

Sallampores.     See  Cotton  goods. 

Sallowes.     See  Cotton  goods. 

Sallus,  John,  138. 

Salmon,  Elizabeth,  163. 

Salmon,  — ,  169. 

Salpicadoes.     See  Cotton  goods. 

Saltpetre,  xxiv,  i,  66,  140,  156,  191,  224, 
353 ;  importation  of,  as  private  trade  pro- 
hibited, 9,  59 ;  to  be  provided  from  India, 
10,  II,  57,  89,  174,  231,  267,  286,  288, 
347,  348,  363;  delivered  to  Pennoyer,  14, 
25, 86 ;  sold  to  Fowke  and  others,  64, 65, 
149,  154, 158,  200,  299,  309  ;  contracted 
for  and  bought  by  the  State,  loi,  118, 
120,  123,  142,  148,  155,  171,  172(2), 
173, 178,  192, 198*  199  (3),  208,  228,  237, 
253,  260,  361,  362,  368,  273,  275,  284- 
88 ;  offers  to  buy,  102,  104,  106,  140, 
141(2),  153.  217;  price  of,  104,  117, 
118,  120,  140,  148,  149,  153,  171,  172 
(2)-76,  199,  208,  253,  261,  262  (2),  268, 
288,  292,  296;  to  be  delivered  to  the 
powdermakers,  160,  180,  214,  225,  261, 
268,  271,  273,  275,  301,  302,  303(2), 
328,  333  ;  payment  for  refining,  166,  169, 
273>  285,  288;  Amsterdam  proof,  140; 
Tower  proof,  150,  172,  176,  199,  200; 
Stirat  proof,  171,  1 76 ;  tare  and  refraction 
for,  214,   234,   237,   273,   275(2),    288, 


293,  301  (2) ;  payment  for,  152,  215,  238, 
230,  234,  238,  243,  245,  293(2),  294; 
customs  due  for,  250 ;  from  Rajapur, 
150,  152,  257,  271,  273;  gruff,  261; 
lost,  286,  305 ;  fear  that  the  Dutch  will 
monopolize,  345. 

Sambrooke,  Jeremy,  Accountant  to  the 
Company,  57,  94,  165,  183,  265,  331  (2) ; 
duties  allotted  to,  55,  67  (2),  98,  99, 100, 
103(2),  108,  188,  226,  227,  230,  236, 
257,  286,  330,  332 ;  to  attend  the  Com- 
mittee of  Parliament,  57  ;  requests  and  is 
given  a  gratuity,  65,  108,  124,  221,  302, 
303 ;  his  books  to  be  examined,  91  ;  re- 
elected Accountant,  108,  112,  182; 
stands  security,  115;  his  salary,  182, 
232,  302,  303 ;  account  of  the  East  India 
trade  by,  360-63. 

Sambrooke,  Samuel,  42,  82,  126,  343;  his 
entertainment  and  salary,  48,  83,  108, 
118,  182  :  duties  allotted  to,  85,  87,  96, 
107,  108,  109(2),  112,  128,  137,  173, 
182,  183,  224,  327,  339;  his  security, 
112, 115,  185;  his  assistant,  see  Harbert, 
John. 

Sampson,  the,  master  of,  see  Hackwell, 
Thomas  ;  men  serving  in,  167  (4),  168  (2). 

Sandalwood,  10. 

Sandford,  George,  36. 

Sandford,  George,  Junior,  32,  36,  278. 

Sandwich,  stores  at,  131,  199,  200,  204, 
205,  210,  236,  237;  storekeeper  at,  see 
Hougham,  Solomon. 

Sannoes.    See  Cotton  goods. 

Sapphires,  292. 

Sarkhej,  indigo  from,  100,  129,  133,  139, 
150,  206,  262,  282. 

Sarsenet,  125. 

Satillyon,  — ,  118,  256,  291,  301. 

Satin,  27,  31,  85,  88,  97. 

Saucer,  Laurence,  342. 

Savage,  Edward,  213,  221,  239. 

Savage,  John,  326. 

Savage,  William,  213,  221. 

Sayon,  Francis,  27. 

Scilly,  xiii,  174,  179(2),  245. 

Scipio,  the,  90. 

Scobell,  Henry,  13,  74,  87,  148,  294. 

Scotland,  King  of.     See  Charles  II. 

Scrivener,  Nicholas,  24. 

Seaflower,  the,  63,  263. 

Seal,  the  Great,  Lords  Commissioners  of,  3, 
54,  132,  145,  269,  297 ;  commissions 
under,  125,  126,  130,  132,  133,  307. 

Seaman,  Captain  Edmund,  master  of  the 
Endymion,  54,  56,  62,  69,  331. 

Second  General  Voyage,  the,  iii,  27,  139, 
359;  ships  and  stock  dispatched  and 
returned  for  account  of,  v,  3,  14,  17,  18, 
37,  45,  61 ;  money  lent  at  interest  by,  8, 


INDEX 


399 


14,  18 ;  transfer  of  adventures  in,  5,  7, 
io>  27  (3),  28,  33;  dividends  and  divi- 
sions in,  iii,  viii  (2),  ix,  15,  26,  42,  43, 
53,  55j  56,  64,  67,  76,  84,  86,  96,  116, 
149,  154,  221  ;  debts  of,  26,  216  ;  goods 
belonging  to,  28,  36,  37,  68,  79,  80,  83, 
87,  100 ;  factors  and  officers  employed 
by,  53,  72,  81,  85  ;  gratuity  to,  216,  221, 
222 ;  transactions  between  the  Fourth 
Joint  Stock  and,  viii,  ix,  55,  58,  61,  76, 
79,  80,  83,  84,  91,  92,  100,  120(2), 
146  w.,  191,  205,  220;  meeting  held  to 
close,  220,  221. 

