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THE ENGLISH LEVANT
COMPANY
THE EARLY HISTORY
OF THE
LEVANT COMPANY
By
M. EPSTEIN
M.A., PH.D
LONDON
GEORGE ROUTLEDGE & SONS LIMITED
New York: E. P. BUTTON & CO
HF
t
.^
o>--(-^^
TO
MY FRIEND
MR.
PHILIP J. HARTOG
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR
OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
PREFATORY NOTE
It is to Mr. Sidney Webb that I owe the
suggestion of the subject with which this
Httle book deals, and I would here like to
express my gratitude to him.
The work is based to a very large extent
on unprinted material, and in every case the
documents quoted have been examined (cf.,
p. 42, note 6). I have modernized the spelling
in aU the quotations, with the exception of
the Charter of James I given in the first
Appendix. The miscellaneous documents in
Appendix VIII are, I believe, published in
full for the first time.
M. E.
London,
June, 1908.
vj
ABBREVIATIONS
V, S. p. Calendar of State Papers and Manuscripts
relating to English Affairs, existing in the
Archives and Collections of Venice, and in
other Libraries in Northern Italy.
8 vols., edited as follows :
Vols. I to VI, by Rawdon Brown,
Vol. VII, by the late Rawdon Brown and the
Rt. Hon. G. Cavendish Bentinck.
Vol. VIII, by Horatio F. Brown.
S. P. D. " Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series,
of the reign of Elizabeth (or, of the reign of James
I) preserved in the Public Record Ofi&ce."
Turkey Papers : Foreign State Papers, Turkey. These
miscellaneous papers are kept in bundles at the
Public Record Ofl&ce ; they are unbound, and
un-numbered.
Min. : Minutes of the Meetings of the Court of the Com-
pany. They may be obtained at the Public
Record Ofl&ce under the following description :
" Foreign Archives, Levant Company, Nos.
147-156."
S. P. F. : " Calendar of State Papers, Foreign Series, of
the reign of Elizabeth, preserved in the Public
Record Office."
Printed Books and Pamphlets to which
reference is made in the notes.
' Account of the Levant Company ; with some notices
of the benefits conferred upon Society by its officers
in promoting the cause of humanity, Literature and
the fine Arts." (Anonymous.) London 1825.
Pages 4, 8, 62.
viii REFERENCES
Camden : Life and reign of Queen Elizabeth (1719 edition).
Page 18.
Cunningham : The Growth of English Industry and
Commerce, 4th edition 1905.
Pages I, 6, 124, 143.
HAKurvT, Richard : The principal navigations, voyages
traffiques, etc., of the EngUsh nation. Glasgow
edition 1903-1905 in 12 vols.
Pages 5. 7, II, 16, 43.
Hewins : English trade and Finance chiefly in the 17th
century.
Page 8.
Heyd : Geschichte des Levantehandels im Mittelalter
(1879).
Page I.
P. Masson : Histoire du commerce franjais dans le levant.
Page 14.
MoNSON, Sir William : Naval Tracts.
Pages 5, 7.
Palgrave : Dictionary of PoUtical Economy.
Page 8.
Rogers : History of Prices.
Page I.
Rymer : Foedera.
Page 6.
ScHANZ : Englische HandelspoUtik.
Page I.
Statutes of the Realm.
Page 3.
Williamson : The Foreign Commerce of England under
the Tudors.
Pages 6. 8
TABLE OF CONTENTS
. Period of periodic Charters, to 1605.
CHAP. PAGE
I Introduction ...... i
II The first Charter of the Turkey Company, 1581 16
III The first Charter of the Venice Company, 1583 20
IV The founding of the Levant Company, 1592 25
V The History of the Company from 1592 to 1605 40
//. Period of the permanent Charter, to 1640.
VI Officers and officials of the Company . . 67
VII Meetings of the Company and Membership . 100
VIII The currant trade and the regulation of trade
in other commodities
IX The regulation of shipping
X Pirates, Interlopers and Factors
XI Conclusion ....
109
135
141
130
APPENDICES
I The Charter of 1605 153
II Governors of the Company . . . .211
III Ambassadors (to 1640) . , , .213
ix
APPENDICES
IV
Consuls and Vice-Consuls
PAGE
. 214
V
Lists of ships
. 217
VI
List of Ports
• 230
VII
Impositions
. 232
VIII
Miscellaneous Documents
• 239
NO. PAGE
I
239
2
245
3A
251
B
252
C
256
4
258
5
262
INTRODUCTION
During the Middle Ages it was through the
markets of Italy that the rich products of
the East found their way into Christendom.
Italian merchants indeed played the first
part in mediaeval Levant commerce.^ Eng-
land's connexion with them was of very old
standing.2 First the Florentines were the
chief Italian traders ; they were succeeded
by the Genoese, and in the fifteenth century,
the Mediterranean trade with England fell
almost exclusively into the hands of the
Venetians. Indeed, already in the fourteenth
century the Venetian merchants in England
* Heyd : Geschichie des Levantehandels im Mittelalter
(1879) Band I. Vorwort, page vi. Rogers : History
of Prices, I. p. 147 ; Cunningham : The Growth of
English Industry and Commerce, I. p. 184.
2 Schanz : Englische Handelspolitik, I. pp. 111-130.
2 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
were sufficiently numerous to be under the
government of their own Consul.'
The chief intercourse between England
and Venice was carried on by a small fleet of
trading vessels called the ** Flanders Galleys."*
These galleys brought a variety of merchan-
dise to England ^ which may be classed
under two heads. First, there were the
costly spices, and secondly, the more general
articles of Eastern product and Venetian
industry. The Italians distinguished between
spices proper or " gross-spice " and the
drugs or " small-spice." ® Gross-spice in-
cluded gingers, cinnamon, pepper, cloves,
nutmegs, red sandal-wood, camphor and many
other drugs ; while under small-spice such
things as rhubarb from Persia, aloes, dates,
sugar, currants, prunes, malmsies and Tyrian
wine were understood. The whole of the
spice trade was enormously lucrative, though
3 V. S. P. I. Preface, p. 59.
* For an account of these Galleys and the regulations
which were made concerning them, see Venetian State
Papers, I. Preface, p. 61 ff.
5 V. S. P. I. Preface 135 ff. and Rogers : History of
Prices, iv. chapter 23.
« F. 5. P. I. Preface, p. 137.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 3
the other more general articles must have
yielded a good profit too. These included
such goods as silk, cotton, and glass ; and of
these latter, perhaps the trade in silk was the
most important.
A variety of causes brought it about that
the Venetian trade with England gradually
declined. There was first of all the commer-
cial and naval policy of Henry VII, who
desired English ships to have a share in the
wine trade. This led to a quarrel with
Venice,' who, intent on preserving the mono-
poly she enjoyed, levied an extra duty of
4 Ducats or 18 shillings on every Butt of
Malmsey exported from Candia in foreign
ships. In 1492 Henry retaliated by an Act
of Parliament ® which fixed 126 gallons as the
precise amount of wine to be contained in
every Butt ; fixed the price of the Butt at 4
pounds sterling, and compelled every alien
importer to pay an extra 18 shillings * per
butt as import duty. The Act was to be in
' Compare Statutes of the Realm, y° Hen. VII,
chapter 7, preamble.
8 y° Henry VH, cap. 7.
* Cf. also S. P. D. James I. vol. 15, No. 4.
4 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
force so long as the Venetians retained their
impost of 4 Ducats.
But causes of a more general nature were
at work to undermine the commercial great-
ness of Venice. The League of Cambrai
crippled the power of the Republic, and while
the struggle was going on, the voyages of the
" Flanders galleys " were interrupted. From
1509 to 1518 no Venetian trading fleet visited
England. In 15 18 a fleet came but it was
coldly received ; in 15 21 it was an unprofit-
able venture. And so the trade declined until
1532. On the 22nd of May in that year the
** Flanders Galleys " sailed from Southamp-
ton ^^ for the last time.^^ But this was not
quite the end of Venetian trading to England.
Venetian merchants still continued to send
^^ Southampton had been appointed as depot for
oriental goods. In 1456 the Italian merchants left
London and made Southampton their headquarters.
Cf. " Account of the Levant Company ; with some notices
of the benefits conferred upon Society by its officers in
promoting the cause of humanity, Literature and the fine
arts." London, 1825. This pamphlet is No. 8 in a
collection of Tracts on Trade and Commerce to be found
in the British Museum under press mark T. 1146.
11 Cf. V. S. P. I. Preface, p. 70. Also V. S. P. IV.
Entry No. 771.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 5
vessels with Levant commodities, but these
vessels came at the merchants' own risk,
and, unlike the " Flanders Galleys," regu-
lated their movements at their own will. A
vessel of this kind was wrecked off the Isle
of Wight in October, 1587,^2 and that was the
last of the Venetian vessels trading to England
of which we know.
The interruption of the commerce of Venice
which the League of Cambrai had brought
about exercised a very beneficial influence
on the enterprise of English merchants. Up
till that time they had been content to receive
Levant goods from the Venetians ; now they
were forced to go themselves for them. Thus
we find that between the years 15 11 and
1534, five London ships " with certain other
ships of Southampton and Bristow (Bristol)
had an ordinary and usual trade to Sicily,
Candia and Chios." ^^ In 15 13 an English
^2 Sir William Monson was an eye-witness of this
catastrophe, and describes it in his Naval Tracts, IV. p.
408 (given in Churchill's Collections of Voyages and
Travels, 1752). Sir William there says: "The goodly
ship struck upon the shingles at The Needles and all
on board save seven poor creatures perished, and her
entire merchandize was lost."
^^ Richard Hakluyt ; The principal navigations,
6 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
consul was established in the island of Chios/*
and in 1522 a mercantile settlement was
made at Candia/^ while in 1533 began the
English currant trade with Zante.^®
The trade must have continued with vary-
ing fortune. Hakluyt relates ^ ' how voyages
to Candia and Chios were made by English
ships in 1534 ^^^ I535> ^^d mentions*®
one, William Eyms who was factor in Chios
for his master Sir William Bower, Alderman
of London, as also for the Duke of Norfolk,
both of whom must have had commercial
relations with the island up to 1552. But
traders had many difficulties to overcome,
as would appear from Hakluyt' s account **
of Captain Bodenham's voyage ; especially
the pirates ^^ that abounded in the Levant
seas. Besides, the Levant was a new area
for English merchants and it took some time
voyages, traffiques, etc., of the English nation, vol. 5.
p. 62.
1* Rymer, Foedera, vol. 13, p. 353.
15 Rymer, ditto, p. 766.
*• See Williamson : The Foreign Commerce of Eng-
land under the Tudors, p. 20.
" V. p. 67, 68. 18 V. p. 69. 19 V. p. 71.
20 Cf. Cunningham, " Growth of English Industry and
Commerce, II. p. 188.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 7
before any very great numbers of them
adventured thither. Nevertheless, it was
gradually being felt that if English merchants
fetched the goods from the Levant and did
not depend on the Venetians, they would be
able to sell them at home much more cheaply
than the Venetians. ^^ This at any rate
was a spur to English merchants to try their
fortunes in the Levant. No doubt, too, the
spirit of adventure which was rife in England
in the second half of the sixteenth century
must also have worked in the same direction
The first Englishman who went to Turkey,
and of whom we know anything, was the
energetic and experienced traveller Anthony
Jenkinson, who at Aleppo in 1553 received
recognition at the hands of Sultan Solyman
the Great. The Sultan granted him a safe-
21 Cf. Hakluyt V. pp. 133, 115. " And by reason that
we have not traded into those parts these many years
... I find that the Venetians do bring those com-
modities hither and do sell them for double the value
that we ourselves were accustomed to fetch them."
Cf. also Sir William Monson's Naval Tracts, p. 408 •
" The Venetians have engrossed the whole trade on
those seas (the Mediterranean) and furnished us with
the rich merchandize of Turkey ... at what rate they
pleased themselves."
8 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
conduct and gave him permission to trade
in Turkey on an equal footing with the
French and the Venetians 22 that is to say,
he was to pay the ordinary toll and no other.
But the case of Jenkinson was apparently
an isolated one, for we hear of no other
English merchants till 1575 or thereabouts.
Indeed, Hakluyt asserts ^^ that after 1550
the Levant trade declined, was " in manner
quite forgotten " until Sir Edward Osborne
and Richard Staper made an attempt to
revive it.^*
22 Mr. Williamson (" The Foreign Commerce of Eng-
land under the Tudors" p. 58) says that Jenkinson
" obtained leave to trade to the market of Aleppo upon
the same terms as those enjoyed by the French and
the Genoese." There are two errors here, (i) The
privileges say that Jenkinson might trade " wheresoever
it shall seem good unto him " — anywhere in Turkey
therefore ; and (2) his liberties were to be such as were
enjoyed by the French and the Venetians — not the
Genoese. 23 y p J53
2* The anon5mious writer in the Account of Levant
Company (see above, p. 4, note 10) is not very full on
the earher history of the Company. Nor is Mr. Hewins
in his English Trade and Finance, chiefiy in the Seven-
teenth Century, nor the writer of the article " Turkey
Company " in Mr. Palgrave's Dictionary of Political
Economy. Both Mr. Hewins and the writer of the
article appear to have followed the author of the Ac-
count, etc.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 9
No doubt this was just a case of two
enterprising merchants who wished to open
up new markets. For though the Venetian
merchants, as we have seen, continued their
commerce with England as late as 1587, yet
it may be assumed that they were not very
numerous and could not adequately supply
the demand. Accordingly it was but natural
to find English merchants bent on making
an attempt for themselves. Sir Edward
Osborne and Richard Staper, about the
year 1575 sent two agents to Constantinople ^^
to procure a safe-conduct from the Sultan
for one, William Harborne, who was factor
for Sir Edward. The agents were successful,
and in July, 1578, William Harborne set sail
from London, travelling overland ^^ to Con-
stantinople where he arrived on October 28
26 Hakluyt V. p. 168.
2' Harborne travelled overland in order that no
attention might be directed to his journey. Walsing-
ham in his " Considerations of the Trade into Turkey "
(S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 144, No. 70) says that the Ambassa-
dor's " repair thither is to be handled with great secrecy
and his voyage to be performed rather by land than
by sea, for that otherwise the Italians that are here
will seek underhand that he may be disgraced at his
repair thither." See Appendix VIII, No. 2 (page 248).
lo THE EARLY HISTORY OF
of that year. That he was a skilful and
diplomatic agent we know from later events,'' '
and evidently his very first visit to Constan-
tinople was successful. He managed to
obtain from the Sultan a letter to Queen
Elizabeth 2^ couched in flattering terms,
offering to open up the Turkish dominions
to the English traders who had sent Harborne,
and asking that liberty might be granted to
Turkish traders to come to England. The
reply to this ^^ suggests that the grant which
the Sultan had been pleased to make to one
or two Englishmen only should be extended
to all English traders,'** and that in return
Elizabeth would grant equal liberties to the
subjects of the Sultan. This letter was
carried to Constantinople, where Harborne
then was,'i by the good ship the Prudence
8' Cf. V. S. P. VIII. Introduction, p. 43.
2^ Hakluyt V. p. 169 gives this letter in full. It is
dated March 15, 1579. ^f- ^Iso Appendix VIII. No, i
(page 239).
2» Hakluyt V. p. 171. It is dated Oct. 20, 1579.
30 Cf. 5. P. D. Eliz, vol. 151, No. 33.
3^ Cf. Elizabeth's letter as quoted by Hakluyt V. p.
172 : GuiUelmo Harborno in Imperiali Celsitudins ves-
trae civitate Constantinopoh commorante. ' ' Mr. Horatio
Brown in his Introduction to vol. 8 of V. 5. P. (p. 30)
THE LEVANT COMPANY ii
of London. ^2 Seven months later Murad III
issued a charter of privileges to English
traders ^^ which is dated at Constantinople
the beginning of the month of June, 1580,^*
granting the same rights to English merchants
as other European traders in Turkey pos-
sessed. They were to be allowed to buy
and sell without any hindrance, and observe
the customs and orders of their own country. ^^
In all probability it was due to the diplo-
macy of Harborne that these privileges were
granted. But seemingly, the French Ambas-
sador in Constantinople, M. de Germigny,
was very powerful and he successfully brought
his influence to bear on the Sultan to cancel
makes him come to Constantinople in February, 1580.
But he gives no authority for the statement. Hakluyt
is supported by tlie document given in Appendix VIII.
No. I.
»2 Hakluyt V. p. 171.
» Cf. Hakluyt V. p. 178. Also V, S. P. vol. 8, No.
127. Also S. P. Foreign, 1579-80, No. 305.
^* Hakluyt's version of the charter has " in principio
mensis Junii." Mr. Brown in his Introduction to vol.
8 of the V. S. P. (p. 30) says the charter was dated
May 13, 1580.
^* Cf. Appendix VIII. No. i, where a good deal of
light is thrown on the whole proceeding.
12 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
the patent. ^^ Harbome had meanwhile re-
turned to England ; but, nothing daunted
by the power of the French ambassador in
Constantinople, he determined to sail once
more for the East and renew his efforts to
obtain a patent of privileges. On his arrival
at Constantinople he found his position
extremely difficult and had to return home
with his purpose unachieved. But he made
yet another effort, and on November 20,
1580,'' he obtained credentials from Elizabeth
appointing him ambassador or agent for her
majesty at Constantinople, giving him power
over all English subjects trading in Turkey
and authority to appoint consuls and to
enact laws.^* With these he set sail for
Turkey in the good ship, the Susan, on January
14, 1583,^^ carrying with him letters of recom-
mendation, one to the Sultan *^ and the
'^ Cf. V. S. P. vol. 8. Introduction, p. 30 and entry
No. 2.
3' This is the date given by Hakluyt. Mr. Horatio
Brown in his Introduction to V. S. P. vol. 8 (p. 31)
says the date was November 15.
3* The whole document given in Hakluyt V. pp.
221-2. ^^ Hakluyt V. p. 243.
*" Quoted in Hakluyt V. p. 224, and also in V. S. P.
vol. 8 (No. 132).
THE LEVANT COMPANY 13
other to Ali *^ Pasha, the Turkish High
Admiral. *2 In spite of the opposition and
protests of M. de Germigny, Harborne
succeeded in getting himself recognized, and
on May 3, 1583, kissed hands and presented
the gifts which Elizabeth had sent to the
Sultan."*^ The result of this reception was
** Mr. Horatio Brown calls him Mehemet.
*2 This letter is quoted in Hakluyt V. p. 228, and
also in V. S. P. vol. 8 (No. 133).
« Cf. V. S. P. vol. 8, No. 131. The gifts were a
regular feature of the intercourse. Every new am-
bassador brought presents for the Sultan and his minis-
ters. Cf . Minutes of Meetings of the Court of the Com-
pany, under date June 16, 1636 ; also S. P. D. Eliz.
vol. 233, No. 13 : " every six years must a present of
£1,500 be given to the Grand Signior according to ancient
custom." In S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 241, No. 13 the present
is said to be of the value of £2,600. Whether the Sultan
also sent presents to the rulers of England does not
seem quite clear. But there is one record of a present
from the Sultana to Elizabeth in 1593 (found among
the papers in Bundle 2 of Turkey Papers in the Record
Office), which runs as follows —
" First, two garments of cloth of silver (might
cost) £68
more, one girdle of cloth of silver (might
cost) ....... 10
more, two handkerchers, wrought with massy
gold asps (might cost) ... 22
more, one shell of gold which covered the
seal of her letter to her majesty, with 2
14 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
that the cancelled treaty was renewed,** in
face of strong opposition on the part both of
the French and the Venetian ambassadors ;
and the first-fruits of the new treaty were
visible in the arrival of an English merchant-
ship at Constantinople on June 9, 1584.*^
Harborne's mission was originally purely
for trading purposes. But in due course
Elizabeth must have perceived that if he
were given a political position he would be
the better able to win the Sultan's support
against Spain. No doubt the common hos-
tility of the two rulers to Spain helped to
draw them closer together,** and the English
merchants all through the negotiations were
not unmindful of this political aspect of the
case.*' They point out that if the queen
has an agent in Constantinople she may thus
be enabled to use the Grand Signior in any
small diamonds and 2 small rubies, which
might be worth ..... 20
£120."
44 V. S. P. vol. 8, No. 138.
45 V. S. p. vol. 8, No. 191.
48 Cf. Appendix VIII. No. 2. Cf. also P. Masson :
Histoire du Commerce Franfais dans le Levant, xvii.
47 Cf. Appendix VIII. No. i (e.g. p. 241).
THE LEVANT COMPANY 15
matter of State. Furthermore, Harborne was
promised that he would be repaid for any
expense he might be put to, and also for his
trouble.*® It does not seem likely that such
a promise would have been made if only
commercial relations had been contemplated.*^
*^ See 5. P. D. Eliz. vol. 151, No. 33. See also below,
p. 74.
49 See V. S. P. vol. 8. No. 188. The French King
" was sure that not commerce, but some far deeper
design was at the root of the queen's action."
II
THE FIRST CHARTER OF THE TURKEY COMPANY,
1581
But commercial relations were certainly aimed
at, and on September 11, 1581, Elizabeth
issued letters patents ^ to Sir Edward Osborne,
Richard Staper and certain other merchants
of London to trade into the dominions of the
Great Turk ; but the Company so formed
was never to exceed twelve in number. The
patent should extend for seven years ; but
if before that time it proved unprofitable to
continue the trade, the grant might be re-
called. On the other hand, if during the
first period the trade proved lucrative, then
a second grant would be made for another
seven years. Sir Edward Osborne was ap-
pointed Governor of the Company, and only
those who were members might trade in the
* See Hakluyt V. p. 192. Cf. also S. P. D. James I.
vol. 10, No. 30.
16
THE LEVANT COMPANY 17
dominions of the Grand Signior. The Com-
pany was bound to send out shipping yearly,
and the customs on their exports and imports
were to be not less than £500 per annum
during six out of the seven years. Further-
more, they were to give notice to the Lord
High Admiral of England or to the other
principal officers of the Admiralty of the
number of the ships they were sending out
and also of the number of men in them.
Now although the Company was limited
to yearly shipping it was sometimes found
necessary to send goods to Turkey on occa-
sions other than those allowed by the charter.
It would then have to obtain special per-
mission ; we find, for example, on one
occasion that the merchants asked for per-
mission to send a fleet into Turkish waters
because there was a prospect of brisk trade.^
The ambassador, they say in their letter to
Walsingham, had assured the Viceroy that
the English would fully furnish the country
with commodities, and the factors had bound
» Cf. S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 165, No. 56. Cf. also Appen-
dix V. p. 221, No. 5.
i8 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
themselves for the deUvery of EngUsh goods
by a certain date.
There appears to be little evidence on which
to base any opinion as to the state of the
Turkey trade during this period of the first
letters patent. Camden ^ relates that after
the Company came into being it " has ever
since found a very gainful trade," and men-
tions spices, cottons, raw silk, tapestries,
Indian dye, grapes of Corinth or currants
and soap as commodities of trade, both im-
ported and exported. The merchants them-
selves said in a letter to Walsingham * that
the commodities they sent to Turkey were
cloths, kerseys, and cony-skins, which were
both dyed and tanned. These three articles
were important English exports in the Turkey
trade. ^ The same document gives a list
also of their imports.^ But the whole of the
Turkey trade must have been pretty flourish-
^ Life and reign of Queen Elizaheih (p. 464 in edition
of 1719). * See S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 165, No, 56.
" Cf. document in Bundle I of Turkey Papers. The
document has no date, but from the mention of " her
majesty " it is clearly under Elizabeth. It proceeds,
" The commodities vented within the straits be all sorts
of cloth and kerseys, dyed and dressed to the best proof,
tin, lead, black cony skins, etc., for which we return
THE LEVANT COMPANY 19
ing. In 1590, in reviewing their five years'
activities the Company state ^ that they had
employed nineteen ships during the time
they had held their charter ; that these ships
had made twenty-seven voyages and had
employed 787 men in them ; whUe in customs
they had paid ;f 11,359 6^-
[i.e. bring back] oils, Indigo, raw silk, spices, drugs,
currants, wines of Candia, cotton wool and yam, gro-
grams, chamblotte, carpets, allum, caules, aniseed,
brimstone and divers other things."
Cf. also S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 233, No. 13 : " The com-
modities we carry thither are kerseys of all sorts,
coloured cloths of all sorts and colours, tin in bars,
wrought pewter, black cony skins. The commodities we
return are all kinds of spices, as Indigo blues, raw silk,
allum, apothecary drugs of all kinds, cotton wool and
yam, cotton cloth — blue and white ; galls, currants,
oils, grograynes, chamblette, anniseed, white soap, worm
seed, goat skins, carpets, quilts and divers other things."
[Grogram or grograyn was a kind of coarse stuff
made of silk and mohair. Chamblette was a stuff mixed
with camel's hair.]
Cf. also two entries in V. S. P. vol. 8. No. 267 (March
29, 1585) gives an extract from the Report of the Vene-
tian ambassador in Constantinople : " Four days ago
an English ship arrived with a cargo of cloth, tin and
other goods. The Turks were glad, for the city is
almost without cloth for clothing." V. S. P. vol. 8. No.
329 (March 17, 1586) : " Some days ago an English ship
entered this port ; she has a little cloth and tin."
• 5. P. D. Elizabeth, vol. 233, No. 13.
Ill
THE FIRST CHARTER OF THE VENICE COMPANY,
1583
But the Turkish traders were not the only
EngUshmen who during this time did busi-
ness in the waters of the Eastern mediterra-
nean. There was another Company of traders
who did not go quite so far East, but Hmited
its enterprise to Venice and its dominions.
It will be necessary to cast a glance at its
origin.^
In 1575 Queen Elizabeth at the request of
the Earl of Leicester granted a patent to
one, Acerbo Velutelli, a citizen of Florence,
giving him the sole right of importing currants
into England. By virtue of this licence
Acerbo exacted of all merchants who brought
in currants two shillings or two shillings and
^ The story of the foundation of the Venice Company
is told pretty fully in the document in S. P. D. James I,
vol. 20, No. 25.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 21
sixpence on each hundredweight, calUng it
licence-money.
About the same time began the embargo
in Spain, and therefore many EngHsh mer-
chants were deprived of the Spanish trade.
They turned their attention to the trade
in the Levant seas and took to bringing
currants into England. Hence it came about
that a large number of merchants, English as
well as foreign, were made to feel the exactions
of Acerbo. Accordingly the English mer-
chants made their complaint to the queen,
pointing out how intolerable it was that a
foreigner should have the right of taxing
Englishmen. Whereupon Acerbo was ordered
to cease his exactions on English merchants,
and the consequence was that only foreign
merchants had to pay him his licence-money.
The majority of the foreign merchants were
Venetians, and they complained to the Seig-
niory of Venice. The Seigniory, dissatisfied
that Venetians should be forced to pay
Velutelli for permission to import their own
products into England, retaliated by an
imposition as well on exports as on imports,
and on English merchants as on all strangers.
22 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
On a hundredweight of currants lo ducats
were exacted ^ ; on a Butt of wine 6 Ducats
or 30s. ; on a hundredweight of wool, 3
Ducats ; on a kersey, 2 Ducats, and on each
hundredweight of tin, 2 Ducats hkewise.
The Enghsh merchants found this a heavy
charge and complained to Elizabeth,^ saying
that the Venetian trade had greatly increased
to the advantage of the realm, and was likely
to increase still more if left unburdened by
exactions. An attempt was then made * to
enter into negotiations with the Venetian
Senate with a view to their excepting English
commerce from their duties. But in vain.
Thereupon Elizabeth in 1563, granted some
English traders a privilege to trade to Venice
for six years, Velutelli's privilege having been
recalled.^ The grant was made to Edward
2 A Ducat was equivalent to five shillings. So that
on each hundredweight of currants the tax was 50
shillings. Yet the document (S. P. D. James I, vol.
20, No. 25) says it was five shillings and sixpence ! In
another document, however, speaking of the same
point (S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 233, No. 14) fifty shillings is
rightly mentioned.
3 5. P. D. Eliz. vol. 149, No. 58.
* S. P. D. James I, vol. 10, No. 27.
« Cf. S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 155, No. no. Also, S. P. D.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 23
Cordell, Edward Hambdon, Paul Banning and
others, who had the sole privilege of importing
currants, sweet wines and oils from Venice
into England during the time of the grant.
All others were forbidden to import these
commodities on pain of confiscation both of
ships and goods. So the Venetians were hit.
There was however this proviso : that as
soon as the Venetian Senate should lay aside
its impositions, Venetian traders might import
currants into England as before.
The wording of the patent then, was quite
clear. Only members of the Company could
bring currants into England, and no others.
The Company, however, went beyond this
and levied a tax of five shillings and sixpence
on every hundredweight of currants broight
into the country by any merchant who was
not a member of the Company. It is impor-
tant to note this fact in the light of later
events. ^
During the period 1581 to 1588 there were
two English companies engaged in the Eastern
Eliz. vol. 177, No. 55. Also, 5. P. D. James I, vol. 10,
No. 27 and No. 30.
• See below, p. 43, note (7).
24 THE LEVANT COMPANY
trade.' The Venetian Company must have
had a fairly prosperous business. Already
in 1581, that is before they were incorporated,
they mention fourteen ships ® with an aggre-
gate crew of 510 men and 2,550 tons burden,
which would point to a fairly large volume
of trade, large for those days. Like their
Turkey brethren they too exported cloth and
kerseys.^
' 5. P. D. Eliz. vol. 157, No. 84.
8 5. P. D. Eliz. vol. 149, No. 58. In 1584 (cf. 5. P.
D. Eliz. vol. 177, No. 55) they gave a list of 14 ships ;
8 of the names are the same as in the previous list, the
following are new —
1. The Samaritan of 140 tons burden, with 30 men.
2. The Mary Rose of 130 tons burden, with 28 men.
3. The Alice Thomas, of 140 tons burden, with 28
men.
4. The Margaret Bonaventura, of 120 tons burden,
with 26 men.
5. The Red Lion, of 150 tons burden, with 30 men.
6. The Trinity Bear, of 140 tons burden, with 20
men.
So obviously an increase in shipping in the space of
three years. For lists of ships, see Appendix V.
» 5. P. D. Eliz. vol. 149, No. 58.
IV
THE FOUNDING OF THE LEVANT COMPANY,
1592
In 1588 the Charter of the Turkey Company
was not renewed. Some of the merchants
were rather disheartened ^ by the great
expense of having to maintain an Ambassador
at Constantinople. They were even pre-
pared to have him recalled and end the
traffic. But the counsel of Harborne and
the more enterprising spirits prevailed, and
during the next three years the members
of the old Company negotiated with the Privy
Council for a renewal of their patent. They
sought larger powers than their previous
* Cf. a letter from Harborne (who had returned to
England in 1588) to Walsingham, dated London, Feb-
ruary 17, 1588-9, in Turkey Papers, Bundle /, in which
he says : " Some of those trading to Turkej', Right
Honorable, had conference with me this day for the
return of the agent from Constantinople, whereby they
might be unburthened of the great charge, and so end
the traffic."
26 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
charter gave them, and to this the Venice
Company objected. Their own charter came
to an end in 1589, but even before that they
registered their protest against giving en-
larged powers to their rivals. ^ What they
chiefly objected to was the wish of the Turkey
merchants to trade in Candia, which they
regarded as lying within their sphere of
influence. But their objection to this was
more or less conditional ; for they made it
clear that they would be agreeable if they in
their turn were allowed to trade in Turkey,
asserting that they had a licence from the
Grand Signior even before the Turkey mer-
chants had received theirs — a statement for
which it is difficult to find proof. However, it
became pretty clear that there was over-
lapping to a large extent in the operations of
the two companies. They both exported
and imported the same commodities. There
was however this difference : that while the
Turkey merchants were unmolested by extra-
ordinary exactions in Turkey, the Venetian
traders had to pay heavy impositions,^ which
2 S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 157, No. 84.
« Cf. S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 233, No. 14.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 27
impeded the growth of their trade. On the
other hand the Turkey Company were ham-
pered by having to bear the expenses of the
embassy at Constantinople. Still on the
whole there might perhaps be a gain all round
if the two sets of merchants combined. This
feeling must have gained strength because
it soon became apparent that the two Com-
panies joined forces in negotiating with the
Council. Thus, " the merchants trading Tur-
key and Venice " appeal to the Lord High
Treasurer of England/ saying that they had
long been suitors to him " for uniting the
Turkey and Venice Companies into one body
politic," and asking him to be mediator with
her majesty for them that they might obtain
On a Hundredweight of currants, they had
to pay 10 Ducats =5os.
On a Butt of a wine they had to pay 6
ducats =30s.
On a Hundredweight of tin, they had to
pay 20 Ducats =£5-
On a Hundredweight of wool, they had to
pay 30 Ducats =£y los.
On a Broad of Cloth they had to pay 7
Ducats =355.
On a Pair of Kerseys, they had to pay 2
Ducats =ios.
* S. P. D. EUz. vol. 239, No. 40.
28 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
letters patents " in such form and order
mentioned in the annexed articles, to us the
undernamed of both Companies." ^
^ The Letter is endorsed : " The humble petition of
the merchants trading Turkey and Venice for confirma-
tion of their trade, uniting them in one patent." It is
signed simply " The merchants trading Turkey and
Venice." There is no date ; the calendarer has assigned
the document to 1591. I believe this to be too late.
I would suggest 1589 (see below).
There do not follow any articles — the letter talks of
" annexed articles." But I have found two drafts of
articles elsewhere, and I would suggest that one of
these drafts accompanied this letter. The calendarer
has separated the three documents.
A. The Letter (5. P. D. Eliz. vol. 239, No. 40). Cf.
Appendix VIII, No. 3.
B. A document (S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 151, No, 34)
entitled, "Articles of the merchants trading
Turkey and Venice to be incorporated into one
body by the name of Merchants of Levant."
Cf. Appendix VIII, No. 3 (page 252).
C. A document (S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 231, No. 55)
very similar to the last, enumerating the same
points, with only one addition, and endorsed,
"The Articles of the privileges desired of her
majesty by the merchants for trade into Turkey
and the Seigniory of Venice." See Appendix
VIII, No. 3 (page 256).
The date of document C can be fixed. It must have
been written in 1589, as appears from the name of Sir
John Hart, who signs himself "Lord Mayor." He was
Lord Mayor of London in 1589. Cf. S. P. D. Eliz.
vol. 229, No. I.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 29
It would seem that the wished-for patent
was not easily forthcoming. For the mer-
chants used their best efforts to set forth the
advantages to the realm which they had
been instrumental in obtaining, either directly
or indirectly. In a letter dated June 18,
1590 * they urge on Cecil ' how they had been
useful politically, in that their agent had
frustrated the designs of the King of Spain.
They relate the story at length. It appears
that the subjects of the King of Spain in the
Straits had obtained from the pope a special
It is clear by comparing the list of names at the end
of documents B and C that document C is subsequent
to document B. For in B Mr. John Hart and Mr.
Richard Martin are named ; in C they are both knights.
My suggestion is that document A — the Letter — was
accompanied by either documents B or C (being the
" annexed articles " which are mentioned in the letter).
In either case 1591 (as the calendarer suggests) would
be too late for its date. I would put it at 1588 or 1589.
I have not been able to fix the year in which Sir
Richard Martin or Sir John Hart was knighted. In
any case it would appear that already in 1589 the two
companies combined to obtain a charter which would
unite them. It is worthy of note also that their sug-
gestions, which are evidently embodied in documents
B and C, were adopted in the charter of 1592.
* S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 232, No. 54.
' " Your honour " is the person addressed.
30 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
Bull granting peculiar privileges to such as
would leave legacies for the maintenance of
an army of 30,000 men for the defence of those
dominions against the Turk. This army
was to be employed in no other service save
only when there was peace with the Grand
Seignior. Now in 1588 the King of Spain
wanted to have the use of these soldiers
against England. He therefore sent a special
envoy to make a treaty of peace with the
Sultan. The English ambassador " twice re-
pulsed " the Spanish envoy, and so, the
merchants point out, was doing work for her
majesty.® They beg therefore, "to have an
end of this tedious suit by granting our
privileges." In spite of this Cecil was cir-
cumspect. He wished to have full particulars
of the trade in order to see whether it was
really worth while to continue it. He accord-
ingly issued a series of questions to each of
the Companies, the tenor of which may be
8 See 5. P. D. Eliz. vol. 232, No. 54. Richard
Staper was then ambassador, and he tells the story
again in S. P. D. James I, vol. 15, No. 4 (see below,
p. 56), and gives the name of the Spanish envoy as John
Stephano.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 31
seen from the answers received.^ Both Com-
panies were asked as to the extent of their
trade and their shipping, the amount they
paid in customs, the area over which their
trade extended and the commodities they
dealt in. The Venetian Company were also
asked to specify the exactions laid upon them
in Venice.
In the meantime, when it became known
that the merchants of both Companies were
asking for renewed privileges to only a limited
number of persons ^^ petitions ^^ were sent
' Answer of the Turkey Company, S. P. D, Eliz.
vol. 233, No. 13. Answer of the Venetian Company,
S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 233, No. 14. Both are dated July
16, 1690. Of. above, p. 18 for particulars as to the
Turkey Company. The Venice Company set forth
that they emploj' yearly ten or twelve ships for Venice,
Corfu, Zant, Cephalonia and Candia, their biggest bur-
den being 350 tons, their smallest 160 tons, and they
carry 550 men. They also give the impositions which
the Venetians demand of them. For these impositions,
see note (3) on p. 26 above.
^^ Forty-one names are mentioned in document C
(S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 231, No. 55), and thirty names in
document B (S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 151, No. 34).
" Cf. 5. P. D. Eliz. vol. 239, No. 41 (dated June 18.
1591), No. 42, No. 43, No. 80. In No. 43 the calendarer
has in square brackets after the words " company in-
tended for Levant Seas " the following, " or Tripoli
32 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
to the council to protest against limiting the
membership of the Company. The petitions
seem to regard the merchants as a kind of
clique against whose monopoly they are
opposed. One petition ^^ even asserts that
it can be proved that those who first sought
the privilege of the Turkish trade were not
the first to discover it, and furthermore,
that fifty years ago more English merchants
participated in the trade than in that day.
The same petition affirms that those who
seek to exclude all others from the freedom
are such as least need the freedom themselves,
being also free of the Dantzig and Muscovy
Companies, very rich and few in number.
Company." This is an error, and quite unnecessary.
The Levant Company is of course meant, and indeed,
is inentioned.
In No. 80 there is an endorsement, "objections
against the TripoH merchants." This is obviously a
shp of the pen, and it may have led the calendarer
astray in her note to No. 43. That it is nothing but
a slip is clear from the preamble of the document :
" Whereas it hath pleased her majesty to grant
two patents for uniting the Company of Tripoli
and the traders of Venice for establishing a society
for the continuing of trade into Turkey, and to all
the Venetian dominions," etc.