Second  Joint  Stock,  the,  46,  47,  354 ;  losses 
sustained  by,  357,  358,  361,  362  (2). 

Seed-lac,  59,  100,  106,  119. 

Semaine,  John,  150,  154,  273;  saltpetre  to 
be  delivered  to,  237,  271,  303,  332. 

Sequestrations,  Committee  of,  xxviii,  98, 
114(2),  141,  145,  149,  161. 

Serebafts.    See  Cotton  goods. 

Sereias.    See  Cotton  goods. 

Sessions  House,  the,  22. 

Seventh  Voyage,  the,  361. 

Shah  Jahan  {see  also  Mogul, the  Great),  77  n. 

Sharrock,  George,  165. 

'Sheeves',  153,  228. 

Sheffield,  Edmund,  Earl  of  Mulgrave,  351. 

Shell-lac,  60,  68,  69,  99  (2),  119,  206. 

Shepheard,  Anne,  97,  131. 

Shepheard,  Colonel,  139. 

Shepheard,  Giles,  97,  131. 

Sherborne,  Edward,  130. 

Shingler,  Richard,  22,  25  (2),  35,  36. 

Shoe  Lane,  198  n. 

Shute,  Richard,  12,  39,  86 ;  his  debt  to  the 
Company,  40,  51  (2),  65,  67,  163,  173. 

Silk,  186,  261,  267;  importation  of,  as 
private  trade  prohibited,  9,  59;  private 
trade  in,  51,  138,  142,  188,  199,  211, 
213  ;  Messina,  64  ;  Persian,  69,  89,  100, 
119,  136,  138,  227,  254,  287,  302  (2); 
Mazandran,  89,  91,  223;  Bengal,  119, 
282;  damaged,  85,  98,  107,  256,  257, 
261,  348;  seized  by  the  French,  iii  ; 
tare  allowed  on,  122,  123,  273,  275; 
throster,  137. 

Sillebar,  16,  19. 

Silver,  i,  18,  81,  117,317;  proposal  con- 
cerning exportation  of,  135-36;  peti- 
tions for  leave  to  export,  xxiv,  299,  363, 

373- 

Sind,  factors  at,  24 ;  cloth  and  indigo  from, 
37,65,  100,  129,  139,272. 

Sivedall,  Henry,  302. 

Sixth  Voyage,  the,  360. 

Skinner,  Albertus,  295,  324. 

Skinner,  Daniel,  16,  106,  128,  139;  ac- 
cepted as  security,  36  ;  payment  to  Cap- 
tain Blackman  by,  169, 172, 185;  letter  to, 


323,  339 ;  liis  son,  see  Skinner,  Frederick. 

Skinner, Frederick,  Agent  at  Bantam (1652- 
61),  I,  200,  339;  his  entertainment,  16, 
22,  25  (2),  35;  security,  36;  goods 
sent  home  by,  128,  295,  324;  misde- 
meanours of,  295,  320  ;  recalled,  320 ; 
his  father,  see  Skinner,  Daniel. 

Skins,  packing,  70,  133,  339;  indigo,  100, 
139,  228,  262. 

Slade,  Captain,  156. 

Sleigh,  Alderman  Edmund,  273,  274  ;  buys 
silk,  119;  allowed  tare  on,  122,  123; 
adventure  transferred  to,  170,  246. 

Smith,  — ,  339  ;  applies  for  money  belong- 
ing to  Courteen,  36,  39,  65. 

Smith,  Anthony,  24. 

Smith,  George,  137,  188,  279;  adventure 
transferred  to,  27  ;  transfers  adventure, 
53;  elected  a  Committee,  50,  103,  113, 
182,  251,  257,  328,  331;  retires,  iii, 
241 ;  accepted  as  security,  72,  181,  343. 

Smith,  George,  Junior,  31,  33;  his  name 
inserted  in  the  lease  for  Blackwall,  86, 
96. 

Smith,  James,  225, 

Smith,  James,  Junior,  225. 

Smith,  John,  factor,  22,  25  (2),  35,  36. 

Smith,  John,  porter,  189. 

Smith,  John,  226 ;  land  on  Assada  let  to, 
93;  transfers  adventure,  147,  221. 

Smith,  Nicholas,  an  almsman,  156,  189. 

Smith,  Nicholas,  quartermaster  in  the 
Hound,  168. 

Smith,  Peter,  256  (2). 

Smith,  Robert,  36,  177,  343. 

Smith,  Robert,  23,  25,  35,  36. 

Smith,  Thomas,  36. 

Smyrna,  xii,  xix,  302  (2). 

Smyrna  Merchant,  the,  137, 152,  181,  251 ; 
master  of,  see  Hurleston,  Nicholas; 
offered  and  accepted  for  freighting,  xiv, 
59,  122,  123,  124;  her  owners,  123,124, 
268  ;  payment  to,  153,  256,  303,  304  (2) ; 
her  charterparty,  157,  257,  279;  breach 
of,  273,  274,  276,  277,  280;  stock,  etc., 
shipped  in,  159,  173,  253  (2),  262 ;  pas- 
sengers in,  160  (2) ;  convoy  and  permit 
for,  242  (2),  243,  349  (2) ;  her  return, 
243,  244,  25T,  255;  encounter  with  two 
Dutch  men-of-war,  xviii,  244  (3),  257 ; 
saltpetre,  etc.,  returned  in,  253,  256  (2), 
261,  262,  268,  293,  308;  petition  from 
officers  and  men  serving  in,  257 ;  her 
freight,  262,  270;  payment  desired  for, 
268,  276. 

Snuff  tobacco,  97. 

Soame,  Sir  Thomas,  his  debt  to  the  Com- 
pany, 99,  100,  105,  106,  no,  137,  192, 
211,  234. 

Socotra,  aloes  from,  59. 


400 


COURT   MINUTES,   ETC. 


.Wmmm,  the,  commander  of,  see  Lane, 
Jacob;  men  serving  in,  167,  168  (3). 

StvertigHy  the,  243. 

Spain,  xiii,  37,  175,  >79;  ^ee*  designed 
against,  xxiv,  196;  money  from,  345  (a), 
347,  348;  King  of,  ai8,  219  (a) ;  Eng- 
lish Ambassador  to,  see  Aston,  Sir 
Walter. 

Spalton,  Anne,  41. 

Sparling,  Captain  Thomas,  345,  271. 

Spavyn,  Alice,  118. 

Spavyn,  Robert,  133,  147 ;  entertained  as 
chief  factor  for  Hugll,  1 1  ;  his  interest  in 
Assada,  la,  93;  deceased,  118,  134. 

Spice  Islands,  the,  177,  203,  314,  346. 

Spices  {see  also  Cloves  and  Mace),  183, 
337,  363  ;  order  concerning  ungarbled, 
3,  4 ;  given  to  the  Governor  and  officers 
of  the  Company,  138,  281,  370;  private 
trade  in,  149,  156  ;  granted  to  the  Eng- 
lish by  the  treaty  of  1619,  196,  aoa  ; 
price  of,  aoi,  202,  338;  estimate  and 
value  of,  248,  325,  331  ;  frauds  perpe- 
trated in  the  sale  of,  338. 

Spiller,  John,  Beadle  to  the  Company,  252, 
286,  320;  duties  allotted  to,  2,  5,  35, 
39,  93,  94,  "3,  162,  190,  343;  his  dis- 
missal, 1 08 ;  petitions  against,  1 1 1 ;  enter- 
tainment and  salary,  112,  183. 

Spiller,  John,  a  factor  in  Sind,  24. 

Springate,  Captain,  4. 

Spurstowe,  Henry,  elected  a  Committee, 
no.  III,  240,  241,  328;  retires,  177. 

Squibb,  Arthur,  293. 

Stacey,  Walter,  167,  168. 

Stannard,  Sarah,  312. 

Stanten,  Jane,  167. 

Stanten,  Robert,  167. 

Stanyan,  Abraham,  327. 

Stanyan,  John,  xxii,  326,  327,  356. 

States-General,  the  {see  also  Holland),  xiv, 
247,  312,  319;  English  Ambassadors 
sent  to,  104;  Ambassadors  sent  to  Eng- 
land by,  xiv,  143,  151,  152,  165  (2), 
166  w.,  168,  203,  249,  318,  372,  373; 
letters  from,  248 ;  agreement  between 
the  English  and  Dutch  ratified  by,  344 ; 
Envoy  from,  see  Catz ;  Agent  to,  see 
Carleton,  Sir  Dudley. 

Steel,  88. 

Steel,  William,  Recorder  of  London,  22. 

Steevens,  Edward,  shipwright  to  the  Com- 
pany, 161,  176;  to  examine  and  repair 
ships,  29,  30,  35,  59,  85,  168,  312  ;  con- 
tracts for  timber  and  the  use  of  the  Com- 
pany's  docks,  120,  124,  134,  137,  139. 

Steevens,  Edward,  factor,  5, 14,  18. 

Steevens,  Captain  John,  commander  of  the 
London,  132. 

Steevens,  Captain  Thomas,  1 28 ;  sued  and 


fined  for  private  trading,  85,  86,  87, 
loi ;  helps  to  provide  a  ship  and  goods 
for  dispatch  to  Surat,  206,  208;  peti- 
tions tne  Council  of  State  concerning, 
207  (2). 

Steevens,  William,  14. 

Stepney,  xxix,  163 ;  steward  of  the  manor 
of,  see  Northy. 

Steventon,  Thomas,  200,  257,  273;  to 
supply  the  State  with  gunpowder,  150, 
154;  saltpetre  to  be  delivered  to,  154, 
180,  214. 

Stick-lac,  sale  of,  47,  77,  106,. 

Strange,  Captain,  2»6. 

Strelly,  George,  254. 

Strickland,  Walter,  Ambassador  to  Holland, 
vii,  xiii,  104  «.,  351. 

Strong,  Captain,  master  of  the  Recovery, 
75,  78,  81,  213,  217. 

Stuffs,  striped,  47,  100,  292,  298. 

Stukes,  George,  11. 

Suakin,  24. 

Sugar,  60,  72,  87,  no,  124,  139;  to  be 
laden  in  homeward-bound  ships,  10,  11, 
57,  89,  162,  163,  286;  tare  allowed  on, 
65,  122,  135,  213,  268;  sold,  77,  94, 
107,  120,  125,  206,  209,  214,  230,  254, 
272,  292,  299,  303;  price  of,  120,  216; 
damaged,  139,  252,  254,  267,  268. 