" 5. P. D. Eliz. vol. 239, No. 41.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 33
It is interesting to note that one reason
why these " outsiders " wish to be admitted
was the decay of the trade with France and
Spain on account of the ** troubles." ^^ Be-
sides which the trade was good ^* and there-
fore it was unfair to hmit it to a few persons,
especially as there were so many merchants
in the realm who were just then anxious to
enter a new field. It is also pointed out that
if more merchants were admitted into the
Company it would make it easier to bear the
burden of the expenses arising from the
ambassador's and consul's charges. One
petition ^5 asserts that there is no unanimity
among the merchants themselves ; some
would have the new company a close cor-
poration, refusing to admit new blood at all ;
others would admit only a very few persons ;
while others again would have all enter who
wish to do so upon their paying a reasonable
entrance fee.
As was to be expected the merchants of
13 S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 239, Nos. 41, 42, 43, 80.
1* S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 230, No. 80 : " It is well known
that the parts of Italy and Turkey will bear a greater
trade than all parts of Christendom now in amity with
her majesty." ^^ 5 p j) ^n^ vol. 239, No. 80.
D
34 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
both Companies issued a counter petition ^*
to these claims. They laid stress on the
large amount of money they had expended
in the trade, on the fact that their enterprise
had been the means of encouraging builders
of ships and had therefore given work to
many people both as sailors and otherwise,
and that it had tended to increase her majes-
ty's customs. They then proceeded to show
that a trade may be overcharged, and in-
stanced the Barbary trade as a case in point.
That trade, they asserted, was overthrown
by having too many merchants participating
in it ; and so, in like manner, if the petitions
of the grumblers were listened to, the same
fate would overtake their own trade. As it
was there were already too many in it — " the
one half of us already traders are too many."
Nor was it true that they were unable to
support the trade ; and they ended up with
a threat to withdraw from the trade altogether
if others were allowed to enter the new
company.
1* 5. P. D. Eliz. vol. 239, No. 44. See Appendix
VIII. No. 4. The names appended to the document
include members of both the Turkey and the Venice
Companies.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 35
But Burleigh appeared not to fear this
threat and proceeded to seek independent
evidence on the whole question. He there-
fore asked the opinion of Sir John Hawkins
and William Borough, who reported to him
in a document dated August 3, 1591.^' They
advised that the company should be a large
one, including as many merchants as pos-
sible. For if there were many merchants
there would be many ships, and in those
dangerous times it was advisable to have
large numbers of ships, so that they might
the better be able to defend themselves
against attacks from the enemy.
This report weighed with Burleigh more
than the arguments set forth by the mer-
chants themselves. In a paper ^® bearing
date August 14, 1591, which contains some
rough notes by Burleigh, he has jotted down
that a conference is to be held between some
prominent merchants and Mr. Harborne, to
settle one or two points as to the new charter.
They were to agree to the persons who should
be named in the Charter, and to see to it that
" S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 239, No. 124.
" S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 239, No. 140.
36 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
those so named had been traders in Turkey
or in Venice. Yet these were by no means
the only members to be admitted ; other
merchants of abihty who were able and willing
to bear the charges of the trade might also
be enrolled.
At last the new charter was issued, joining
both companies into one. It bore date
January 7, 1592, ^» and was to be for twelve
years. Fifty-three merchants were named
and incorporated as " the Governor and
Company of merchants of the Levant," with
Sir Richard Osborne as the first Governor.
i» 5. P. D. Eliz. vol. 241, No. 11 ; cf. also Hakluyt
VI. p. 73 ff. Cf. also document in Turkey Papers, Bun-
dle 2. (cf. also S. P. D. James I. vol. 10, No. 27).
The document in S. P. D. Eliz. is apparently a rough
form of the patent to be granted. It runs to three
sheets, is very carelessly wTitten, and most difficult to
read. It differs considerably in wording (but the sub-
stance is the same) from Hakluyt's account. Hakluyt
evidently transcribed the original charter. As for the
dociunent in Bundle 2 of the Turkey Papers, it also is
apparently a rough copy, and like the document in
S. P. D. Eliz. is very hard to read. It contains fifty-
three names (as does the charter given by Hakluyt) as
original members of the Company, while the document
in 5. P. D. Eliz. contains only forty-nine. The par-
ticulars, however, are shorter than in the S. P. D.
document.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 37
Subsequent governors were to be elected by
the general body of members, as also twelve
assistants who appear to have formed the
governing Committee of the Company. But
although there were fifty-three names men-
tioned in the patent as members, twenty
others were also named who were to form
fresh blood. Two of these should be ad-
mitted for the mere asking and the others
on payment of an entrance fee of £130. In
addition to these, the members of the com-
pany were empowered to admit their ser-
vants, factors or agents ** according as they
or the most of them shall think requisite."
And the Crown was to have the right, during
the twelve years for which the charter ran,
of appointing two merchants to be members
of the company, such persons to enjoy the
same rights and privileges as elected members
possessed.
The area in which the Company enjoyed
the monopoly of trade was described as the
dominions of the Grand Signior and those of
Venice, including Zant, Cephalonia and Candia
— ^in a word, the Levant, interpreting the
term in a very broad sense, and also the East
38 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
Indies " lately discovered." Only members
of the company and no others should have
the right of trading in that sphere.
The company was also given many privi-
leges. It was to have six months time in
which to pay customs dues — three months
for payment of the first moiety and three
months for the rest, the custom-house " re-
ceiving good and sufficient bond or security
to our use for the payment of the same accord-
ingly." Furthermore, if any ship of the
company should miscarry, the customs and
other dues owing on account of such a ship
shall be " allowed " the merchants. And
customs were to be paid only once, so that if
more goods were imported than could be
sold in England, they might be exported for
sale in neighbouring lands without further
payment of any kind. The company also
got permission to furnish four ships with men
and ammunition to be allowed to sail " at
all times during the said twelve years,"
presumably as a protection for the merchant-
ships. But this permission did not extend
to times of war. Moreover, the company
might allow strangers to import Levant
THE LEVANT COMPANY 39
goods ; but without such permission those
who were not free of the company were for-
bidden to bring in currants and wines of
Candia, on pain of severe penalties. In like
manner all aliens were also forbidden to
import Levant goods, an exception being
made in favour of the Venetians. These
would be allowed to import currants and
wines of Candia so soon as the State of Venice
removed the intolerable imposts on English
goods brought to Venice and on Venetian
goods carried from Venice by English mer-
chants or in English ships. ^^
The Charter was granted for twelve years,
but if it appeared at any time that the grant
was not profitable to the country, the Charter
might be recalled after eighteen months*
notice. On the other hand, if the trade was
prosperous, the Company's charter would be
renewed for a further term of twelve years.
^^ At the time the charter was granted these imposi-
tions were still in force. Cf. 5. P. D. James I. vol.
20, No. 25.
THE HISTORY OF THE COMPANY FROM 1592 TO
1605
THE_Companv appeared to have prospered *
gjlJ_§Q ^JkrM-jyyP jealousy in mercantile
circles. At least one petition is extant *
wherein it is shown that the Company is not
altogether an unmixed blessing. " The profit
they reap and take is grown so great that
they are jealous of it and refuse to licence
any one to import small fruit called currants
or raisins of Corinth at less than £5 a ton."
But more than that. One reason^ sjojthe
petition proceeds, that moved the Queen to
grant^ a_^harter to the company^ was^ the
1 Cf. S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 242, No, 36. Here is a list
(dating from 1595) of commodities which ships of the
company were bringing to England : raw silk, indigo
blue, all sorts of spices, aU sorts of chemicals, grogranes,
chamblettes, cotton yam, cotton wool, Turkey carpets,
cotton cloth and shawls. Cf. document in Turkey
Papers, Bundle 3.
2 S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 242, No. 36.
'40
THE LEVANT COMPANY 41
intolerable impost on Englishmen and English
shi^ wjuch^ the Venetians levied. But the
English merchants, says the petition, know
how to avoid the Venetian imposts. For
they bring goods into Venice from the islands
where they buy them, and then ship the goods
from Venice to England. Accordingly, since
one of the chief causes for a charter exists no
longer, the charter ought to be withdrawn,
and it is this that the petitioners ask for, more
especially as the continuance of the charter
means a great loss to the^^ustoms. For
strangers pay double customs, and if strangers
were allowed to import Levant goods, the
customs on currants alone would be ;f 1,900.*
Nor was it overlooked that these goods tended
to become a monopoly in the hands of the
Company. " The engrossing of this traffic
into these few men'sJhLands increases the
price of these kinds of wines, raisins and com-
modities, the benefit whereof goeth but to a
few." 4
This feeling of dissatisfaction must have
^ It is interesting to note that this document men-
tions the amount of currants imported yearly — viz.
2,300 tons. See below, p. 123.
* S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 242, No. 36.
42 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
made itself very strongly felt. In a docu-
ment ^ entitled, " Needful observations for
maintaining of the Turkish intercourse " it
is significant to find that mention is made of
the possibility of adding to the numbers of
the original merchants. "Forasmuch as the
Turkey and Venice Company be incorporated
into one fellowship, both for the setting out
of the greater nupiber of ships as no less for
the more easy supporting of all needful
charges, a competent number of mere mer-
chants not free of that company, upon reason-
able contribution towards their charge, might
be adjoined to them . . . lest some of the
wealthy sort deceasing * the rest might be
unable to continue the same."
Whether this actually took place we cannot
tell since documents for the period between
1592 and 1600 are scarce. But as far as
can be gathered from the later statements, one
thing is certain. The_company was making
itself very iinpopular by levying five shillings
and sixpence__ on every hundredweight of
^ S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 241, No. 13. Cf. also No. 12.
* In the printed summary of the contents of this
document the calendarer has " decreasing."
THE LEVANT COMPANY 43
currants brought into England by foreigners
qrjbj^ Englishmen not free of the Company.
Even if the Company had had authority to
raise this duty there would have been dis-
satisfaction enough. But as a matter of
fact, their charter gave them no such power.'
' Cf. 5. P. D. James I. vol. 10, No. 27, which says
that the Company imposed the duty " without any
express warrant given them in their privileges." As
the point is of considerable importance, since the whole
issue turns on the interpretation of the wording of the
charter, perhaps it will be as well to quote Hakluyt's
version (vol. 6, p. 84) in full.
" And further that we plainly understand that
the states and governors of the city and Seigniory
of Venice have of late time set and raised a new
impost and charge, over and besides their ancient
impost, custom and charge of and upon all manner
of merchandize of our realm brought into their
dominions, and also of and upon all merchandize
carried or laden from their said country or dominions
by our subjects or in the ships or bottoms of any
of our subjects to the great and intolerable charge
and hindrance of our said subjects trading thither,
we, therefore, minding the redress thereof, do also
by these presents for us, our heirs and successors
further straightly prohibit and forbid not only the
subjects of the said state and Seigniory of Venice,
but also of all other nations and countries what-
soever other than the said Governor and Company
of Merchants of the Levant, and such only as be
or shall be of that company, their factors, servants,
44 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
Accordingly an outcry arose ; and when
Richard Carmarthen, an officer of the Custom
House who appears to have had a good deal
of influence, observed the impositions com-
plained of, he took occasion to inform the
Queen ' of the large sums of money which
the merchants levied, and pointed out that
by so doing they wronged her, seeing that
it was the Queen's prerogative to lay an
agents or assigns : That they or any of them, during
the said term of 12 years, shall bring or cause
to be brought into this our realm of England or any
-part thereof, any manner of small fruits called cur-
rants, being the raisins of Corinth, or wine of Candia,
unless it be by and with the license, consent and agree-
ment of the said Governor and Company in writing
under their said common seal first had and obtained,
upon pain, etc."
Not a word is here said about the right of the Com-
pany to tax foreigners or non-members. Yet document
5. P. D. James /. vol. 10, No. 30 asserts that in the
patent of the Venetian Company of 1583 there was a
clause giving the company authority to tax Venetian
goods, just as English goods were taxed in Venice ; and
that this clause was repeated in the charter of 1592. Evi-
dently this document is prejudiced in favour of the
company. S. P. D. James I. vol. 20, No. 25 rightly
says that the company's action in taking the duty was
not warranted by its charter.
® S. P. D. James 1. vol. 10, No. 27.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 45
imposition on merchandise.' The result was
tha^thej:harter of the company was made
null and void ^° jiid_the jnerchants were
ordered to cease their trade in the Levant . "
They replied in a humble petition dated
July 12, 1600, that they submitted to her
majesty's orders, but at the same time asked
that they might " receive their trade anew
from her majesty with a gracious and suffi-
cient privilege." ^^ It was no easy thing
for them to cut themselves off from so profit-
able a source of income. Besides, the mem-
bers of the company had property ^* in Turkey
• 5. P. D. James I, vol. 20, No. 25.
^" S. P. D. James I. vol. 10, No. 30. It is curious
to note that in a document which the company issued
(S. P. D. James I. vol. 6, No. 69) it is asserted that
" our said patent (of 1502) was made void because we
were named merchants of the Levant and should have
been called merchants trading of the Levant " (!), while
in another document (5. P. D. James I. vol. 4, No. 46)
we read that " the company did voluntarily upon her
(Elizabeth's) death relinquish and give over their said
grant upon pretence and allegation given forth from
themselves that the same grant was a mere monopoly."
11 5. P. D. James I. vol. 6, No. 69. Cf. also S. P. D.
Elizabeth, vol. 275, No. 27.
12 Cf. also S. P. D. James I. vol. 6. No. 6g.
13 5. P. D. James I. vol. 6, No. 69 : " Wherefore we
made humble suit to her majesty to be restored of our
46 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
and could not tell how to bring it home
again. There was reason enough therefore
why the company should wish to continue
the trade. But there was reason enough also
why the Government should like to have it
continued. The impositions on the trade
yielded the sum of £4,000 per annum," and if
the trade either ceased altogether or passed
into the hands of new men, it was doubtful
whether this large sum could be raised.
Accordmgly^jwhen^J:he Company
pa^jthe Queen the sum mentioned on condi-
tjon that they received a new grant, the Queen
agreed, and on December ^i^ 1601 ^^ a new
charter of privileges was granted the_com-
pgjiy to continue for fifteen years.^* But
said trade, which we did chiefly in respect of our goods
on the other side."
" S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 275, No. 27.
15 5. P. D. James I. vol. 10, No. 27. Cf. also vol.
10, No. 30.
1" S. P. D. James I. vol. 10, No. 27 ; vol. 6, No. 69 ;
vol. 10, No. 30 ; vol. 20, No. 25.
I have not been able to discover this charter of 1601.
But that the company paid the ;^4,ooo appears from
an entry in the payments received by the Exchequer.
Cf. 5. P. D. Eliz. vol. 285, No. 21, which says that
5^2,000 was received by the Exchequer from the mer-
chants of the Levant in the forty-third year of Ehza-
THE LEVANT COMPANY 47
they enjoyed the privilege for two years only,
that it is to say, until James I came to the
throne.^'
And so for two years therewas no organized,
company ; the trade was open to every-
body ; ^ * and the whole question of the
Levant trade was under consideration. ^^
But one thing was certain. The ;f 4,000 per
annum which the company had recently been
paying to the Crown was a very real loss to
James, and he at once set about to make it
good. On October 31, 1603,20 he issued an
beth's reign (1601) and ;^2,ooo in the forty-fourth year
(1602).
1' 5. P. D, James I. vol. 6, No. 69.
It does not seem quite clear from the documents
why the company gave up their charter. We have
already seen (p. 45, note (10)) two alleged reasons. In
document S. P. D. James I. vol. 6, No. 69 it is asserted
that the charter ceased on the accession of James,
because " all particular patents and monopohes were
put down " then. In yet another document (S. P. D.
James I. vol. 20, No. 25) we are told that on the death
of the queen the company owed ;^2,ooo, due for half a
year's rent and that they " considered together " to
forfeit their patent, in order, as it would seem, to avoid
payment of this debt. Perhaps this is the real reason.
18 S. P. D. James I. vol. 6, No. 69. Also voL
15. No. 4.
i» S. P. D. James I. vol. 6, No. 70.
20 S. P. D. James I. vol. 4, No. 46.
48 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
order to the Lord Treasurer, saying that
whereas the company had ceased to be, and
the King had thus lost the rent they paid, " it
is very fit and requisite that the same be
re-suppHed unto the Crown by some lawful
and convenient means as may repair so great
a decay to his majesty's customs." The
Lord Treasurer was accordingly authorized
to impose a duty of five shillings and sixpence
on every hundredweight of currants, five
shillings on every barrel of oil and thirty
shillings on every Butt of Muscadelles im-
ported into the country. These taxes were
not collected directly but were farmed out
at a yearly rent of £5,322.^^
The old traders regarded this as a grievance
and petitioned ^2 to be relieved of the taxes.
They pointed out that it was they who had
discovered the trade and had continued it at
great cost to themselves ; furthermore, the
trade was advantageous to the country in
21 Cf. S. P. D. James I. Docquefs, No. 7 under date
October 24, 1604. " Grant to Sir Roger Dallison and
Richard Wright of the impost on currants for ten years
at the yearly rent of ^^5.322."
22 5. P. D. James I. vol. 10, No. 23.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 49
that various English commodities were taken
to foreign markets and EngHsh shipping
thereby increased. And if the trade was to
be continued, there must be an Ambassador
and Consuls in the Levant, which meant great
expenditure. Hence, what with the new tax
at home, and the ill-treatment of English
traders at the hands of the Venetians,^*
unless relief were granted them, they would
be forced to leave the trade.
Something was done. They were dis-
charged ^_a_jdebt_of ;f5,ooo.^* which they
owed to the King, upon their bonds to pay
the impositions which had been fixed.^^
But still the traders were dissatisfied.
23 Cf. 5. P. D. James I. vol. 6. No. 60.
The ill-treatment of the Enghsh at the hands of the
Venetians was a constant theme of complaint, and the
English traders sought to make it quite clear how much
worse off they were, by compiling tables of expenditure.
For one or two such calculations, see Appendix VIII,
No. 5, page 262.
2* S. P. D. James I. vol. 20, No. 25.
25 5. P. D. James I. Docquets, No. 7, under date
November 10, 1604. The extent of the debt is not
given here, but it is quite clear from 5. P. D. James I.
vol. 20, No. 25, also from vol. 10, No. 27. Later on
it appears that the king asked for a repayment of this
remission. Cf. S. P. D. James I. vol. 20, No. 25.
50 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
They reasserted ^* that the trade could only
be carried on effectively when an ambassador
resided in Constantinople. Furthermore they
complained that the impositions made no
difference between Englishmen and foreigners,
so that it would be easy for the latter to drive
out the English from the trade. Especially
easy would this be for the Venetians, since the
English had to pay double impositions, once
here and once in Venice. And so the English
traders asked that strangers should be forced
to pay double impositions in England.
To all these points the King replied that
the trade was so extensive that it could
easily bear all taxation.^' As to making
distinctions between native and foreigner, it
was without a precedent. Besides, if a differ-
ence were made the Venetians would be the
2* Cf. S. P. D. James I. vol. lo, No. 29.
2' Cf. S. P. D. James I. vol. 10, No. 34, where the
statement is made that if the merchants go on per-
sisting that they cannot maintain the ambassador and
consuls if the impost is continued, the king himself
should maintain them. " By which course the main-
tenance of the ambassador shall be more honorable
in the king than it was in the merchants, all foreign
nations disgracing the ambassador in Turkey as a
stip)endiary of the merchants and maintained by them."
THE LEVANT COMPANY 51
only strangers to suffer, seeing that they were
the only foreigners who imported currants
into England ; and very soon they would
retaliate by levying still another imposition
on the English and then there would be an
everlasting tariff war.^*
There seems to Jiave been^ood reason jor
the complaint of the English merchants^g
to their treatment by the Venetians. The
Venetians were anxious to drive the English
»» Cf. 5. P. D. James I. vol. 10, No. 32 : " But if
his majesty should lay a double imposition upon the
Venetian only, intending thereby to help the trade of
his own subjects, let it be considered what the sequel
thereof might be : first, the commodity, viz., the cur-
rants, is a native commodity of the Venetians, growing
in their own dominions. And although for the good
of their own state they have laid an imposition there-
upon, yet have they no otherwise dealt with his majesty's
subjects than with all other strangers. If therefore
his majesty shall single out them, above all other nations,
to pay a greater rate for their own native commodities
which they shall bring hither in trade of merchandize,
than other merchants do, it will teach them (which are
apt enough) to take occasion to redouble the same im-
position upon English merchants, and give all other
strangers leave to trade the same at better rate, by
which means the English merchants shall be sure to
be utterly worn out of the trade — where they are now
as able to trade as any other nation."
52 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
from the lucrative trade^ in currants^' and
began by levying taxes on English, tradersjn
currants, and curran^s^^ be it noted, was the
staple of the Anglo-Levant trade. The Vene-
tmns_could do_this effectively because the
lands where currants grew were under Venetian
rule. There were three places " for the whole
growth of currants " ^° — Zant, Cephalonia
and Patras. Zant and Cephalonia were Vene-
tian islands, while Patras in the Morea was
under Turkish rule.^^ Finding that the im-
I positions were of no avail to drive off the
English, the Venetians made Venice the
centre of the currant trade. ^^ Now as Venice
lay out of the way for ships trading to the
Levant, this became a hardship. In addition
to this the Senate decreed that no foreign ship
should lade currants unless it brought with
jit to Venice the wares of its country to the
'.extent of two- thirds of its freight.
*• 5. P. D. James I. vol. lo, No. 29.
30 5. P. D. James I. vol. 10. No. 26.
'^ Patras was estimated to yield about 400 tons of
currants yearly, but the Patras currants were not so
good as the currants of Zant and Cephalonia, and sold
cheaper by two shillings or three shillings a hundred-
weight. Cf. 5. P. D. James I. vol. 10, No. 26.
32 Cf. also 5. P. D. James I. vol. 6. No. 69.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 53
Altogether, then , the state of the _trade.
was wholly unsatisfactoix- It was unor-
ganized ; it suffered jioLonlyJtoiLJJiejQO^
petition of the Venetians but also from that
Q^_the newly-founded East India Company. ^'
For whereas before, all spices, silks and other
Eastern goods had been brought through
Persia into Turkey and thence to England,
they were now brought to England direct
from the Indies. It became clear that some-
thing would have to be done if the trade was
to continue in a healthy condition. Salis-
bury evidently tried to get expert advice on
the whole matter. For there is a letter ^*
of his extant, dated September 8, 1605, and
addressed to the Chief Justice, asking his
advice about various questions of trade,
including also the trade of the Levant. What
he specially wanted to know was whether it
would be better to form a limited company
for the Levant trade or for the trade to be
thrown open to all. Salisbury himself said
that he rather favoured an open company,
free to all on payment of an entrance fee of
33 Cf. S. P. D. James I. vol 10, No. 27.
" S. P. D. James I. vol. 15, No. 54.
54 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
£25, which, in his view, would cover all the
debts of the old company, and the expenses
which had grown up since the last charter
lapsed.
But Salisbury must have asked for infor-
mation as to the general state of the trade
also, for there is a letter from Richard Staper,^^
dated July 8, 1605, giving a lengthy account
of the trade and what it meant for the coun-
try. Staper was one of the oldest of the
Levant merchants ; the first charter of Eliza-
beth for trade into Turkey, was issued to a
very few merchants, of whom he was one ;'•
he had been in Turkey as early as 1578,"
and was thus well qualified to give an opinion
on the question. He strongly advocated the
continuance of_the tradejoidjJQiiited^QuiJthat
the^eatest hindrancejto its^uccess was the
coirtLmiM_^impositioa_on_currants^^* Of the
advantages which arose to the country from
its continuance, the greatest in his view was
35 S. P. D. James I. vol, 15, No. 4.
3' Cf. 5. P. D. James I. vol. 10, No. 27 ; No. 30 ;
and see also above, p. 16.
3' S. P. D. James I. vol. 15, No. 4.
38 He gives a list of thirty-one ships, and also their
burden. See Appendix V, p. 225.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 55
the growth of shipping,^^ the increase of '^^^^^"T^
sailors, and the consequent increasing of _the_"^^2n-v>j,^
forces of the country.^" The company had
been instrumental in setting to work more
than 40,000 persons to make fustians ; they
had also been the means of freeing Christian
captives in Turkey. On^_the_other^hand,
Staper was not slow in pointing out what
harm mi^ht ensue if the intercourse with
Turkey were, broken off. Apart from the fact
that the English navy would suffer and the
number of English sailors (for whom a great
number of houses had of late years been built
'' "It is very strange that this trade should be so
much overburdened, more than any other, being the
most beneficial trade that is in this land for maintenance
of great shipping, increase of skilful mariners, setting
awork above 100,000 people in divers parts of this
land by making of fustians which hath been brought
in by our industry and charge." S. P. D. James I.
vol. 15, No. 4.
*° Staper says, " The use and trade of merchants,
what good it doth is seen by the flourishing estates of
Italy, Holland and Zeland, whereby they, our neigh-
bours, have much increased their shipping, which the
French doth imitate. Therefore under your honour's
correction we think it shall be for the safety of this
kingdom to be still furnished with ships and mariners,
thereby to be masters of the seas as heretofore we have
been."
56 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
at Wapping, Redcliffe, Limehouse and other
places) would fall off, the King would lose
the income derived Jrqm import and. jexpurt
duties. Furthermore, if the trade were once
lost, it would be lost irrecoverably, to say
nothing of the loss of all the money and labour
spent during the whole of the previous decade.
But even leaving out of account these econp-
mic results. Stapers hinted_ at political conse-
quences. He tells the story to which refer-
ence has already been made *^ of the King of
Spain attempting to make peace with the
Sultan, and how he (Staper) had frustrated
the attempt. What happened in 1588 might
happen again, and if England broke off inter-
course with the Turk, the Sultan might more
easily incline to ally himself with Spain.
Accordingly the continuance of trade was
some guarantee that the Spanish forces men-
tioned in Staper's story would not be set
fl§§-iQl— lise against England. Curious too,
as throwing some light on the state of religious
feeling in England at that time is Staper' s
appeal for the continuance of the intercourse
with Turkey on account of the great freedom
*i P. 30, above.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 57
of conscience which the Turks allow all Chris-
tians.'^^
Now if^the^rade was to be continued, an
Ambassador ami^cqnsi^swould^ have to be
maintained as before, and for this some organi-
zation was clearly necessary. AU thin^
seemed to^point in the direction of continuing
the^ Company. But the King was deter-
mined to have no monopoly *' of the trade
nor to reserve it for any limited number ofc^_^ ^^^^4;
merchants.** And so, when the new charter h^.^^^^^*^
was issued, on December 14, 1605, it was no ^^•
narrow clique that was formed into the
Levant Company.
The aim of this, the first perpetual, charter
may perhaps be best expressed in the words
*2 " And notwithstanding that the Turks in genersJ
be a most wicked people, walking in the works of dark-
ness . . . yet notwithstanding do they permit all
Christians, both Greeks and Latins, to live in their
reUgion and freely to use their conscience, allowing
them churches for their divine service, both in Con-
stantinople and very many other places, whereas to the
contrary by proof of 12 years residence in Spain I can
truly affirm, we are not only forced to observe their
popish ceremonies but in danger of life and goods. . . ."
^ S. P. D. James I. vol. 20, No. 25.
** This notion is expressed in the charter of the
Company. See Appendix I. page 154.
58 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
of a warrant addressed to the Lord High
Treasurer.*^ " James, by the Grace of God,
etc. . . . Whereas ... we have of late
taken a course to enlarge the liberty of the
trade of the Signiory of Venice and the
dominions of the Grand Signior (which hereto-
fore have been enjoyed only by certain parti-
cular merchants of our city of London) and
to lay the same^qpen to all our loving subjects
within the realm of England trading merchan-
dize, to be enjoyed by them under such a form
of Government and contribution of charge
as themselves have conceived and resolved
to be fit."
*° S. P. D. James I, vol. 17, No. 35. It is dated
December 13, 1605, and asks the Treasurer to pay the
Governor and Company of merchants then incorporated
for trade to the Levant Seas the sum of £5,322, for a
present to the Grand Signior.
In S. P. D. James I. vol. 20, No. 25 it is asserted
that it was the old members of the Company who sug-
gested to James that he shoidd grant them a fresh
charter, and that they would be satisfied if two con-
ditions were observed : (i) that the king give them
£5,322 for the present to the Sultan, and (2) that all
merchants admitted to the company should pay an
entrance fee of £25. By means of these entrance fees
it was intended to raise £8,000, the debt of the ambassa-
dor in Turkey. Both these conditions were fulfilled.
See Charter, Appendix I.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 59
The charter *' itself, (a verbose document)
makes this abundantly clear in the preamble.
We are there told that King James wished
the Levant trade to flourish, but there was
to be no monopoly in it. Seemingly the
King was not alone in this ; the merchants
also inclined to that view.*' The broad out-
lines of the grant were considered at a Con-
ference held between royal commissioners
and those merchants who wished to enter the
Company. One hundred and nineteen names
were enumerated in the charter as forming the
nucleus of the present company, but this
number was not limited. Elaborate regula-
tions were laid down for admitting others.
Any English subject who was a merchant,
and over the age of twenty-six, might be
admitted on payment of £25, provided he
made application before the next Feast of the
Annunciation. If he did not and applied
after that date, the entrance fee would be £50.
This rule held good with regard to those who
wished to enter the Company on the occasion
*• The charter is given in full in Appendix I.
*' Cf. 5. P. D. James I. vol. 20, No. 25, and note
(45) on p. 58.
6o THE EARLY HISTORY OF
of its being formed. For subsequent years
it was laid down that any one might apply
within one year of his reaching his twenty-
sixth birthday or the expiration of his appren-
ticeship— whichever event came first — and on
payment of the entrance fee of £25 might be
admitted. But if any one applied after this
term, that is to say beyond a year from the
end of his apprenticeship or his twenty-sixth
birthday, the entrance fee was to be double.
The company was not to refuse admittance
without reasonable excuse to any person
duly qualified, who was willing to pay the
entrance fee. No doubt this clause was in-
serted in order to prevent jealousy or personal
feeling from excluding any one. Further-
more, the sons of freemen of the company
and such of their apprentices, as had been
engaged in the Levant trade for a space of
three years, might be admitted on payment
of 20 shillings only. But of those appren-
tices of freemen who had not been so employed
only one might be admitted once in every
seven years *^ and he too was to pay only
** In the Minutes of the meetings of the court for
November 6, 1614, Richard Coxe is admitted a member
of the company under this clause.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 6i
20 shillings by way of entrance fee . A
reduced entrance fee was also allowed those
merchants who had been apprentices to mem-
bers of the old company under the last charter.
Every merchant who was admitted had
to take an oath promising to obey the laws
and regulations of the company. The Com-
pany were given power to expel any member
who was guilty of a misdemeanour or who
was discovered to be not a merchant at all
but a retailer.
The entrance fees were to be used to dis-
charge the debts incurred by the ambassador * •
and consuls during the time when there was
no company ; also the debts still owing to
members of the old company, who in addi-
tion were to receive a consideration for any
property they had in Turkey — property
which the new company would take over.
The whole sum so to be expended should not
exceed £8,000. If the entrance fees yielded
more than that, the excess should be devoted
to the annual charges of the company.
The official title of the new corporation
was : The Governor and Company of Mer-
*• C£. note (45) on p. 58.
62 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
chants of England trading into the Levant
Seas. It was made a legal person and was
allowed to use a common seal. At the head
of the organization stood the Governor^ who
was elected annually at the general meeting
of members, which was prescribed to be held
within the first 14 days of February.
The Governor was to be aided by 18
^sistants, who were likewise to be elected
annually from among the members who Hved
in London. The Governor and Assistants
formed a kind of executive Committee. In
additjoir^there was to be a deputy Governor,
who must live in London, and a locaLdeputy
Governor in every town where there were
members of the company. The local deputy
governors remained in office at the pleasure
of the company. Power was likewise given
to the company to appoint their own consuls. ^°
^° Cf. Account, etc. (see note (10) on p. 4), pp. 5 and 6,
where the anonymous writer accounts for the conferring
of such powers upon a trading company, by considering
the peculiarities of the Levant trade. The Turkish
government, he says, is essentially different from any
other government, despotic in its nature, and approached
only like all oriental peoples, through the medium of
presents and particular influences. No intercourse can
THE LEVANT COMPANY 63
These officers must be members of the com-
pany and were to Hve in the respective towns
to which they were sent. There they should
have authority over all English merchants,
whether members of the company or not,
administering justice to them and acting as
arbitrators in case of need.^^
Besides the annual meeting in February,
the company had the right to meet at any
other time for the consideration of any special
questions and for the making of laws and
regulations. The company had pretty ex-
tensive powers to punish any breaches of its
regulations, and if need arose, it might call
be carried on with the natives with any security to the
Westerns unless under certain regulations called Capitu-
lations. By the terms of these capitulations all causes
of dispute in which a Western is concerned must be
determined by interference of the ambassador or consul.
Now the English Levant Company paid these officials ;
therefore it was perhaps only reasonable that they
should have their appointments in their own hands.
^1 "In early times it would seem that the consul was
a magistrate elected by the merchants to watch over
their interests at a foreign port and to govern the little
colony resident in a foreign land rather than what he
afterwards became — an officer appointed by the state
to represent the commercial interests of its subjects at
the seat of a foreign government." V. S. P, I. Intro-
duction, p. 56.
64 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
on the civil authorities to back it up by the
arm of the law. It had the right, too, of
levying duties on Levant merchandise, either
exported or imported. And, of course, only
members of the company^Jiad the privilege
ofjrading in the Levant area.^^ This privi-
lege appears to have been jealously guarded,
and breaches were punished by the seizure
of the offender's goods to the extent of 20
per cent, of their value. To hedge round this
privilege still more the Custom House officers
were to levy duties only on goods for the
Levant which belonged to members of the
company.^*
^2 This area covered (roughly) the Eastern portion
of the Mediterranean Sea.
*3 It is interesting to note that the company ap-
peared to be satisfied with this charter until the year
1632. In that year it was discussed at a meeting of
the Court of Assistants (Minutes, February 14, 1632)
whether to petition the king to renew the charter " the
same being conceived to be defective in some main
material points." It was decided that " it were very
requisite to have the charter renewed." This recom-
mendation was brought before the General Court of
Members {Min. February 20, 1632) and accepted. A
committee was appointed to consider the clauses of the
charter and to suggest improvements. But it appears
that nothing came of this.
The only other charter issued to the company was
THE LEVANT COMPANY 65
that of Charles II, which bore date April 2, 1661. It
states that whereas " in these late years of libertinism
many of the known privileges of the company had been
violated," the company had petitioned to have their
powers confirmed. This the charter did. The pre-
amble re-states the points of James' charter as to the
name of the Society, as to its being a legal person, as
to its seal, its officers, the admittance of members, its
meetings, and its authority to levy duties on goods.
All these are confirmed by the charter of Charles and
other (new) points of importance are added. The
principal are these : (i) The company was given the
right of levying duties on aliens, such duties to be
double of what members of the company paid. (2) Eng-
lish subjects living or trading in the lands within the
influence of the company should be subject to English
justice and not to native justice. Should they show
themselves stubborn in this matter, power was given
to the company or its officers to transport such culprits
to England, where they would be dealt with according
to their deserts. (3) The company might administer
oaths to " all merchants, factors, masters and pursers
of ships " that they make a true entry of the goods on
board their ships. (4) " And forasmuch as we are in-
formed that many inconveniences have happened to
the said trade by reason of too popular and general
elections of officers for government thereof by persons
not at all interested or concerned in the said trade. We
therefore for us, our heirs and successors do will, ordain
and grant to the said governor and company and their
successors for ever by these presents, that no person or
persons whatsoever of the said company, from hence-
forth for ever hereafter, shall be admitted to vote or
give any voice or suffrage in the election, nomination,
choice and appointment of any officer or minister . . .
66 THE LEVANT COMPANY
unless such person or persons have or hath in his own
name and for his own account traded in the said com-
pany so far as to pay at least 40 shillings in imposi-
tions to the said company towards the public charges,
within one year next before such vote . . . and not
otherwise." (5) No person residing within the City
of London, or within a radius of twenty miles from it,
should be admitted into the company unless he were
first a freeman of the city ; noblemen and gentlemen
of quality to be excepted from this regulation.
VI
OFFICERS AND OFFICIALS OF THE COMPANY
From 1605 the company had a permanent
charter^ under, the clauses^ of which, with
slight alterations introduced later on^ it was
governed for over t\yo centuries. It was in
182 1 that the English Government took over
the whole of the establishment of the com-
pany, the charter being finally surrendered
in 1825.
The vicissitudes of the company in the
early years under the permanent charter are
reflected in the Court Books/ of which for-
* The Court Books contain Minutes of the Meetings
of the court, and may be seen in the PubUc Record
Office. But unfortunately the first book at the Record
Office is not complete. The first portion is torn away,
page 141 being the first page in the volume. The last
page is numbered i86, so that a good deal of this first
volume is gone. The first minutes recorded in this
book are dated July 13, 1614. For the first nine years,
therefore, under the permanent charter we do not know
much. But after 1614 the Court Book is pretty full,
67
68 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
tunately there are a goodly number extant.
To begin with, the company had nine officials.^
The Governor stood at the head of the com-
pany ; at his side were the deputy Governor
and Assistants. The Treasurer had charge
of the company's cash ; there was also a
Husband, whose duty it was to keep the
papers, bonds and seals of the company,' as
well as to pass the Bills of entry for goods on
Ships * ; a Secretary ; a Bookkeeper ; and
a Beadle. Later on auditors were elected.
These are first mentioned in 1632 ^ as having
been annually elected like the other officers.
Before 1632 they were elected as required.
Many of the men who held the position of
Governor ^ appear to have been men of
influence in their generation. Thus, Sir
Thomas Lowe, who was nominated in the
Charter of James I, as the first governor of
and gives a very good view of the development of the
company and of its pohcy.
2 The first list of officials is to be found in the Minutes
for February 14, 1614.
8 Cf. Minutes, February 9, 1617.
* Cf. Min. October 5, 1631.
* Min. February 5, 1632.
* A full list of Governors is given in Appendix II.
(page 211).
THE LEVANT COMPANY 69
the re-constituted company, was also Gover-
nor of the Company of Merchant Adventurers.
He was re-elected annually until his death in
1623, when Mr. Alderman Hammersley was
elected to succeed him.' As soon as he was
duly elected, he received " the company's
charter under the great seal of England
together with a book wherein the same is fair
written, and two ballotting boxes, a Bible, a
pewter standish and a little mallet of ebony."
Hammersley was afterwards Lord Mayor of
London (1628). He was also Governor of the
Muscovite Company. It appears that he did
not enjoy the complete confidence of the
members of the Levant Company throughout
the whole of his tenure of the governorship.