Sumatra,  201  (2),  259,  322  (2),  362. 

Sun,  the,  358. 

Sunda  Straits,  195,  198,  358. 

Supply,  the,  x,  xviii,  63 ;  master  of,  see 
Bearblock,  James;  men  serving  in,  32, 
34,  71,  278,  330,  332  ;  stores,  etc.,  for, 
19,  35,  90,  91 ;  purchase  and  repair  of, 
V,  26,  29,  30,  37,  45 ;  passengers  in,  x, 
32,  38,  60;  loss  of,  xviii,  131,  330,  339. 

Surat,  10,  57,  102,  105,  140,  192,  246, 
353  (2);  Presidents  at,  see  Blackman, 
Breton,  and  Merry ;  ships  for,  v,  viii,  ix, 
xiv,  xvi,  3,  52,  62,  63,  71,  95,  122,  206, 
253,  254.  268, 357, 362  ;  ships  from,  xviii, 
41,  194,  244(3),  350;  at,63;  stock,etc., 
for,  21,  26,  27,  29,  63,  71,  81,  88,  89, 
155,  156,  158,  160;  money  to  be  taken 
up  at  interest  at,  3,  88,  89,  92 ;  factors 
and  others  at  and  for,  22-25  (2),  26,  27, 
31  (2),  68,  81,  84,  87,  93  (2),  94,  96,  98, 
106,  135,  154,  155  (2),  157,  213,  312; 
debts  at,  26;  Governor  of,  27,  350; 
commissions  charged  at,  91  ;  letters  sent 
to,  123,  150,  223,  233  (3),  302;  com- 
mission issued  to  the  President  and 
Council  at,  125,  126,  132,  133,  218; 
misdeeds  of  the  Dutch  at,  xxi,  74,  145, 
322 ;  factory  settled  at,  202  ;  accounts  at, 
215,  263,  266;  accountant  at,  see  Pearse, 
Edward;  minister  at,  see  Baines  and 
Isaackson. 


INDEX 


401 


Suratta,  the,  194. 

Sutton,  Timothy,  123. 

Swallow,  Augustine,  33,  34 ;  his  entertain- 
ment and  salary,  22,  25,  31,  156,  157. 

Swallow,  the,  358. 

Swally,  358  (2). 

Swan,  the,  167  (2),  168. 

Swanley,  Elizabeth,  167. 

Swanley,  Richard,  167. 

Swanley,  William,  116. 

Swanly,  John,  206. 

Swanne,  Richard,  master  of  the  Anne,  88,  231 . 

Sweeting,  Richard,  76. 

Swift,  John,  27. 

Swinglehurst,  Edward,  27,  31  (2). 

Swinglehurst,  Elizabeth,  332,  343. 

Swinglehurst,  Richard,  Secretary  to  the 
Company,  12, 19,  99,  139, 175,  317,  322, 
323  ;  stands  security,  31,  185  ;  duties  al- 
lotted to,  40,  43,  47,  48,  53,  68,  83,  88, 
108,  115,  116,  136,  154,  156,  181,  182, 
190,  212,  215,  243,  248,  254,  301,  321 ; 
salary  and  gratuity  given  to,  48,  108, 
172, 182, 188,  253 ;  re-elected  Secretary, 
50, 108,  1 12,  182;  his  security,  112,  115, 
185  ;  statement  concerning  the  detention 
of  Dutch  ships  made  by,  130-31 ;  his 
death,  xxii,  326  ;  payment  to  his  widow, 
332,  343 ;  his  son,  see  Swinglehurst, 
Edward. 

Swinnerton,  John,  i,  31,  160;  his  enter- 
tainment and  security,  22,  25  (2),  31. 

Sydenham,  Colonel  William,  291  n.,  301, 

370- 
Symonds,  Thomas,  5,  7,  16. 

•  Tacklehouse'  porters,  petition  for  increase 
of  fees,  43. 

Taffasha,  247. 

Taffetas,  65,  138. 

Tamarinds,  60,  206. 

Tanner,  John,  172. 

Tapestry,  156. 

Tapseels.   See  Cotton  goods. 

Tar,  31- 

Tare,  Committees  to  settle  concemmg,  5, 
65,  123,  213,  214,  2i6,  234,  237,  301, 
302 ;  allowed  on  goods,  8,  34,  44,  47, 
65,  75,  78,  122,  123,  124,  135,  210,  213, 
216,  220,  224,  238,  268,  273  (2),  275. 

Tash,  George,  24,  69,  70,  79  (2),  107. 

Tatta,  24. 

Tavernier,  Jean-Baptiste,  xii,  xviii,  109. 

Taylor,  Anthony,  solicitor,  284;  gratuity 
given  to,  42,  51,  154,  155. 

Taylor,  Francis,  t  i  . 

Taylor,  John,  26,  30,  162,  180. 

Taylor,  Major,  92. 

Taylor,  Thomas,  21,  147. 

Taylor,  William,  324. 

Teemes,  Nathaniel,  36,  333  ;  helps  provide 


and  furnish  a  ship  for  Surat,  206,  208, 
222-225  ;  petitions  the  Council  of  State 
concerning,  207  (2),  208. 

Temple,  the,  347. 

Tenth  Voyage,  the,  361. 

Ternate,  318. 

Terrell,  — ,  master  of  the  Dove,  229. 