In 1634,^ ^-t the Court of Election, Hammersley
declared that he had served the company
faithfully for 12 years " and that notwith-
standing all his care and pains taken to the
best of his experience and understanding for
the good and welfare of the general company,
and maintenance of their privileges," there
were some who were not satisfied, and so, he
felt that he ought not to offer himself again
' Min. May 8, 1623. ^ ^j„ February 3, 1634.
70 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
for re-election. Besides which, he had great
stress of other business, both for the city and
for himself, weighing upon him ; and he must
also consider his growing age. Accordingly
he was willing to resign. The meeting there-
upon nominated candidates for the office,
eventually reducing their number to two.
Hammersley being one and Alderman Garway
the other. The election was by ballot, " each
of those present came up to the table and took
a ball and put it into the box, whereby the
choice fell on Alderman Garway, he having
26 balls and Sir Hugh but 20." » Garway who
held office for nine years was Lord Mayor of
London in 1639-40.
It would appear that the Governor and his
Deputy were at first honorary officials. It
is not until 1617 ^'^ that mention is made of a
grant to the Governor. Sir Thomas Lowe
was re-elected to the office at that meeting,
" and in respect to his pains and trouble in
the affairs of this society it was now ordered
that ... as a gratuity for the year past he
should receive the sum of £100 — which allow-
" Min. February 3, 1634.
^^ Min. February 4, 1617.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 71
ance he took kindly at the company's hands ""
At the same meeting, Mr. Leate was chosen
Deputy. But he refused to take office, plead-
ing his age and the stress of his own private
business. He was pressed, however, and
eventually gave way. Whereupon he was
voted a sum of 100 marks.^^ Later on it
became customary to vote an allowance to
the Governor, his Deputy and the Husband.
Thus in 1629 ^^ "a usual gratification " of
£100 was made to the Governor, ;f8o to the
Deputy and £50 to the Husband. Often the
sum allowed was much larger. In 16^6/^^
£ioojsjnentioned as the " f ee " of the Gover-
nor, which makes it clear that it was, by that
time looked upon as an established payment
for services done. On this occasion a sum
of £200 was voted the Governor, £100 being
described as a gratuity, over and above the
fee. On another occasion, in 1639 ^^ the
Governor's grant was even larger. Garway
*^ Surely an early example of the payment of a
director of a company for his services.
^2 Min. February 4, 1617.
^3 Min. February 3, 1629.
^* Min. February 2, 1636.
^* Min. February 10, 1639.
72 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
who was Lord Mayor of London in that year,
was re-elected Governor of the company and
a grant of £300 over and above his fixed allow-
ance of £100 was voted him. The extra
grant had to be thus divided : £100 was a fee
for his extraordinary pains and £200 was
towards furnishing his house — made neces-
sary by the fact that he was Lord Mayor.
These officials managed the affairs of the
company at home. But the company had
also to have responsible, representatives in
those places with which it had commercial
dealings. And so there was an Ambassador
residing at Constantinople and consuls and
vice-consuls in various towns in the Levant.^'
The staff of the embassy included, besides
interpreters, a treasurer and a preacher.
The first Treasurer at Constantinople men-
tioned in the minutes ^' is Mr. Stringer. His
duty is laid down as having " to gather and
collect all the consulage due to the Company,
and to pay the same to the Ambassador."
*• For list of ambassadors to 1640, see Appendix III.
For list of consuls, see Appendix IV.
*' Min. November 17, 1617. Later on there were
Treasurers at the important centres of trade. Cf. Min.
February 5, 1620.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 73
For his trouble he would receive 2 per cent,
on the consulage money. Obviously his was
a position of trust, and therefore two of his
friends at home were sureties for him, each
to the extent of £200 per annum.
At first the company had a preacher only
at Constantinople.^® But as the "nation"
— the English colony — grew in numbers,
preachers were sent to other towns also.
Aleppo appears to have been the first town
so distinguished.^" It was agreed to send a
preacher to Aleppo " as a matter tending to
the glory of God, the reputation of the com-
pany and the benefit of the English nation
there." Five years later a request came from
Smyrna that a preacher be sent there too. A
candidate was chosen and offered the position
for 5 years. 20 He accepted it only for 3. The
salary in this case was fixed at the same rate
as it was at Aleppo : £50 per annum. The
Company gave him a free passage out, and
also " somewhat towards furnishing him for
his voyage."
^® Min. February 16, 1619.
1^ Min. March 25, 1630.
2° Min. February 28, 1635.
74 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
The position of^ the Ambassador was some-
whai_anomdp.us. He received his salary
from the Company and was in Constantinople
in the first instance to look after the interests
of the Company. But he had duties in the
field of politicsj^well as in that of commerce.
In so far then as he was a political agent, he
was a servant of the King of England. There
was this element in the position from the very
earliest days of the Anglo-Turkish inter-
course.^^ In October, 1579, Elizabeth required
a safe-conduct from the Sultan which should
cover all English subjects.^^ " At what time
in like case the late Mr. Secretary Wilson
commanded Harbrown in her majesty's name
to perform his duty in that service, promising
a consideration to be had of his travail and
expense ; to achieve which exploit the said
'^ In Bundle I. of Turkey Papers at the Public Record
Office there are very many letters from Edward Barton,
the Company's ambassador at Constantinople to Bur-
leigh, letters of political import and therefore for the
most part in cipher. Likewise a large number — many
of these also in cipher — from William Harbom to Sir
Francis Walsingham. It may be interesting to note
in passing that in Barton's cipher letters Libra stands
for the Turkey Company,
22 Cf. 5. P. D. Eliz. vol. 151, No. 33.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 75
Harbrown defrayed one thousand five hundred
ducats." This may be regarded as the first
appointment to the office, and the words " in
her majesty's name " are significant. ^^ In
a later document ^^ " hepnajesty's ambassa-
dor_residen^Jn^ those parts" is spoken of.
Yet not the crown but the Company paid his
s^ary.25 This made him rather looked down
upon by his colleagues in Constantinople.
Thus, the Venetian Ambassador writes home^^
that Barton " is dependent on the English
merchants who pay his salary and employ
him in the interests of their trade," implying
23 Cf. V. S. P. vol. 8, No. 132, where the Venetian
Ambassador in Constantinople encloses a copy of the
letter of Elizabeth to the Sultan, in which she says
that she is sending William Harborn, one of her body-
guard, to render thanks to his majesty and to establish
the working of the privileges (dated November 15,
1582).
2* S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 165, No. 56. There is no date
to the document, but this does not affect the point
under consideration.
25 Cf. S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 232, No. 54 : "We have
thought it our duty now likewise to remember your
honour that the late ambassador and agent there resi-
dent [in Turkey] hath at our only cost and charge twice
repulsed the King of Spain's Ambassador sent to obtain
a truce of the Grand Seignior."
2« V. S. P. vol. 9, under date October 26, 1593.
76 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
that his is not a position of great importance.
Nor was the Venetian Ambassador far wrong.
From a letter 2' dated 7 January, 1595, from
Dr. Charles Parkins to Sir Robert Cecil, it
may be plainly seen that first and foremost,
the English agent was to represent the inter-
ests of the Company at Constantinople.
But the merchants were afraid that if the
Sultan discovered that the ambassador was
there for that purpose only, their men and
goods would at once be imperilled. There-
fore they arranged that Mr. Barton's com-
mission should be made under the great seal,
but only as a pretence.^ ^ Yet in the course
i of time the feeling must have grown that the
j English agent was a political agent. But the
crown was slow in drawing the practical con-
clusion from that and paying the agent's salary
out of public money. In any case, there
" S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 256, No. 18.
2* Cf. a document in Bundle I. of Turkey Papers,
where the queen's agent is mentioned as being thought
by the Sultan " to be only maintained by her majesty
and that rather for causes of estate than of traffic."
Cf. also 5. P. D. James I. vol. 10, No. 34 : "All
foreign merchants disgracing the ambassador in Turkey
as a stipendiary of the merchants and maintained by
tliem."
THE LEVANT COMPANY ^^
were constant complaints from the ambassa-
dor that he was left unpaid, or if paid, not
paid sufficiently. 2 9
Tliere-organjzedjCompany, jealous of their
rights iii^all matters, determined to keep the
appointment of ajnbassadq:^^in their own
hands, more especially as they went on paying
2® In Turkey Papers, both in Bundle I. and in Bundle
II., there are very many letters complaining of this mat-
ter. In Bundle II. one document sets forth the ad-
vantages of having an ambassador, and indirectly throws
some light on the point under discussion. " Fifthly,
it is needful that there be speedily some certain order
set down for the maintenance of the ambassador there
... for that it being referred over to the merchants
they know not, or will not respect, of what estimation
the honour of the prince ought to be. For whereas
your honour long since took order with the merchants
that the Ambassador should have 4 per cent, rented of
all the goods that cometh in : he that is now there
affirmeth that the merchants promise one thing to
your lordship, and perform not the same towards him,
whereby sometimes when occasion of expense hap-
peneth (as in the country it doth daily) he wanteth the
needful money, to his extreme grief and hindrance of
the prosperous success of his affairs, . . .
Sixthly, . . . the merchants ... in this four year's
space would never find in their hearts to send him his
ordinary stipend of ;f200 a year as his predecessor
had. . . ."
This state of affairs is borne out by the Report of
the Venetian ambassador. V. S. P. vol. 9, No. 849.
78 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
the salary.'" The first Ambassador mentioned
in the Minutes was Mr. Paul Pindar ^i ; but
as the Minutes recording his appointment
are lost, we are unable to discover the terms
of his appointment. His letters of recall
bore date 25 Jan., 1617,^2 ^nd his successor,
Sir John Eyre, was elected at the court held
on 1st August, 1619. His first letters home,
bearing date 28 April, 8 May, and 17 June,
were read at the court held on 4 Aug., 1620. ''
^ But before recalling an Ambassador the Company
had to get permission from the Privy Council. Cf.
Min. 24 September, 1617, and Min. 4 Feb., 1617.
3^ Min. November 4, 1614. In later documents he
is called Peter Pindar.
32 Min. February 4, 1617.
1 ^ It may be of interest to note how long, in those
I days, it took letters from the East to reach England.
Here is an example or two :
1. Letter dated November 18 from Aleppo, was read in
London February 25.
2. Letter dated December 24 from Constantinople was
read in London February 25.
3. Letter dated January 25 from Aleppo, was read in
London May 7.
4. Letter dated September 7 from Patras, was read in
London May 25.
5. Letter dated January 26 from Sm5niia, was read in
London May 25.
6. Letter dated May 28 from Patras, was read in Lon-
don October 6.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 79
The conditions of his appointment '* were
those which the company made with shght
alterations in the case of all subsequent
ambassadors. The company agreed to pay
Sir John Eyre ;f300 towards his voyage and
£200 more for furnishing his house. As his
salary he would receive 5,000 chequins '^
7. Letter dated January 23 from Leghorn, was read in
London March 15.
8. Letter dated April 5 from Constantinople, was read
in London June 20.
9. Letter dated July 11 from Constantinople, was read
in London September 23.
These give but approximate notions, for in each case the !
date on which the letter was read was in all probability i
not the day of its arrival in London ; the date given j
in the above table being the date of the meeting of the |
court at which it was read. It may possibly have j
arrived at an earher date — though not much earlier ; !
and possibly the ship which brought it to England !
sailed some little time — though probably not much — j
after the letter was written.
'* Found in a document. No. 69, in a bundle at the
Record Office, numbered F. A. Levant Company, No.
109. The bundle contains Royal Letters, instructions
to agents and miscellaneous notes bearing on the history
of the Company from the earliest times to the year it
was wound up.
^ From a document in Bundle I. of the Turkey Papers
it would appear that a chequin was equivalent to a
httle over six shillings and eightpence. But there is
no date to this document, so that it is impossible to
8o THE EARLY HISTORY OF
per annum over and above what he could
procure from the Grand Signior. In con-
sideration of the allowance he should defray
the cost of presents ^* out of his own purse.
His chief business was to help to collect the
consulage, *' which is the means of discharging
and pa3dng the charges."
Sir John Eyre did not occupy his position
long ; he quarrelled with the company and
seized their money and property at Constan-
tinople.^' Whereupon negotiations were en-
tered into with Sir Thomas Rowe, which
ended successfully. At a meeting of the
court on 31 July, 1621,^^ Rowe was made a
Freeman of the company and is spoken of as
** the now elect ambassador." His term of
office expired in the spring of 1628, but already
in 1626 ^* Sir Peter Wiche was made free of
the company and chosen successor to Rowe.
fix this rate of exchange for any particular year. It
must have been in Elizabeth's reign, for " her majesty "
is mentioned in the document. In 1617 {Min. 24 Sept.,
1617) a chequin exchanged for eight shillings and six-
pence.
* On presents, cf. Appendix VIII, No. i (p. 243).
3' Cf, Min. June 14, 1621.
3® See Minutes under this date.
39 Cf. Min. March 6, 1626.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 8i
The first letter of Wiche signifying his arrival
at Constantinople bore date 19, April, 1628,
and was read at the Court held on 2 July
1628.*"
The election of Wiche as Ambassador is
interesting as showing the interference of
Charles I and his high-handed treatment of
the Company. *i When Sir Thomas Rowe's
term of office was about to expire, Charles
requested the Company to choose a certain
Sir Thomas Phillipps in his place. The
company demurred and petitioned to be
allowed to have the privilege, as they had
*® See Minutes under this date.
*^ James had also interfered with them, though
perhaps with some justice. He did not seek to influ-
ence the company in their election, but he insisted that
there must be an ambassador in Turkey. It so hap-
pened that in 1617 Peter Pindar asked to be relieved
of his duties. The company recalled him (see p. 78),
and pleading poverty, decided not to appoint another
ambassador, but only an agent. The difference between
the two is not quite clear. Perhaps if a person were
sent who was to be called agent, it would not be neces-
sary to pay him so large a salary as if he were called
ambassador. But James insisted that an ambassador
should be sent, and after refusing several times, the
company gave way and elected Sir John Eyre. See
Min. May 7, 1619 ; May 25, 1619 ; June 8, 1619 ;
June 13, 1619 ; and July i, 1619.
82 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
done in the past, of freely electing their own
ambassador. ^2 But Charles was obdurate
and signified to the company that he wished
Phillipps to be sent to Constantinople. The
matter was discussed at the court held on
10 Nov., 1625,** and the question put " whether
they would stand as formerly they had of the
continuance of Sir Thomas Rowe, and to
have free election of their ambassadors, or
no." By a show of hands, they decided to
abide by their rights, and the same decision
was again come to thirteen days later.** The
Company resolved to send a deputation to
the King to plead their rights and privileges.
But though they were promised a hearing
the promise was not carried out.*^ At the
Court which was held on 25 Feb., 1625,*^
Phillipps came personally to the meeting,
saying that he already had a commission to
be his majesty's ambassador at Constanti-
nople but he was anxious to go with the good
will of the Company. The Minutes report
^2 Min. May 14, 1625 ; May 20, 1625.
*^ See Minutes under that date.
** Min. November 23, 1625.
*^ Min, February 25, 1625.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 83
quite dramatically that " the court desiring
to confer in private, asked Sir Thomas to
withdraw a while. Then the Governor asked
each man present whether he wished Sir
Thomas to go, and each answered, No."
Phillips on his return into the room was
informed of the feeling of the meeting. His
only reply was that if he could not go to
Constantinople for the company, he would
go as the king's agent.
Thereupon the Company decided to present
a Petition to the Privy Council against the
appointment of Phillipps.*^ Every member
present at the meeting signed the petition.
But seemingly it was not well received,*^ and
once more the question was debated whether
or not to accept the King's nominee. Once
again it was negatived, and the company
resolved to petition the House of Commons
to mediate between them and the King in
the matter. Nothing came of this ; and
when Conway, the King's secretary, wrote
to the company that it was the King's pleasure
that Sir Thomas Phillipps should sail for
*• Min. March 2, 1625.
84 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
Constantinople on the next ship which the
company sent there, a deputation of the
company waited on Conway to protest
against the high-handed procedure of the
King. 4'
Thus matters stood at a deadlock. Nor
is it easy to perceive how the business might
have ended. Luckily Phillipps died/* and
the struggle, so far as his appointment was
concerned, was ended. But Charles had
another candidate ready very shortly after
in the person of Sir Peter Wiche. The com-
pany however stuck to their rights and
decided to re-elect Rowe. But when Wiche
made it clear *^ that he would not go out to
Turkey unless he had the support of the com-
pany, they so far relented as to nominate
Rowe, Wiche and a third person *" and asked
Charles to make the final choice. He natur-
ally chose his own candidate, and Wiche
was accepted by the company} and made
free.^i
*'' Min. March i8, 1625.
^8 Min. May 5, 1626.
^^ Min. November 20, 1626.
^^ Min. December 8, 1626.
5^ Min. March 6, 1626.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 85
Had there been but the case of PhiUipps
it might have been possible to suppose that
the King was anxious to get a favourite of
his into a good position. But when it is seen
that directly PhiUipps died, the King was
ready with another candidate^ it would seem
that there is ground for assuming that it
was Jthe jpolicy_pf Charles to nominate his.
candidates for positions of trust. More especi-
ally does this supposition seem justified when
it is seen that on the expiration of Wiche's
appointment, the King nominated a successor,
Sir Sackville Crow.^^ There appears to have
been little opposition this time on the part
of the company with regard to the principle
involved.^' Crow was received as a candidate
without a murmur and a committee was
appointed to treat with him.^* It took two
years to settle the articles of agreement,^^
partly owing to the illness of Crow, and partly
to other difficulties. Finally all appeared
ready, and arrangements were made ^' for
^2 Min. December 2, 1633.
^ Min. November 20, 1633.
^* Min. December 2, 1633.
^5 Min. December 17, 1635.
^' Min. June 16, 1636.
86 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
Crow to go on board the Royal Merchant
which was to sail shortly after for Constanti-
nople. But at the last moment a disagree-
ment arose on the question of strangers'
consulage. Strangers' goods carried on Eng-
lish ships paid a special duty which the com-
pany regarded as belonging to them and not
to their ambassador, seeing that the company
had to pay a similar duty for their goods
carried on the ships of other nations. But
already as early as 1635 ^' the Ambassador
claimed the right of taking strangers' con-
sulage. The company naturally refused to
recognize this right, seeing that it would
mean a loss to them. But the ambassador
would not give way. So to prevent the
question from arising in actual practice,
the company adopted a regulation which
forbade English ships to carry any goods
belonging to aliens, within the sphere of the
company's activities.^® Seemingly then, the
5' Min. February 19, 1635.
5^ Min. March 3, 1635. A similar act had been passed
in 1633 [Min. October 11, 1633). Furthermore, it had
been found that empty ships had been going into several
parts of Turkey and been taking in goods for England,
thus forestaJhng the markets at home and depriving the
THE LEVANT COMPANY 87
question was for the moment settled, but
Crow, when the conditions of his appointment
were being fixed, opened it once more by
asking to have the right to take strangers'
consulage. The company took no steps in
the matter, expressing no opinion either one
way or the other, because they hoped that
their regulation would make it impossible
for a case to arise. Eventually, Crow promised
not to press the point. He was thereupon
made free of the company and his agreement
was signed on 10 Aug., 1636. ^^ One of the
clauses stated that Crow should receive a
sum of money in advance before setting out.
But no sooner did Crow obtain this money
than he played the company a scurvy trick :
he refused to sail.*'' Nothing further is men-
ships of the company of their freightage homeward.
So a restraint was made [Mtn. October 24, 1633) that
after that date no private ships should go from London
or Leghorn or Naples to take in any commodities at
Constantinople, Smyrna, Aleppo, etc., upon penalty of
20 per cent.