Terrence,  Peter,  106. 

Texel,  the,  245. 

Thetcher,  Thomas,  his  debt  to  the  Com- 
pany, 99,  100,  105,  106,  no,  150,  213, 
214,  234,  295,  343;  a  statute  of  bank- 
ruptcy to  be  issued  against,  211,  343,  344. 

Thimelbee,  George,  340. 

Third  Joint  Stock,  the,  46,  240,  359,  362  ; 
money  due  from  the  Dutch  to  be  paid  to 
the  adventurers  in,  vii,  xvii,  47, 50, 203, 241, 
3i3>  361,  372  ;  general  court  of,  241,  329. 

Third  Voyage,  the,  360. 

Thomas,  Captain,  347. 

Thomas,  Geoffrey,  220. 

Thomas,  John,  216. 

Thomson,  Captain  Edward,  master  of  the 
Ruth,  61,99,  340;  his  reported  disposal 
of  part  of  his  ship's  cargo,  150,  152. 
..Thomson,  Colonel  George,  34,  96, 121, 133. 

Thomson,  John,  80. 

Thomson,  Joseph,  187,  348  ;  entertained  as 
minister  for  Bantam,  28,  33,  147. 

Thomson,  Major,  199. 

Thomson,  Maurice,  22,  117,  121,  133,  137, 
I53>  162,  234,  243(2),  2^Sn.,  263;  to 
attend  the  Council  of  State,  6,  40,  loi ; 
his  interest  in  Assada,  4,  10,  11,  12,  15, 
93,  169;  adventures  transferred  to,  27, 
170(2),  221,  270;  transfers  adventure, 
32;  elected  a  Committee,  viii,  49,  113, 
182,  241,  251,  257,  331;  his  interest  in 
the  Ruth,  Jonathan,  Lioness,  and  other 
vessels,  xix,  xxii,  xxiv,  84,  140,  150, 
295>  296,  308,  323,  365;  contracts 
for  saltpetre,  loi,  102,  104,  152,  160, 
217,  230,  261,  286,  292;  accepted  as 
security,  256 ;  interested  in  Poplar 
Chapel,  xxxi,  265  ;  his  opinion  as  to  the 
best  way  of  carrying  on  the  East  Indian 
trade,  xxii,  xxiii,  340,  352-55,  364; 
letter  from,  373. 

Thomson,  Thomas,  214. 

Thomson,  William,  his  interest  in  Assada, 
4>  12,  93;  adventure  transferred  to,  32; 
to  treat  with  the  Dutch,  xx,  315  (2). 

Thome,  Mary,  270. 

Thomhagh,  Henry,  340 ;  petition  of  Wil- 
liam Love  and,  345  (2),  347,  348  (2). 

Thorowgood,  — ,  buys  calicoes,  56,  153, 
155,  159. 

Three  Brothers,  the,  xxiv,  356,  370. 

Thriscrosse,  Henry,  22,  25(2),  35. 

Throgmorton,  Job,  147,  340 ;  his  bond  for 
the  Leghorn  factors,  97,  226,  231,  232. 


40Z 


COURT  MINUTES,   ETC. 


Tharloe,  John,  Clerk  of  the  Council,  i68. 

Tiger,  wounds  inflicted  by  a,  lai. 

Tiku,  i6a,  36a. 

Timber,  65,  85,  96,  lao,  134,  136,  137, 
139.  M5.  »55»  »<>i. 

Tinad  (crude  borax),  59,  97,  119. 

Tindall,  Robert,  75,  77,  91,  9^. 

Tingans,  316,  318. 

Titchfield,  246. 

Tomblings,  Thomas,  Clerk  at  Blackwall 
Yard,  72,  80,  116,  332;  his  entertain- 
ment, salary  and  security,  45,  51,  72, 
108,  113,  116, 183,  185,  331,  238;  duties 
allotted  to,  51,  59,  75»  83,  97»  »o8,  112, 
"4»  137.  i56»  160,  163,  169,  351;  ac- 
cepted as  security,  115,  185,  348;  re- 
quests and  is  given  a  gratuity,  155,  231, 
338;  sngarsoldto,  299;  ground  let  to,  307. 

Tonnage  and  poundage,  288,  310. 

Tooke,  Edward,  xxix,  330. 

Toomes,  — ,  211,  212,  371. 

Tower,  the,  135;  Lieutenant  of,  see  West, 
Colonel  Francis. 

Towerson,  Captain,  130.  ^ 

Toulon,  105. 

Trade,  Council  of,  order  from,  61 «. ;  Com- 
mittees to  attend,  90;  Committee  for, 
and  Foreign  Affairs,  145,  169 ;  petitions 
referred  to,  xiv,  148, 163,  166  «.,  168  (3), 
207  (3),  308. 