Probably the first of these orders must have become
a dead letter, or perhaps it was forgotten. Otherwise
there would have been no necessity to re-enact it two
years later.
^' See Minutes under this date.
•® Min. August 31, 1636.
88 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
tioned of Crow until the next year, when he
was present at a Meeting of the Court held
on the 2oth March/^ and expressed his
readiness to sail for Constantinople. Once
again the question of strangers' consulage
came up for discussion, for Crow asked that
he might be allowed to have it. It was agreed
that the ambassador should not take strangers*
consulage for at least one year from his
arrival, and that after that, a friendly agree-
ment would be come to.*^ gut a final settle-
ment was not yet to be had, for it was now
suggested that a clause should be inserted in
the agreement with Crow, forbidding him to
trade. Already in 1632 ^^ it had been resolved
that ** the Ambassador at Constantinople for
the time being shall not be permitted to trade
directly or indirectly in any commodity what-
soever." Apparently the company had found
this general regulation ineffective ; hence
the suggestion to insert a special clause in
the Ambassador's agreement. But Crow ob-
jected, though he promised on his honour as
a gentleman that he would not trade. Finally
^^ Min. March 20, 1637. ^2 j^^^ j^y 2, 1638.
*3 Min. April 13, 1632.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 89
on 6 July, 1638,^* his articles of agreement
were sealed, and on 9 Feb., 1638,** a letter
was read from Crow, dated 17 Nov., 1638,
in which he acquainted the company of his
arrival in the Turkish capital. It is of interest
to note that Crow was described as " His
Majesty's ambassador at Constantinople." '^
These were not the only instancfis_^f inter-
ference by Charles I in the affairs of the com-
pany. Not only did he override the com::.
pany's privilege of appointing__their— ,<3WIL
officers, he^was also bold enough to ask the
company fo£_grants of money. Thus, in
1628 ** the Governor, Sir Hugh Hammersley
(then Lord Mayor of London) reported that
the King had asked him to use his influence
with the company and urge them to grant
him £10,000 for the fitting out of a fleet to
relieve Rochelle. He promised to pay this
sum out of the first subsidies which should
be shortly collected. But the company ex-
cused themselves, saying that they were quite
unable to do the King this favour. In the
first place they had not any stock of money
'* See Minutes under this date.
•* Min. July 3, 1639. •• Min. July 2, 1628.
90 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
lying in their coffers ; then, too, they were
in debt to the extent of £3,000 and they
owed great sums of money at the Customs
House. As a matter of fact, the year 1628-9
was an exceptionally bad one for the company.
They suffered great losses at Aleppo through
the behaviour of Sir Kenelm Digby ; '' they
were unduly oppressed by the Venetians at
Zant and Cephalonia ; ^ a ship of theirs, the
Rainbow had been seized by the Turks ; and
in addition to all this, they were in debt to
the City of London and to Sir Thomas Rowe.*"*
Indeed, so unsatisfactory was their condition
®' Cf. Minutes, February 10, 1628, October i, 1628,
October 15, 1628, November 6, 1628, January 8, 1629,
March 3, 1629. It appears that Sir Kenebii Digby
sailed into the Scanderone Road with some ships, in-
tending to seize certain French ships lying at anchor
there. A fight resulted between him and the French
and Venetians. Complaint of this was made at Aleppo,
and the company suffered in consequence a loss of
60.000 dollars [a dollar varied in value from 5s. to 6s.
Min. December 14, 1630, dollar = 4s. lod.
„ May 16, 1615, dollar = 5s.
„ March 7, 1631, dollar = 5s. 2d.
,, June 21, 1615, dollar = 6s.]
•* See below, p. 116.
"' Min. March 31, 1629. The debt owing to Rowe
was £300, for which the company was paying him in-
terest at the rate of 7 per cent, per annum.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 91
in that year that they decided '^ to petition
the Commons to be released from impositions
not only on currants, the staple of the Levant
trade, but on all commodities. '^ Under these
circumstances it is not surprising that when
Charles made a request of the company to
recommend those of their number who were
owners of the currrants just arrived from
the East to pay him " all the several duties
and payments heretofore paid for currants," '^
the answer was in a decided negative. But
Charles did not always ^k^ for grants ; _he^
often appropriated them without asking.
Thus, it would appear that some time before
1640 '^ he had taken strangers' consulage as
'" Min. January 22, 1628.
'^ The company had made a similar request four
years previously {Min. April 13, 1624), asking ParUa-
ment to pay some attention to the grievances that lay
heavy on their trade and to direct some means of re-
lieving them. Some of these grievances were the
imposition of two shillings and twopence on currants,
(on what amount is not stated) ; of threepence on the
pound of raw silk, and of the extraordinary fees which
had been taken by petty officers of the custom house.
'2 Min. January i, 1628.
'3 Min. May 4, 1640.
The company complained that as a consequence of
the appropriation it was difficult for them to pay their
92 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
his due. This was regarded as " of such con-
sequence as in time may prove the ruin of
the whole Turkey trade." Undernames I
therejsjio trace of similar high-handed treat-
ment. and any interference on the part of
the crownjwas met by a dignified reminder
Qf_±he__CQmpany^ .riglits.. Thus, in 1616 a
letter from Sir Francis Bacon, then Attorney
ordinary expenses. It may be that this was but an
excuse to avoid fulfilling an order of the king's. Charles
acquainted the company {Min. August 14, 1640) that a
Turkish ambassador was on his way to England for-
mally to announce the death of Sultan Murad and the
accession of his successor Ibrahim ; and that the king
hoped the company would provide for the reception
and entertainment of this ambassador, " according unto
custom." The company pleaded poverty, more especi-
ally as a result of the loss of strangers' consulage which
the king had taken. Charles sent a peremptory order
to have his wishes obeyed, and the company in the
end acquiesced.
A similar incident had occurred in 1631 {Min. Decem-
ber 5, 1631). A Greek gentleman had been well recom-
mended to the king by the Emperor, and Charles asked
the company to allow him convenient maintenance
during his stay in England and also a free passage home
to Constantinople. The company refused " in regard
of the present disability of the company and the dan-
gerous precedent it might be for future times." How-
ever, they did agree {Min. December 13, 1631) to allow
him a free passage to Constantinople.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 93
General, was read at one of the Courts,'*
asking the Company to remit the fine imposed
on two brothers, Dorrington by name, who
had overstepped the company's regulations.
The reply was that the company could not
entertain the idea ; the King in his charter
had given them the power to make regulations
and they would abide by the regulations
they had made.'^
As in the case of Ambassadors, so too with
regard to Consuls, Charles I made recommen-
dations to the company for appointmentjto^
offices ^sometimes even jwhen Jhe particular
place had as vet no vacancy.'^ There is one
case on record " however, where the King
made a suggestion to the company without
any intention of limiting them in their choice ;
'^ Min. June 17, 1616.
'^ Cf. this with a similar request in the year 1624
{Min. November 11, 1624). The Privy Council gave
the Venetians permission to bring in currants. When
the company were informed, they were anything but
satisfied. Yet nothing was done, for " they considered
it not fit at this time to make any suit for contradicting
thereof."
" Cf. Min. January 27, 1635, Charles recommended
a gentleman as consul for Aleppo, though at that time
the consulate there was filled.
" Min. November 19, 1633.
94 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
it was merely a recommendation. It so
happened that complaints were made by
certain influential members of the company
against Mr. Green, the consul at Smyrna,
for his unjust proceedings in several matters.
It was therefore decided to dismiss him,
although later '* this decision was suspended
until further news came from Smyrna and
the company had more facts upon which to
base a final judgment. Yet so soon as the
rumour got about that there was likelihood
of a vacancy at Smyrna, the King recom-
mended to the company for appointment a
Mr. John Freeman. '^^ The company did
not at once accept the King's candidate, but
the Court resolved that whoever was ap-
pointed should receive a salary of 1,200
Dollars per annum, in consideration of which
he was not to be allowed to trade for himself
or to be a factor for another. ^°
There was no fixed rule in the payment of
consuls or in the conditions of their appoint-
ment. One of the earliest cases to be found,
78 Min. December 2, 1633.
'^ Min. December 18, 1633.
*° Min. December 18, 1633.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 95
under the reconstituted company, of definite
articles of agreement is that of Mr. John
Markham, in 1611/^ who went as consul to
Smyrna. 82 j^e first clause lays down that
he shall collect by way of consulage 2 per
cent, in and out — i.e., on imports and exports
— of the English nation to the use of the com-
pany.®^ This consulage he had to send to
Constantinople every six months. For his
pains he received a salary of 500 Dollars per
annum. Every six months he had to send
the company an account of the consulage,
and it was his business to see that they were
*^ Document 69 in Book of Letters, etc., marked F.A.
Levant Company, No. 109 in Record Office. Cf. note
(34) on p. 79 above.
^2 Markham was later consul at Cio (cf. list of Con-
suls, Appendix IV.), though he returned to Smyrna
afterwards.
^ The chief business of the consul at any place was
the collection of consulage. It is difficult to define
his other duties, but, in general, he looked after the
company's interests. On one occasion he was even
allowed to fix prices {Min. November 19, 1633). The
company had fixed the price of cloth at Aleppo at i^
Dollars per pike. But the consul wrote to say that
this price was inconvenient, and the company accord-
ingly ordered that in future the consul and the majority
of the English merchants in Aleppo should have the
power to fix the price of cloth.
96 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
not defrauded of any part of it. ®* From the
wording of the salary-clause, it seems that
the consul might engage in business on his
own account. and_that if only he carefully
collected the consulage due to the^onrgany
the^e wou^ldJbe_nQjDbi£CtiQrLioJu so doing.
No doubt, 500 Dollars a year was not sufficient
salary for an official if he was to undertake
no other work of any kind. The matter
is made abundantly clear in the case of
the appointment of Mr. Freeman as consul
in Smyrna in 1633. ^^ He was offered alter-
native conditions. Either to have 1,200
Dollars per annum as salary and to be pro-
hibited from trading, or to have 600 Dollars
per annum and be allowed both to take fac-
torage and to engage in trade on his own
account. He chose the second alternative.
A similar alternative was offered to Mr. Bar-
nard on his appointment as consul at Smyrna
in 1635.
^ Every consul had to give the company security.
Thus, Mr. Chapman (see list of Consuls in Appendix IV.)
on his appointment as vice-consul in Aleppo gave the
company five sureties, each for £100, and himself for
£50. See Min. February 28, 1615.
^Min. Feb. 22, 1633.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 97
But not aU_ consuls received__a- _salaiy .
Thus, Humphrey Bunnington who was chosen
consul for Patras ®* was sent out on the under-
standing that he was to receive no salary nor
were the company to be at all responsible for
charges of his establishment or indeed, for
charges of any kind. But he was empowered *'
to levy a consulage of 2 per cent, on all goods
belonging to members of the company, ex-
ported from, or imported into Patras.
The_appointment of Consuls pr_ _Vice-Cpn-
suls was, as a rule, made by the Company,®*
and that thexompany were jealous of their
power is illustrated by a case which occurred
in 1630.®^ At the Court held on the 29th of
July the company was informed that as the
Consul at Smyrna had died, the Ambassador
and the English colony in Smyrna had chosen
as successor one, Mr. Greene, for whom they
then asked the company's approval. The
company decided to make their own choice,
*• Min. April 30, 1630. *' Min. May 6, 1636.
88 Usually Englishmen were appointed, but there
were exceptions. In 1616 {Min. August 2, 1616) a
Greek is reported to have been made vice-consul at
Zant. *• Min. July 29, 1630.
H
98 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
since " the election of such their pubUc minis-
ters being wholly in themselves, which power
they mean neither to wave nor yet to com-
municate, whereby it may suffer the least
diminution." Still, because they thought
very highly of Mr. Greene they agreed to let
him be one of three candidates to be recom-
mended to the Court. He was eventually
chosen and his salary fixed at 500 Dollars
per annum.
There appears to have been a time limit
in some cases for the holding of the office of
consul. Mr. Markham,^^ for example, was
appointed Consul in Aleppo from midsummer
1622 for 4 years. Afterwards his appoint-
ment was prolonged. Similarly Mr. Potton,^^
who was also chosen for Aleppo, in 1627, ^^
appointed in the first instance for four years.
A curious case in reference to the appoint-
ment of consuls occurred in the year 1638.^2
Mr. Symonds had been appointed consul for
the islands of Zant and Cephalonia.^' An
^° See list of consuls in Appendix IV, Cf. Min.
July 31, 1633.
'^ Min. May i, 1627. ^ Min. May i, 1638.
" Cf. Min. March 10, 1637, and see below, p. 128,
note (45).
THE LEVANT COMPANY 99
agreement was duly drawn up, and at a Court
held in the following May it was resolved to
prepare for the emergency of the consul's
death by making what was called a " dormant
commission," which should remain sealed,
appointing another to succeed to the office if
Symonds died. But no one was to be informed
who the successor was that was named in
the dormant commission, and the commission
was to be opened only when Symonds died.
VII
MEETINGS OF THE COMPANY AND MEMBERSHIP
The Meetings of the Court were not held at
regular intervals ; seemingly only when occa-
sion called. To take one of the earliest
examples of which there is a record, in the
year 1614 there was the Statutory Court of
Election on February 10, and the next meeting
was held nearly three months later, on April
28, 1615. Nor was there a regular rule about
the Meetings of the Assistants. It was not
until 1630 1 that the company decided that
for the future " for the better and more
speedy regulating divers business of the com-
pany which are far out of order " the Assist-
ants should meet once a week. Three months
later ^ the stress of business both at home and
abroad was so great that it was resolved to
hold meetings of the Assistants twice a week.
From the earliest days of the re-organiza-
* Min. February 3, 1630. ^ Min. May 9, 163 1.
130
THE LEVANT COMPANY loi
tion of the company it would seem that
members attended the meetings ofthe^om^
pany badly. So much so, that penal acts
had to be adopted by the company for punish-
ment of defaulters. In October, 1622 ^ the
Governor complained that members did not
attend meetings of the company with suffi-
cient regularity and that in consequence the
business of the company suffered. In the
following February ^ at the Court of Election,
the business of the day could not be pro-
ceeded with because there was not a full
number of Assistants present. At the next
Meeting of the Court ^ this question received
full attention and it was resolved to fine those
who stayed away.* But this fine was no
new thing. For already as early as 1615 '
the company had adopted a penal law,^ fining
late comers to the meetings and those who
* Min. October 17, 1622. * Min. February, 4 1622.
^ Min. February 20, 1622.
^ The fine could not have been very effective, for
in 1629 {Min. February 3, 1629) complaint was again
made that some of the assistants came seldom, and some
never, to the meetings of the court.
' Min. April 28, 1615.
^ A number of penal laws were adopted at this meet-
ing, and this particular law is the 12th — § 12.
102 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
stayed away. If any one was late or absent
on special occasions the fine was double the
ordinary rate. The whole collection of penal
laws adopted at this meeting is most interest-
ing for the peculiar light it throws on the com-
mercial etiquette which prevailed among
members of the company at that time. Any
one, for example, who should be found open-
ing letters not addressed to him was to lose
his freedom.® No unseemly or unfitting lan-
guage should be used at any of the meetings,
on pain of fine.^^ No member was to speak
more than three times at any Court, nor was
any one to depart without first obtaining
leave. 1^ Fines paid under this head would
go to the poor,ii likewise those fines imposed
on any one who refused to vote on a disputed
question.i2 Furthermore, if any one did not
keep silence after the Governor had struck
his hammer, he was fined sixpence for the
poor.i^ Of more general import are the
regulations that no member of the company
should pass any other man's goods in his own
9 Ditto, § 14. 1" Ditto, § 17.
" Ditto, § 18. 12 i^itto, § 19.
13 Ditto, § 20.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 103
name ;^* that no one should enter goods for
the Straits, where no impositions were due,
and then ship them into the Levant*^ ; that
no coin should be exported from England,^*
and that on pain of a fine of 200 dollars, no
one should appesd to Turkish justice.^'
As a rule the Meetings of the Court were
held at the Governor's house. But there
were exceptions. In 1623 ^ ^ it was resolved
to find a fitting place for the meetings and the
14 Ditto, § I.
15 Ditto, § 7.
This trick appears to have been very often practised.
The regulation here mentioned was adopted in 1615, but
as late as 1631 (cf. Min. December 5, 1631) we find it
again. The company had settled that a ship called
the London should sail to Scanderone, carrying cloth.
Some merchants hearing of this sent larger quantities
of cloth to Leghorn (which lay outside the company's
privileges), intending to put it on board the London
when it called there. By so doing they would avoid
the special impositions which the company levied on
goods for the Levant laden in England. To guard
against future abuse the company decided, that if any
member be discovered plajdng this trick, his goods
should be specially taxed to the extent of 20 per cent,
(presumably ad valutem) in Turkey.
i« Ditto, § 9.
" Ditto, § 10. Cf. Charter of Charles II, where a
clause to that effect was added. See above, p. 64,
note (53), subsection (2). i^ jj/,-„ ^ay 8, 1623.
104 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
East India House was suggested. Mr. Morris
Abbott was commissioned to ask the East
India Company for the use of it in considera-
tion of the fact that the Levant Company
*' do afford the conveyance of their letters out
of Persia." Twelve years later ^^ meetings
were held at Crosby House ; and on July 8,
1635 20 a meeting was held for the first time
at Drapers' Hall.
The_ company were very jealous of their
privileges, and it was no easy matter, as time
went on, to be admitted a member. The
tendency gradually began to show itself of
keeping within a narrow circle the rights which
membership bestowed. Even the sons of
freemen were not admitted without any further
question ; it was resolved that before their
admittance they must be freemen of the
city of London. 21 This was not a condition
named in the charter, though it was after-
wards incorporated in the charter of Charles
11.22 A further limitation ^^ was placed on
^' Min. June 21, 1635, and often before about this
time. 20 Minutes under this date.
21 Min. December 18, 1633.
22 Cf. above, p. 64, note (53), subsection (5).
23 Min. December 18, 1633.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 105
the admittance of sons of members : only
such sons of members could be admitted as
were born within three years before their
father's election as a member of the company,
or such as were born after his election. Like-
wise ^^ there was a further limitation for
apprentices. All apprentices who in the
future wished to apply for the freedom of
the company were to have their indentures
specially registered with the company.
Yet, nevertheless, there are occasions on
record jvhere the company admitted freenien.
gratis. Thus in June, 1618,2^ William Trum-
ball, one of the Clerks of the Council, ** upon
his request to be made free of the company
out of his affection to do them service either
abroad or at home " was admitted without
fee. It must be noted, however, that this
happened pretty early in the history of the
re-organized company, and moreover, a Clerk
of the Privy Council was a friend at Court .^
2* Min. June 19, 1618.
2-^ The company were fully alive to the advantages
of such friends, and sought to win them by making
them annual presents. Indeed, the meetings of the
assistants to decide as to New Year's gifts occurred
regularly every year. Thus, in 1615 {Min. December
io6 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
The company were not so lenient in later
years. In 1636 ** three gentlemen asked to
be made free of the company. They were
apparently eligible, but the company were
doubtful whether to accept them or not in
face of a rumour that a ship was expected
home very soon with currants, and that these
three gentlemen had goods on board. If the
company made them free, it would have to
forego the duty which the gentlemen in ques-
30, 1615) the assistants met to grant a New Year's
gift to certain persons who had been helpful to the
company, among others, to the Lord Chancellor and the
Lord Chief Justice. In 1629 there was quite a long
Ust of names {Min. December 29, 1629). " At this
court, taking into consideration the many and great
occasions the company hath to request the help and
assistance of the Lords of his majesty's privy council
[the company] did resolve that according to the usual
custom [in the Minutes for December 14, 1631, these
gifts are described as "an ancient and continued cus-
tom] those lords and others hereafter named should
be presented with New Year's gifts." The following
got a present of plate : the Lord Keeper, the Lord
Treasurer, the Lord Privy Seal, the Earl of Dorset, Lord
Secretarj^ Carlton, Sir John Coke, and Sir Henry Mar-
tyn, judge of the admiralty. The value of the whole
was £113 IIS. 9^. For similar instances, cf. Min.