Trade,  private,  199,  203 ;  clause  to  be  in- 
serted in  the  preamble  of  the  New  Stock 
to  hinder,  8,  9,  10,  49;  Committees  ap- 
pomted  to  decide  regarding,  5,  44,  53, 
54,  59,  62(3),  117,  331,  378;  fines  im- 
posed for,  vi,  42,  51,  55,  67,  70,  87,  120, 
132,  146,  155.  158,  i7i>  178,  185,  186, 
189,  19^  209,  214,  217,  273,  277,  278, 
398,  324,  327,  328,  351 ;  Presidents  and 
others  desired  to  abstain  from,  21,  22, 
34  (2),  36,  38  ;  goods  prohibited  as,  9,  33, 
59, 60, 68, 133, 221 ;  freight  to  be  allowed 
and  charged  for,  64,  65,  78,  99, 107,  125, 
145,  152,  156,  158;  indulged  in  by 
mariners  and  others,  61,  69,  73,  86,  iii, 
115,  148,  253;  measures  to  prevent,  75, 
129,  147,  272,  346;  discoverers  of,  re- 
warded, 78,  142,  147,  158;  seized,  79, 
90,  91,  92,93(2),  97, 136  ;  the  Company 
much  prejudiced  by,  53,  59,  75,  90,  98, 
129, 171,  173,  346;  Committees  reported 
to  be  concerned  in,  274. 

Trambone  (wild  cinnamon),  338. 

Tranckmore,  — ,  155,  168. 

Treaties,  between  the  English  and  Dutch, 
73,  74»  143(3),  144,  151,  162,  177,  193, 
196(2),  202  (2),  248;  between  the  Eng- 
lish and  Portuguese,  218,  219. 
>-Trenchard,  John,  43. 

Trevehan,  — ,  84. 

Trevis,  William,  293. 


Tna/,  the,  358. 

Trotter,  Thomas,  buys  goods,  107,  154, 
156(2),  174,  184,  266,  348. 

Trumball,  Andrew,  1 25 ;  his  affairs  to  be 
examined  and  reported  on,  123,  138,  155, 
158;  gives  information  about  private 
trading,  147,  158  ;  Day  states  his  accusa- 
tions against,  149 ;  acquitted  in  part  and 
fined,  158. 

Tryon,  Francis,  8,  78. 

Tucker,  Adnea,  167. 

Tucker,  John,  167. 

Tufton,  — ,  158. 

Turbridge,  Robert^  82,  263. 

Turkey,  175,  350>353;  Company,  the,  xxii, 
37,  71,  157,  180,  387,314,  337,  353(2), 
354(2),  359,  360,  364,  366  (2),  367,  369. 

Turner,  Dr.  William,  xx,  275,  315  (2). 

Turner,  William,  factor,  5,  8. 

Turtle  shells,  10. 

Tutchin,  Anthony,  master  of  the  Brazil 
frigate,  63. 

Tutchin,  John,  buys  cotton  yam,  178,  184, 
273,  295,  301. 

Tutchin,  William,  184. 

Twelfth  Voyage,  the,  361. 

Tyne,  Samuel,  55. 

Tyrrell,  -,  5. 

Tyrrwhitt,  William,  95. 

Ulysses,  the,  128. 

Unicorn,  the,  358. 

United  Joint  Stock,  the,  iii,  47,  94,  100, 
119,  189,  222,  271,  353;  preamble  of, 
3,  8,  9,  10,  18,  37  ;  subscriptions  to,  iv, 
3,  7  (2),  8,  13-16  (2),  17,  18,  19,  22,  28, 
29,  30,  37,  38,  39,  42,  43,  67,  127, 
228;  named,  13, 15;  ships  and  stock  dis- 
patched for  account  of,  v,  viii,  ix,  xxiv, 
3, 14,  17, 18,  26,  37,  52, 102,  374 ;  dura- 
tion and  management  of,  vii,  viii,  xviii, 
xix,  xxiv,  15,  48,  49,  52,  102,  112,  139, 
149,  251,  274,  305  ;  factors  and  others 
employed  for,  xi,  16,  18,  27,  76,  77,  98, 
107,  108,  109,  III,  112,  133,  182, 
183,  253,  327 ;  transactions  between  the 
Fourth  Joint  Stock  and,  xi,  17,  18,  79, 
100-103, 107,  113  (2),  114, 120  (2),  121, 
169,  191,  203-205,  215  (2),  257,  263, 
266,  267,  279,  281,  295  ;  transfer  of  sub- 
scriptions in,  20,  32,  109,  122,  133,  134, 
141,  147,  170,  172,  220,  221,  227,  228, 
246,  262,  264,  270 ;  money  taken  up  at 
interest  for,  26,  52  ;  ships  bought  and 
freighted  by,  29,  30,  62,  72,  74,  293; 
insurance  of,  100,  loi,  102  (2),  165,  166, 
173,  174  (2),  175,  208;  Committees 
chosen  for,  xi,  xv,  xviii,  49,  112,  113, 
182,  251,  257,  331  ;  gratuity  to  be  given 
to,  112,  183,  184,  210;  duties  allotted 
to,  253  ;   accounts  of,  90,  191,  215,  263, 


INDEX 


403 


279 ;  payments  to  be  made  by,  106,  107 
(2),  139,  141,  236,  263,  264  (2),  266, 
280,  303;  divisions  in,  xviii,  113,  262, 
303;  debts  of,  XV,  113,  165,  173,  204; 
fines  to  be  paid  to,  189,  265  ;  agrees  to 
take  over  the  debts  of  the  Second  Gen- 
eral Voyage,  216  ;  to  contribute  towards 
obtaining  satisfaction  from  the  Dutch, 
243 ;  proportion  of  what  shall  be  re- 
ceived assigned  to,  313;  to  supervise 
the  Company's  treasury,  xix,  278 ;  de- 
mands satisfaction  for  four  ships  taken 
in  the  Gulf  of  Persia,  xx,  317;  final 
arrangements  of,  351,  352. 

Unity ^  the,  190, 193 ;  master  of,  see  Holden, 
Barnabas. 