December 30, 1628 ; December 20, 1627 ; December 9,
1630.
2" Min. December 15, 1636.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 107
tion, if they remained non-members, would
in the ordinary course of things have to pay.
The three were summoned to a meeting of the
Assistants and questioned. They asserted
that they had no currants on board the ship
expected home and that, moreover, they were
prepared to pay all fines and duties which
the company might lay upon them. They
evidently valued the privilege of membership
and in the end they got it.
The charter had fixM,the_enti:ancelee,for
merchants in ordinary cases at /^2.'S. ^ ' In 1 622
the Crown appointed a Commission " for the
reviving of trade " and this commission re-
commended that one of the things which
would be advantageous would be the lessen-
ing of the entrance fee. They fixed it, there-
fore, at £10 and the company agreed to this.^*
Eventually ^^ the company raised the sum to
£15 and then to £20.^'' The reduction on
the sum named in the charter was, it is
true, small ; but the company agreed to it
in order to yield to the desire of the com-
missioners on the point. But they stipulated
*' See above, p. 59, ^s ji/,-;^ February 20, 1622.
2' Min. March 11, 1622. '" Min. March 15, 1622.
io8 THE LEVANT COMPANY
that their yielding should not prejudice the
rights and privileges of their charter, and
furthermore, that members of the Levant
Company might be received into other com-
panies on the same terms. It does not appear
whether £20 remained the entrance fee or
whether the original sum named in the charter
was again in force.
VIII
THE CURRANT TRADE AND THE REGULATION
OF TRADE IN OTHER COMMODITIES
The staple of the Levant trade was in cur-
rants ^ and consequently questions concern-
ing the trade in, and the price of, currants
occupied the company not a little. Tp^all
intents and purposes the company had a
monopoly in the tradej but it must have been
so tempting that there were constantly cases
of ** interlopers," as those were called who
were not members of the company and yet
traded in this commodity. The earliest case
under the re-organized company of which
there is a record is that of some merchants of
Bristol^Yarmouth and Exeter ^ who, in 1617,
contrary to the Charter of the company,
imported currants into England^ When the
company heard of this, it was resolved that
1 Cf. Min. December 2, 1619, where currants are
spoken of as " the maine trade of this Societie." Cf.
also Min. Octo>)er 15, 1617. 2 jv/,-„, July 30, 1617.
109
d
no THE EARLY HISTORY OF
the whole stock brought in by these inter-
lopers should be sent back to the places they
came from. In the same year * the company
had to deal with a similar case which ended
somewhat differently. A certain Mr. Flower
who was a member of the Company of Merchant
Adventurers brought a quantity of currants
into the port of London. This was clearly a
breach of the company's rights and the com-
pany resolved that the currants of Flower
should be sent back to where they had come
from. But Mr. Flower came to a Meeting of
I the Court and asserted that he was fully with- ^
jin his rights, since he was a member of the
3 Cf. Min. November 28, 1617 ; December 11, 1617,
and December 17, 1617. The price of cmrants in Feb-
ruary of this year, it is interesting to note, was 43
shillings and 4 pence per hundredweight. Cf. Min.
February 14, 1617. Three months later it had gone
down and new currants cost 43 shillings a hundred-
weight, while old currants were at 40 shillings. See
Min. May 17, 1617.
It is curious to note that payment for currants at
this time (and presumably generally) was made, half
the money at once for new currants and the rest in
two portions at inter\'als of three months. For old
currants, however, the traders paid half of the money
down, and the rest in two portions at intervals of four
months.
THE LEVANT COMPANY iii
Company of Merchant Adventurers and thatj
that company also had the right of import- 1
ing currants. Thereupon an appeal was made '.
to the Privy Council. Both companies sent;
representatives and copies of their patents.
The Lords of the Council advised an amicable
settlement, and Sir Thomas Lowe, who was
Governor of both companies,* called a meet- 1
ing of the Company of Merchant Adventurers, |
who decided to waive their rights on certain
conditions. 5 First, that all currants which '
* An early example of the fact, so often occurring
in modem times, that a man might be director of more
than one company.
^ Their resolution was as follows : " Forasmuch as
by the declaration made of that which passed at the
council board on Monday last in the controversy between
this fellowship and the Levant Company, it appeareth
that the Lords much desire that this fellowship should
not stand strictly upon the uttermost of their rights
and privileges touching the importation of the com-
modity of currants which is considered of mainly to
concern the Levant Company and this company but
httle. Therefore in obedience and conformity to their
lordship's said desire this fellowship is contented to
yield to be restrained from the importation of the said
commodity of currants for such time as their lordships
shall think meet to set or limit upon these conditions
following." Then followed the conditions given in the
text.
112 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
'were already brought in by members of the
Company of Merchant Adventurers or that
I shall be bought by any of them in Germany
lor Flanders * and imported before the news
lof the agreement got about, should be allowed
by the Levant Company. Secondly, that no
one — neither the members of the Levant Com-
pany nor those of the Company of Merchant
j Adventurers — should import currants there-
i after from Germany or Flanders. The Mer-
: chant Adventurers attached great importance
■to both these conditions, for they made it
I quite clear that if the Levant Company re-
I fused to accept them, they would refuse to
I be bound by the request of the Council. But
'the Levant Company did yield, and there the
imatter ended.'
' Germany and Flanders was the trading sphere of
the Merchant Adventurers.
' In their declaration to the Lords of the Council
accepting an amicable agreement, the Merchant Ad-
venturers asserted that they yielded their right "be-
cause your honours who are the competent judges in
this case seem to judge that the present estate of the
said Levant Company standeth in need of some special
favour." The year 1617 appears to have been a year
of bad trade for the Levant Company. See Mirt.
April 15, 1617. Indeed, so bad was it that they pleaded
it as an excuse for not electing a full successor to Sir
THE LEVANT COMPANY 113
The most troublesome cases in tjus xespect
were those of individual merchants who at-
tempted to .smuggle currants into the country .
In the same year as the quarrel with the
Company of Merchant Adventurers,^ one
Browne, a master of a ship brought in currants
on his own account,® and when the company
fined him he refused to pay. Legal proceed-
ings were therefore taken against him, the
company claiming 20 per cent, of the value
of his currants, in order to make an example
of him.
Cases of this kind were by no means limited
to the early years of the re-oganized company.
They occur constantly, and now and again
even a member of the company attempts to
cheat the company by obtaining an advan-
tage oyer thenL An interesting case came
up in November, 1632 ^". The company were
informed by the Consul at Zant that a ship
Peter Pindar as ambassador at Constantinople (see
above, p. 81, note (41)), saying it was necessary for them
to lessen their expenses.
® Min. March 11, 1617.
* Later on, it would appear, the company allowed
masters of ships to bring in a small quantitj' of currants.
See Min. January 20, 1630.
*•* Min. November 14, 1632.
I
114 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
called the Salutation, of Yarmouth, had laid
in a stock of currants contrary to the com-
pany's regulations. In order to ascertain
who the owners were it was resolved to ask
Mr. Secretary Coke to send letters to some
of the captains of the King's ships to stop the
Salutation in the Downs until the owners
claimed her. A special Court of Assistants was
called on November 28, 1632 ^^ to consider
the matter. They ordered the ship to be
brought up the Thames, and there to be kept
until the owners were discovered. When
they were discovered they should be ordered
either to send back the currants to the place
from which they had been brought or to keep
them until the company's currants came
and then sell them after they had paid all the
regular dues. If the owners chose the second
alternative, they and the master of the ship
were to give the company security that they
would abide by the conditions. But as the
owners could not be found the matter was
taken before the Lord Treasurer,^ ^ who ad-
vised the company to buy the currants from
*i See Minutes under that date.
^2 Min. December 11, 1632.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 115
the owners, whoever they were, and so settle
the dispute. But the company stood by
their charter and would take no action which
might prejudice their powers.^^ So the currants
were kept in sequestration. On 20 March
1633 " the question came up once more,
now that some of the Zant ships had returned,
bringing the company's currants, and Mr.
Abbott^ a^member^ of the company, owned
t.2J}^^^§-19-^-^ of_ the currants, on board the
Salutation belon^ngtphim. He was allowed
to keep them on condition of his paying
double imposition, viz., 8 pence per hun-
dredweight, and also all his debts to the com-
pany. The remainder of the stock of currants
was delivered over to the owners on their
paying a fine of ^^3 per ton.^^
In another instance of this kind ^* where a
ship, the Elizabeth and Dorcas, had brought
in currants contrary to the company's regu-
^' Min. December 28, 1632.
^* See Minutes under this date.
^' It will be seen that the company treated the
stranger much more harshly than their own member.
The fine of the stranger works out at the rate of 3
shillings per hundredweight.
^' Min. January 14, 1633.
ii6 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
lations, quite apart from the fact that the
owners of the ship were dealt with by the
company, it was also resolved to put the ship
on a black-list and never to employ her in any
part within the company's privileges.
Now while the company was pestered at
^??_?_with small troubles injthe currant- trade.
it had on occasions also to f ace thejwoiries
of the Venetians, abroad- From " an Act to
reform the price of currants at Zant and
Cephalonia " 1 ' it would appear that the
Yenetians had put many obstacles in the way
of English traders in those islands. They
prohibited the English from landing English
manufactured goods there, or if they allowed
them to be landed, exacted heavy duties, and
that regardless of the fact whether they were
for sale in the islands or merely carried through
'them. They refused to allow the oil-casks of
^ y/'the company to pass over into the Morea.
■y^ Last, but not least, they exacted greater
.kT duties on currants than heretofore. The
Venetiaiisjdid all tjiese_ynn£s^t hough_they
were aware that the English were the best
custoniers^^paying^^lwaysjn^asl^^ the
*' Min. July ii, 1628.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 117
natives required.ta buy them breads and also
thal_the^^n^sh^ were the_custo^^
bought most ofJLhat commodity. The com-
pany felt these difficulties keenly, and set
about finding means to avoid them. It
was suggested ^ ' that the currants be laden at
Clarentia or elsewhere, thus avoiding the
payment of any impost whatever ; or else
the company might decide to leave the trade
altogether.
On the same occasion the price of currants
was fixed.i® Until December i, 1628, mem-
bers of the company might buy at any price
they pleased ; from December i until the
following February i, no one was to buy at a
price higher than 20 dollars permille weight.^'
Then from February i to July i no one was
to pay more than 16 dollars ** per mille
weight ; " and from July i (1629) to Febru-
ary I, it was again to be 20 dollars "per
mille weight." Likewise from February i
(1629) to February i (1630) the price was
again to be 16 dollars ''per mille weight."
^* Min. July 11, 1628.
^' I have not been able to discover the exact amount
represented by " mille weight." Is it ten times a
himdredweight ? If a dollar was equivalent to about
ii8 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
In the same way each year the price of
currants at which members of the company
might buy should be no higher than 20 dollars
" per mille weight " between July i and
February i, and no higher than 16 dollars
" per mille weight," between February i and
July I.
The^company regarded these regulations as
so important that a special officer was chosen ^°
to reside at Zant iiiLPrder to look after the
interests of the company, toJceegLihe bazaar-
book^^nd above all^ to see that the Regula-
tions concerning the^price of currants were
cMy^ observed.
The experience of members of the company
in this connexion could not have been alto-
gether pleasant, because in July, 1630 ^^ it
was resolved to re-consider the Act and per-
haps decide to repeal it. On the one hand it
five or six shillings, then about 120 shillings was the
price of a " mille weight." Therefore (on the assump-
tion that mille weight =10 hundredweight), one hundred-
weight would cost 12 shillings. But in 1617 the price
of a hundredweight was about 40 shillings (see p. no,
note (3). If the assumption is true, there must have
been a remarkable fall in price in the space of eleven
years.
20 Min. October i, 1628. ^^ Min. July 7, 1630.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 119
was feared that if the company persisted in
paying only the prices fixed by the Act, the
Dutch traders and others — the competing
tradesmen — would buy up all the currants at
a higher price. On the other hand it was
feared that if the price was left quite unfet-
tered, the factors would out-bid each other,
and in consequence, the price might rise to
even 40 ducats. ^^ It was therefore decided
to continue the Act which fixed the buying
price of currants, but not to stand too closely
by it. Moreover, for that year (1630) the
price should remain 20 ducats,^^ provided there
were great quantities of the currants and that
the quality was not specially good. But if
they were good and the quantity small, then
the factors might pay more, but never more
than 25 ducats.2^ jji every case, however,
they were to pay 2 ducats less for the cur-
rants of Cephalonia than for those of Zant.
In the same month ^^ the whole question was
*^ Here ducats are spoken of ; in the Minute of the
year 1628 (on previous page) dollars was term used.
But it would appear that the two were used as inter-
changeable terms.
23 See above note (22). ^4 jj^,>j, ju]y 29, 1630.
120 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
considered afresh and it was agreed to raise
the price on occasions to 23 or 25 ducats ^^
" per mille weight," and secondly to trade in
a joint-stock ^s so as to reduce the Greeks
to reasonable prices and prevent the factors
from out-bidding each other. The joint-
stock principle was re-affirmed in the follow-
ing January 2' as likely to be beneficial to the
company. And for the better management
of the trade it was also resolved at the same
time to farm the customs duties on cur-
rants from the King for a rent for a fixed
number of years. In this way the company
might be able to keep the price of currants
Pi"^ttY^^^J^^lL^^Jiome_ajid abroad Fur-
thermore, the company resolved to make an
attempt to force the West-countrymen — the
merchants of Bristol and Exeter ^ » — to recog-
nize the company's monopoly in the trade of
currants and to pay the impositions levied by
the company.
25 Min. June 7, 1631.
2^ i.e. where the company as a whole did business
and not individual members. This was nothing new
at that time, for it had already been tried and given
up, e.g. in 1620. Cf. Min. November 24, 1620.
27 Min. January 20, 1630. ^s Qf above, p. 109.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 121
But the order allowing the price paid for
currants to be raised was apparently unsatis-
factory, for nearly a year after it was made ^*
it was put on record that it had been incon-
venient in the past and might be dangerous
in the future. Therefore, it was repealed and
the order of July 11, 1628,^'' where the price
was fixed at 16 or 20 ducats " per mille
weight " was once more put into force
Nor was the ioint-stock satisfactory. That
too was re-considered,*^ and as an alternative
to it, it was suggested that^ the trade of cur-
rants be farmed out for a certain ..number ol
years. But this wasjreiected. and once again
the^ principle of jettling the price of currants
as had been done on Tulv 11. 1628,*° was
re-asserted _aiid adopted. ^^
Two further recommendations were agreed
to at this meeting. *i It was found that the
fact that ships came to Zant and Cephalonia
at uncertain times tended to raise the price of
28 Min. June 7, 1631.
'"' See p. 117, note (18). *^ Min. January 7, 1631.
^2 "It was the joint opinion of those present that
the best and only way to produce good to the general
company by this trade is to confirm the Act of 11 of July,
1628, in all particulars." Cf. Min. January 7, 1631.
122 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
currants. And so the company resolved that
English ships for the future should not come
into the ports of Zant, Cephalonia, the Morea ^
or any other place where currants were to be
had or laden until December i, and no ship
should begin to take in currants until Dec-
ember 15. This applied to new currants ; old
currants should not be taken in after July i.
^ At the very next meeting of the court (January
19, 1631) it wais decided that " the best and only way
to raise benefit to the company by the trade of the
Morea was to let the same to farm." Accordingly that
trade was to be farmed out to a member of the company
for five years at ;^500 per annum at least. A similar
resolution had been come to on July 27, 1614 (see
Minutes under that date). The farm, decided on on
January 19, 1631, was put up to auction six days later
{Min. January 25, 1631). An auction was arranged
in this wise. A candle was lit and a demand made.
Then bids were oifered so long as the candle burned,
and the man who made the last bid before the candle
extinguished itself was adjudged to have the bargain.
In this case the company started, in accordance with
the terms of the resolution, with a demand of £500 per
annum for five years, and at the end Mr. Langham got
the farm for five years at ^^670 per annum.
A similar proceeding was adopted in 1635 {Min.
February 19, 1635) to sell certain jewels belonging to
the company. They were sold " by the candle."
(Apparently standing capital in those days was invested
in jewels, just as to-day it is invested in stocks.)
THE LEVANT COMPANY 123
In the second place, Mr. Hunt who had
just returned from the islands of Zant and
Cephalonia, reported that the company
suffered an inconvenience in that currants
were bought by the English Stalira and not
by the Stalira of St. Mark, which was the
weight of the country, seeing that the former
was 2 per cent, less than the latter. The com-
pany thereupon resolved that in future,
purchases of currants should be made in the
local weight, the Stalira of St. Mark.
Now, despite all the arrangements and
re-arrangements concerning the currant trade,
it was by no means in that satisfactory con-
dition in which the company wished to see it.
And therefore the arrangements and re-
arrangements were continued. In 1633 ^*
it was decided to set down a certain quantity
of currants to be bought in Zant and Cepha-
lonia and that quantity to be imported into
England, " namely, 2,200 tons ^^ (besides,
those currants brought from Patras) is con-
ceived to be as great a quantity as this King-
dom will want." Moreover, each member of
'* Min. April i, 1633.
*^ See above, p. 41, note (3).
124 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
the company who had been a trader in cur-
rants within the Jast seven years should be
" stinted '^^* to a reasonable amount. A
I special committee had made this recommen-
! dation. and the full Court of Assistants
; adopted it,^' provided the following condi-
tions were attached. First and foremost, no
j member of the company should be given a part
I in the stint who did not first pay all his debts
to the company. Secondly, no one should
I exceed the portion allotted to him, and lastly,
I no one should alienate or transfer or sell his
'allotment to another without first getting
j leave of the company. But at the general
meeting of members held on May 21, 1633 '*
some objected to the whole plan, complaining
of the small quantity allowed them ; others
of being altogether neglected. In conse-
quence, the scheme was dropped and the trade
in currants left as jt had been at first when
^' A " stint " or limit was assigned to each member
according to his standing in the company. This re-
stricted the quantity of currants he might import in
any year. Cf . Cunningham : Growth of English Industry
and Commerce, I. p. 416.
3' Min. April 9, 1633.
'* See MimUes under that date.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 125
each member traded as Jie jwished and in any
qucmtitjMie_chose. ^®
There appears to have been no improvement
in the currant- trade. The great difficulty was
that the quantities imported were so large **>
that the prices left little margin of profit.
And_so the company appointed a special
committee to find means to check the supply.
The committee recommended *^ that an order '^^•*h„»^^
should be issued by the company, forbidding "''"''Hv^
the lading of currants until Christmas, 1637,
and that after that the quantity to be brought
in should not exceed 24 or 25 thousand
*• Yet in 1620 {Min. January 16, 1621) this had been
complained of as one of the causes for the dechne of
trade. The company, it was then alleged, suffered
great prejudice by the liberty given at home of free
trade to every man, to send what quantities of cloth,
etc., in what ships and at what times he pleased. And
accordingly a joint-stock was then decided upon.