Utbar,  Richard,  257,  261. 

Valentine,  Mathias,  290. 
\  Van  Coen,  John  Peter,  145,  246,  247  (2), 
'       248  (2). 
Vandepitt,  Giles,  contracted  with  for  quick- 
silver, 117,  118,  163,  169, 
Vandermarsh,  John,  119. 
Vandermarsh,  Peter,  26,  97,  153. 
Vandewall,  — ,  223. 
Vanderwort,  Isaac,  79,  131. 
Vanderwort,  Walter,  79,  131. 
Van  Dieman,  Anthony,  326. 
--Vane,  Sir  Henry,  38,  50. 
Vanpaine,  Isaac,  45,  46. 
Xy^T'assall,  Samuel,  340. 
Vaughan,  George,  223. 
Vaughan,  Joseph,  223. 
Vaughan,  William,  223. 
Velvet,  27,  85. 

Venables,  Colonel  Robert,  xxiv. 
Venice,  79,  no,  131  ;   letters  sent  to,  233 

(2),  244,  255,  261,  269,  315,  333,  342. 
Venetians,  the,  337. 

Vermilion,  333 ;  exportation  of,  as  private 
trade  prohibited,  9,  33,  59,  223  ;    pro- 
vided to  send  to  India,  11,  56,  78,  117, 
^285  ;  private  trade  in,  98,  222-25. 
\     V^/Villiers,   George,   Duke  of   Buckingham, 
^  /  247  (2). 

^    v/ Vincent,  William,  46, 80, 85,89;  adventure 
transferred  to,  27,  33 ;   buys  goods,  69, 
72,  79,  91,  97;  accepted  as  security  for, 
72,  181  ;  elected  a  Committee,  331. 
Vine,  the,  345  (3),  347,  348 ;  master  of, 

see  Barker,  James. 
Viner,  Alderman  Thomas,  4,  5. 
!j       Violet,  Thomas,  proposition  made  by,  135- 
^x)^  3^  >  examination  of,  346. 

Virginia,shipfrom, 254;  Company,  354,359. 
Vittener,  Widow,  167. 
Vivian,  Roger,  55,  83,  147. 


Walckeren,  the,  130. 
Waldegrave,  Paul,  i,  5, 


14. 


Walker,  Dr.  Walter,  Judge  Advocate  of  the 
Admiralty  Court,  163,  275. 

Wall,  — ,  master  of  the  Castle  frigate,  63. 

Wallis,  Richard,  124(2),  131,  146(2),  217. 

Walstred,  Humphrey,  356. 

Waltham  forest,  290,  310,  313. 

Walwin,  Rivett,  24. 

Warcop,  — ,22. 

Ward,  Elizabeth,  278,  281. 

Wareing,  Major  Edmond,  348,  351. 

Waring,  Richard,  appointed  a  Committee, 
58,  83,  103 ;  buys,  and  is  accepted  as 
security  for  goods,  80  (2),  107,  188. 

Waterman,  Giles,  248. 

Watches,  77,  85. 

Waters,  John,  pilot,  22. 

Watson,  William,  appointed  correspondent 
to  the  Company  at  Amsterdam,  178,  234, 
235  ;  letters  to,  234,  236,  250,  255,  276, 

305?  306,  312,  341^  344.  348,  352,  356. 
Wauton,  Colonel,  172. 
Wax-cloth,  47,  100. 
Weale,  William,  24. 
Webber,  Jane,  165. 
Webber,  William,  165. 
Weeden,  Lazarus,  89,  286. 
Weights,  88. 
Welcome,  the,  xviii,  61  n. ;  master  of,  see 

Wood,  Matthew ;  accepted  for  freighting 

to  Assada  and  the  Coast,  viii,  66 ;   to 

Surat,  xvi,  226  ;  payment  to  her  owners, 

78(2),  91,  191,  215,  223;  insurance  of, 

173  ;  her  return,  xv,  190. 
Weld  (or  Wild),  Lady  Frances,  her  interest 

in  the  lease  of  Blackwall,  xxix,  84,  85, 

86,  88,  123. 
Weld  (or  Wild),  Sir  John,  84  w.,  235. 
Welden,  Richard,  317. 
Wentworth,  Thomas,  Earl   of  Cleveland, 

xxix. 
West,  Mrs.,  67. 
West,  Colonel  Francis,  Lieutenant  of  the 

Tower,  25,  156. 
West,  William,  243. 
Westminster,  45,  48,  57,  265. 
Weston,  Humphrey,  35,  128,  205. 
Weyns,    Abraham,    Dutch    Governor    of 

Banda,  319,  326;    letters  sent  to,  352, 

356,  357r  371.  372. 
Whale,  the,  358. 
Wheeler,  Robert,  63. 
Whicherly,  Robert,  158. 
Whitaker,  Henry,  the  Company's  Agent  at 

Amsterdam,  30,  248,  251 ;  his  successors, 

178,  234. 
White,  Walter,  8. 
Whitehall,  61,  145,  171,  262. 
Whitelock,  Bulstrode,  Lord  Commissioner 

of  the  Great  Seal,  132,  133. 
Whiteway,  Edward,  23. 
Whitfeild,  Roger,  42. 


404 


COURT   MINUTES,   ETC. 


Wichc,  WUliam,  328. 
Wight,  Isle  of,  99,  loi,  laS,  a66,  a68. 
Wightwicke,  Peter,  his  entertainment  and 
security,  aa,  25  (a),  35  (a),  36 ;  to  return 
home,  01,  6a;  deceased,  lao,  137,  129. 
Wightwicke,  Samuel,  35,  61,  lay,  129. 
Wildboar,  Elizabeth,  338. 
Wilde,  Charles,  5,  14,  ao6. 
Wilde,  Philip,  24,  117,  lai,  131,  147. 
Wilde,  Richard,  227,  330;  elected  a  Com- 
mittee, no,  III,  177,  261;  retires,  241. 
Wildeyr.  William,  340. 
Wildy.  William,  264. 
Willan,  George,  90. 
Willes,  Joseph,  167. 
Willes,  Sarah,  167. 

William,  the,  23,  29,  129,  232;  master  of, 
se€   Bailey,    Curtis,   and  Minors;    men 
serving   in,  14,  24,  27,  31,  38,  52,  63, 
131,    179;    to   be   paid,  19,   121,  140; 
stock,  etc.,  for,  19,  26,  34,  37  (2),  193 ; 
her  dispatch,  v,  35,  39,  40 ;  passengers 
in,  27,  35,  115,  119;  arms  of  Charles  I 
to   be  removed  from,  38 ;  insurance  on, 
102;  her  return,  xii,  120,  123,  125,  145, 
156;   sale  of,  165,  166,   168,   169,  170, 
231 ;  offered  for  freighting,  312. 
Williams,  Thomas,  65. 
Williams,   William,   92,   192,    226,    270; 
adventure   transferred  to,    5 ;   elected  a 
Committee,  50,  in,  177,  241  (2),  328. 
Willman,  Margery,  167. 
Willman,  Thomas,  167. 
Willoughby,  Christopher,  8,  30,  46,  185. 
Willoughby,  George,  a  former    President 

at  Bantam  (1631-34),  55. 
Willoughby,  Lord,  117. 
Wills,  Matthew,  168. 
\y  Wilson,  Rowland,  103,  134,  136;   elected 
a   Committee,   49,    in,    177,    241  (2); 
nominated  as  Governor,  no. 
Wilson,  — ,  sheriff,  4. 
Wilson,  Samuel,  65,  66. 
Wilson,  Timothy,  22. 
Winchester,  Robert,  minister  at  the  Coast, 

147,  191. 
Wine,  90 ;  to  be  sent  to  India,  3,  35,  88,  92, 

155,  283;  Canary,  155, 296;  Alicant,  155. 
Winstanley,  — ,  88. 
Winter,  Thomas,  i,  23,  115,  155,  331 ;  his 

private  trade,  125,  171,  178. 
Winter,  William,  23,  152. 
Wollaston,  Sir  John,  315. 
Wollock,  Hugh,  167. 
3Volstenholme,  John,  89,  94. 
""^Wolstenholme,  Sir  John,   transfer  of  his 


adventure,  88,  89,  94;   his  creditors  sue 

the  Company,  loi,  134,  135. 
Wood,  Edward,  contracts  for  stores,  158, 

204,  205,  2IO,  315,  216. 
Wood,  Elizabeth,  167. 
Wood,  Gregory,  167. 
Wood,    Hugh,    97,    188,    291 ;    elected   a 

Committee,  251,  331. 
Wood,  John,  103,  136,  340. 
Wood,  Captain    Matthew,  commander  of 

the  Welcome,  213,  314,  221. 
Wood,  William,  79,  86. 
Wooder,  Robert,  106. 
Wooder,  Susan,  106. 
Wooft,  Abraham"  243,  325. 
Wool,  47,  139,  262. 
Wooleston,  Henry,  156,  162,  223. 
Woolwich,  44. 
Worcester,  Battle  of,  121  n. 
Worcester,  Peter,  52. 
V  Worsley,  Benjamin,  contracts  for  lease  or 

purchase  of  Blackwall  Yard,  xxx,  140, 

I45j  155.  157,  159- 
Worsley,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Charles,  234, 

328. 
Wotton,  Richard,  23. 
Wotton,  Richard,  Senior,  23. 
Wrappers,  47,  98,  100,  107,  119,  339. 
W^right,  Edward,  the  Company's  Agent  at 

Genoa,  239;    letters  to,  237,   238,   240, 

244,  2t;i,  270. 
Wright,  John,  86. 
Wright,  Nathan,  10,  12,  28,  93. 
Wright,  Stephen,  the  Company's  Agent  at 

Genoa,  239;  letters  to,   237,   238,   240, 

244,  251,  270. 
Wyche,  James,  67,  141. 
Wyche,  Lady,  186. 
Wyche,  Nathaniel,  82,  95,  263,  279,  340; 

elected  a  Committee,  49,  58,   133,   182, 

251,  257,  331;  accepted  as  security,  14 1, 

343. 
Wylde,  Serjeant,  43. 
Wynne,  Francis,  23. 

Yard,  John,  23,  69,  72,  85,  98. 

Yardly,  Christopher,  23. 

Yates,  Michael,  master  oiiht  Bonito,  7,  10. 

York,  Archbishop  of,  29. 

Young,  Henry,  24. 

Young,  John,  purser-general  to  the  Com- 
pany, 16,  34,  129;  instructions  to,  53, 
131;  his  accounts,  97,  109;  dismissed, 
108. 

Young,  Lettice,  57. 

Zante,  90. 


Oxford :  Horace  Hart,  M.A.,  Printer  to  the  University. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 
BERKELEY 

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