The company had no settled policy with regard to
this matter. Now the joint-stock principle prevailed ;
now the individual trader was left free.
*" Cf. Mtn. January 4, 1637.
The trade " is now grown to such disorder by reason
of the great quantities brought hither yearly." The
trade " is so far out of order that the traders therein
do trade to great disadvantage and loss."
" Min. February 12, 1637.
126 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
weight at most. In order that this quantity,
and no more, be bought, an agent of the com-
pany was to be sent to Zant and Cepha-
lonia ** and he should be made acquainted
with every bargain, though he himself was
forbidden to trade or to act as factor for
another.
These recommendations came before the
Assistants *^ who put them, together with one
or two other points, into the form of an Act
which the members considered.** The first
recommendation they accepted : it was to
the effect that means should be taken to
remove the exactions which the State of
Venice laid on currants from Zant and Cepha-
lonia. The second laid it down that no ship
should take in currants at either of the islands
before December i in each year. The mem-
bers agreed to this so far as that year was con-
cerned, but that later on, if occasion arose,
it should be amended. A§_to the price of
*2 At the same meeting it was also resolved to make
proclamation in those islands, informing the inhabitants
that unless they cured their currants well the Enghsh
would not buy any,
*3 Min. March 4, 1637.
** Min. March 10, 1637.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 127
currants, the Assistants suggested, and the
members agreed, that Zant currants before
Christmas, i.e., from August until Christmas,
should be bought at the rate of 22 dollars
" per mille weight," while after Christmas,
i.e. from Christmas until August, the price
was to be 20 dollars " per mille weight." And
the currants should be bought only if they
were well cured. ^^ To this the members
agreed, as also to the next article which set ^
forth " that unless the currants sent home do
hold in weight 900 at least for each 1,000, the
factors are to be liable to make satisfaction,
which is to be deducted from their provision
or otherwise." Eminently practical was the ^"
suggestion that the company should build a
magazine or storehouse^ at Cephalonia where
the currants could be preserved till they were
shipped. But as this was a question of spend-
ing money, the company were somewhat
cautious, and the members wished for the
opinion of the factors on the spot about this
matter. Last of all, it was suggested that 6
tojceep the business in order, a general factor
shoi^d^be cjiosenj^o w^as to be the jple buyer
of all currants at both islands. For his better
128 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
credit he should have the title of Consul con-
ferred upon him. To this the members
agreed, and it was decided that the person
appointed should have as commission j-
dollar for every ton of currants bought ;
and he was to give the company security to
the extent of £i,ooo.*^
Currants, as we have seen, formed the staple
of the imports from the Levant. But the
*^ Mr. Thomas Symonds was chosen for this position
out of five candidates. See above, p. 98 . Letters
were read from Symonds at the court held December
24, 1638 (see Minutes under that date), in which he
related that the Venetian Senate had ordered him to
come to Venice. The company after that received
letters from him from Venice, saying that the Senate
were wasting his time, keeping him in Venice by means
of idle excuses. Obviously the Venetians wanted to
hinder the company's trade (cf. Min. July 11, 1639).
At last, at a meeting of the currants-committee held
in August, 1639, it was resolved to put an end to the
loss the company was sustaining. " Rather than the
company shaJl persist so vainly to struggle with the
state of Venice or trouble the king's majesty in his
(Symonds') behalf, he (Symonds) shall be dismissed of
his employment, since it is impossible he should now
after so much opposition and envy, quietly enjoy and
execute the same." And so it was resolved to appoint
an agent in each island, without the name of con-
sul or any other title that might give the Venetians
offence.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 129
trade also included cotton, wool and yam/«
spices/' oils,* 8 chemicals, skins,** silk^"
wines,^^ and many other things. ^^ Qf English
commodities taken to Turkey cloth ^^ kersies ^*
and tin ^^ appear to have been the chief.
And concerning all commodities, whether
imports or exports, the company_laid down
rules to regulate trade^^ either to create an
artificial supply so as to jgdse the j)rice, or to
safeguard 5oniej)ther_of theiii interests. We
have already seen how the company did this
in the case of currants. But currants were
by no means the only commodity so treated.
In cloth, for example, thcLtrade was also regu-
lated. In 1615 **• the Ambassador sent word
home that a great quantity of cloth remained
** Min. Oct. 20, 1631. V [In all these cases I have
*' Min. July 31, 1624. given but one reference,
*8 Min. April 13, 1624.
but I need scarcely
*8 Min. Feb. 4, 1631. [ add they occur passim
''® Min. June 10, 1624. j in the Minutes.]
" Min, July 12, 1618. /
^2 For long list, see Appendix VII.
^' Min. January 20, 1630.
^* Kersies were a kind of coarse woollen cloth made
of long wool. Cf. Min. February 28, 1615 ; November
19, 1633-
^5 Min. August 2, 1627.
^' Min. February 28, 1615.
K
V'
130 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
at Constantinople unsold, and that the coun-
. try was glutted by reason of the importations
/\y^y Venetians and others. Thereupon the
^\^/\ company decided that no cloth or other
r y .^ English goods should be sent out until the
following April on penalty of 20 per cent. In
1627 ^' the Company regulated shipping for
12 months in exactly the same way. Of
course, these limiting Acts were repealed when
the time was considered fit. The last limita-
tion mentioned was repeated in December,
1628 ^^ but repealed in the following July ^*.
So, too, in 163 1 *•* it was found that the quan-
tity of cloth remaining at Aleppo was so small
that it would be desirable to send a further
supply. The company accordingly agreed,"
stipulating that only those members be allowed
to ship goods to Aleppo who had paid all their
debts to the company, whether for imposi-
^' Min. August 2, 1627.
^^ Min. December 29, 1628.
^' Min. July 9, 1629,
" Henceforth it shall be free for every member of
the company to ship cloth and other commodities unto
any place within the company's privileges at what time
and in what measure and upon what shipping they shall
think fit." «" Min. September 27, 1631.
" Min. October 5, 1631.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 131
tions or otherwise. And in the future, in
order that each member of the company
might know more certainly what quantity
of goods to send, and also that the supply be
not too great, the company resolved '" to
send a ship to Constantinople and one to
Aleppo every year at Christmas. Six years
later *^ a slight change was introduced into
this " annual shipping '* (as it was called).
The ship for Aleppo was to sail in February
and March, and that for Constantinople and
Smyrna in June and July.
An interesting case of regulating trade,<CL^
which did not, as it would seem, directly^*^^^"^
affect the company's operations but which "^^^7
yet played an important part at the time it^^^'^^!^
occurred, was the trade in com. The Sultan^KoT? ^
allowed the exportation of com only as a ""^s/^
special privilege. In 1631 ** the company ^
learned that many English ships had been ^**-^
sent from Leghorn and Messina into Turkish
ports in order to lade com. This they re-
garded as a serious danger to their trade, •'^
«2 Min. October 20, 1631.
^ Min. February 14, 1637.
«* Min. April 9, 1631. •* See below, p. 133.
132 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
and petitioned the Privy Council to take
speedy measures for prohibiting EngHshmen,
whether they were members of the company
or not, to carry on this trade in corn unless
they first got permission from Constantinople.
Moreover, those who did get permission were
requested to give good bonds to the company
that they would import the com into England
and nowhere else, more particularly into no
country which was at enmity with Turkey.
The Privy Council must have regarded the
matter as important because five days later ^'
a message from the Lords of the Privy Coun-
cil was read, intimating that the company's
request in this matter had been granted, and
that orders had been sent out accordingly.
In the December of the same year *' the com-
pany was informed by Mr. Secretary Coke that
complaints had been made against this order.
It had been pointed out that the order was a
hindrance to the development of English
shipping ; that many merchants had suffered
loss through it ; that the corn trade was an
old trade and by no means an innovation ;
•• Min. April 14, 1631.
•' Min. December 13, 1631.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 133
and that, lastly, if Englishmen did not con-
tinue it, their rivals, the Dutch, would seize
it. For all these reasons he asked the com-
pany to repeal the order. But they replied
that since the Turkish ports where the corn
trade flourished were within the privileges of
their charter, and furthermore — a very im-
portant point — ^if the Turks should proceed to
recoup themselves for any loss, it would be
the company's property that would suffer,
they therefore regarded it as perfectly justifi-
able to abide by the order of the Council.
Nor was this the only occasion where the
company looked upon all English shipping
to Turkey, no matter of what nature, as com-
ing within their influence and therefore to be
regulated by them. Another case of trans- /^
porting corn came up again in 1637.*^ The
company got information that an English
ship proposed to carry corn from Turkey to
Genoa and Spain. Now the Company were
aware that the Venetians enjoyed something
like a monopoly in this carrying trade, and
that therefore the Venetians, on hearing of
the exploits of the English ship in question,
•* Min. February 5, 1637.
134 THE LEVANT COMPANY
might complain to the Sultan. There might
be a possibility of harm being done to the
company's property in Turkey in consequence,
and therefore steps were taken to prevent the
English cornship from sailing.
On another occasion *^ it had come to the
knowledge of the company that there was
a breach between Venice and Turkey. The
company hastened to obtain an Act of State
prohibiting English ships from serving the
Venetians against the Turk. Their reason is
once again self -protection : "to prevent the
danger and loss that may redound to the com-
pany in their estates in Turkey."
«" Min. December 24, 1638.
IX
THE REGULATION OF SHIPPING
Not only did the company decide as to the
time when ships might sail, it also laid down
the charges for freight on each occasion .
There are several examples on record, illus-
trating this very important point, and we shall
quote one or two. In 1624 the Delight was
chosen to sail with goods for the company. It
was settled * that for freight outward she
was to charge 6 dollars on an ordinary bale
and 3 J dollars for pepper. As for the home-
ward journey, the charge would be " after
the accustomed rates," £4 a ton for cauls,
£5 a ton for cottons and yarns, and £y a ton
for fine goods, while for money it was to be a
chequin * per mille dollars per day. Pretty
much the same rates were fixed in the fol-
* Min. July 31, 1624.
' In 1621 {Min. April 12, 1621) a chequin was equiva-
lent to eight shillings and sixpence.
1S6
136 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
lowing year ' for the Sampson. For the out-
ward voyage, freightage was taken at the
rate of 6 dollars per bale, accounting 2 long
and 3 short cloths to a bale, and 3J dollars
for pepper. For the homeward journey, for
fine goods the charge was £7 a ton, for cauls
£4 a ton, for money, i per mille * in the case
of money shipped by laders for buying com-
modities.^ But for money not to be used
in this way, the charge was higher. For the
outward journey it was J per cent, and for
the return journey f per cent.
The conditions laid down in 163 1 • for a
ship sailing to the Levant were slightly
different. Here it was fixed that each merchant
who laded goods for both journeys should
pay a composition sum of £10 per ton for aU
his goods. Half of the whole amount that
was due had to be paid within 2 days after the
discharge of the goods, and the remainder
within one month after the first payment.
But for those who laded for one journey only,
the charges were to be a dollar per cloth, and
' Min. December 8, 1625. ^ Which is -Jg- per cent.
^ Hence, it would seem, the system of foreign credit
and bills was as yet but little used.
• Min. October 20, 163 1.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 137
other goods in proportion — ^for the outward
journey ; and for the homeward journey, 4
shillings per ton for cauls, 6 shillings a ton for
cotton, and 7 shillings a ton for fine goods.'
Still another variation dates from the year
following 8 J it was made for the Royal Mer-
chant. The charges here for both journeys
were i dollar per cloth, 5 dollars a bale for cony
skins and other furs as well as for kersies, and
I dollar per hundredweight for pepper. But
for the homeward journey alone all goods
without exceptions as to fine or coarse paid 6
shilHngs a ton.
Minute regulations were issued also with
regard to the time each ship should spend on
its journey.* In 1616 ^^ the Royal Met chanty
' It will be observed that the figures in each case
here are the same as in the first two examples given
(see previous page), except that shillings take the place
of pounds. It seems remarkable. Perhaps this is due
to a slip of the pen on the part of the writer of the
minutes. « ^,„ March 7, 1631.
^ This appears to have been a constant theme with
the company. In 1630, for example {Min. January
20, 1630) the state of the trade is considered to be un-
satisfactory, and one of the suggestions was " that the
company should again establish an order for joint
shipping, set a certain freight as near as may be, limit
the time of their departure here and stay abroad."
1® Min. August 2, 1616.
138 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
a ship belonging to Mr. Morris Abbott, carried
goods to Constantinople for the company
and it was directed that she should sail as
follows : First to Leghorn, and to stay there
20 days : then to stay 3 days at Zant ; 15 days
(or in case of need 30 days) at Scanderone,
5 days at Cio, and 20 at Constantinople. On
the return journey, she was allowed a stay
^ of 3 days at Cio, and 50 at Scanderone, where
she was to take her lading for England. Be-
sides her master, she carried 53 men and a
boy. More elaborate were the regulations "
for the Sampson which also went to Constan-
tinople. The Master took with him 80 men
and boys, and such munition and other things
as should be needful for the defence of a ship
of such burthen " in those dangerous times."
For the same reason, no doubt, it was sugges-
ted that another ship be hired to accompany
the Sampson. From London she went to
Leghorn, stayed there 20 days and proceeded
to Zant. Only 3 days were allowed her in
Zant. Smyrna was her next point and she
stayed 5 days there, proceeding to Constan-
tinople for a stay of 30 days, to discharge
" Min. December 8, 1625.
i
THE LEVANT COMPANY 139
what she had brought and to take in lading for
home.
One last example shall be quoted, from
the year 1631.^2 Leghorn was again the first
place of call after London. The ship in
question might stay there 15 or 20 days, or
indeed so many days as were needed to dis-
charge and relade. From Leghorn she was
to make for Zant, stay there 3 days, and then
proceed to Scanderone, where she might stay
30 days or more, according to the time she
required for discharging. Thence she should
make for Cyprus, where 40 days were allowed
her, in order that she might be able to take
in her lading, hailf of which at most should
consist of cotton wool and cotton yam.
In 1637 1^ an incident occurred which
brought it about that the company decided
to add yet another regulation concerning its
shipping. It so happened that the Royal
Exchange had been chosen to sail for Scan-
derone, but it was found that very few people
sent goods to be laden. On enquiry it
appeared that there was a fear abroad that
^2 Min. December 20, 1631.
" Min. July 29, 1637.
140 THE LEVANT COMPANY
she was a crazy vessel. Whereupon the com-
pany ordered her to be examined by some of
the masters of Trinity House and certain car-
penters.i* They decided that in future all
ships before they were taken into the service
of the company should be so examined.
** This is a copy of the certificate made by the masters
of Trinity House —
" At the request of William Browne, master
of the good ship called the Royal Exchange of Lon-
don, we whose names are hereunto subscribed, have
been aboard and viewed the sufficiency of the said
ship, and find her able and sufficient to perform
her pretended voyage to Scanderone (and many
other by God's assistance). Witness our hands,
July 31st, 1637."
PIRATES, INTERLOPERS AND FACTORS
All these regulations had the great object in
v^_gw;^_gxpressed or unexpressed, of safe-
guarding the interests of members of the
company and of maintaining their sole rights
in the Levant trade. No doubt they proved
useful to a large extent. Yetjthe company ^
had trouble from three sources which was ^^^^^2^^
constant cause of irritation. There were
the "interlopers" — people who were i^ot -w-^Tv^^^j^
members of the company, yet attempted to
enjoy advantages which only members of the
company might have. There were secondly, -p^^Q^
pirates, and last of all, there were the factors
of members of the company resident in all '^■■•^■*^^
centres of trade in the Levant.
We have already mentioned examples of
interloping^^ which were attempts at nothing
less than smuggling. But these were not the
* See above, p. 109 £f
141
142 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
only ways of _avoidingJhe company's imposi^
tioris. A favourite trick appears to have
been to enter goods brought from Turkey, _in
tjie^name^of some member of the .company. ^
So grave did this trouble become that it was
found necessary to take serious steps jto check
it, A special officer was appointed, who
was strengthened by a warrant from the Lord
Treasurer, and his duty was to detain all
goods brought from Turkey until the owners
who came to claim them brought the com-
pany's seal to their bill of lading. William
Burgess, the company's secretary was ap-
pointed to the position, and special instruc-
tions were issued to him.^ He was to be
daily at the Custom House, in the forenoon :
and to see to it that no bill of entry passed
unless the company's seal was affixed to it.
An interesting suggestion was made with
regard to the bills ; the quantity of goods
mentioned had to be expressed in words and
not merely in figures, in order that no tam-
pering might take place — as seems to have
been the case in the past. The official of the
2 Cf. Min. December ii, 1633 ; December 18, 1633.
* Min. February 17, 1633.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 143
company was to watch the clerks of the
Custom House to see that there was no under-
hand dealing to the prejudice of the company.
He was to see also that no member of the
company lent his name to merchants who
were not freemen of the Company so that
these might get in their goods without having
to pay the duty.
But while jthe company could draw close
the net around its privileges, so that non-
members should not get in easily, they could
not protect themselves effectively against v^'-t^^^-t-c^
pirates. Piracy had been the scourge of
Mediterranean trade from its earliest begin-
nings.* The method adopted in the 17th
century to combat it was for all the trading
companies to combine in fitting out a fleet.
In this, of course, the Levant Company were
asked to participate. Such a request was
made in 1618,^ but they replied that their
means did not allow of their contributing
anything. Nor did they feel it their particu-
lar duty to participate in the venture, since
* Cf. Cunningham : Growth of English Industry and
Commerce, II. p, 251 ; p. 188. Cf. also above, p. 6.
^ Min. January 25, 1618.
144 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
Ithey had been at pains to build strong ships
/ .. (and to man them well both with sailors and
ammunition. Besides which, they had or-
dered all their ships to sail in fleets so that
they might the better be able to defend
'^ (themselves against pirates if they met them.*
The levy on the company for fighting the
pirates was unpopular, and if the company
subscribed anything it was because it had to.
In 1619 James had obtained a grant from
the trading companies for 2 years for this pur-
pose, and when the period was ended he
wished to continue the shipping against the
pirates for 3 months longer. Therefore it
became necessary to obtain a further grant
for this extra period, short though it was. A
meeting of the company was called ' to agree
to another subscription, but there was not a
sufficient attendance to proceed with the
business. It was feared that unless some
• This order was very often given, e.g. cf. Min.
March 28, 1622, where it is stated that a special mes-
senger was sent to the ships at Leghorn and Messina,
ordering them, if they had not -already contracted for
another voyage, to sail for Zant and accompany the
ships there on their homeward journey.
' Min. May 2, 1621.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 145
stern measures were adopted there would be
no obtaining of a sufficient attendance for
this purpose. So it was resolved to fine
absentees. Every Assistant who was not
present would have to pay 5 shillings and
every ordinary member half as much. A
meeting was thereupon called for the next day,
and as the attendance was by no means
satisfactory despite the fines, these were
raised to double the previous amount — 10
shillings on an absent assistant and 5 on an
ordinary member.
The question came up again in exactly the
same form in 1633. Charles had decided for
another fleet against the pirates to the cost
of which all the companies should contribute.
The message conveying the intention to the
Levant Company ^ stated that the pirates
" had done great spoil to his (majesty's)
subjects, their persons and goods, and taken
many ships, putting the men into captivity
and slavery." It was made clear that Charles
would have no arguments in the matter, and
" if the merchants would not consent and
find a way to raise the money, that then his
« Min. July 15, 1633.
I.
146 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
majesty would." The company had a day
or two for making their decision. They
waited to see what course of action the other
companies would take. At their next meeting ^
they resolved to petition the Privy Council
to be excused a contribution, seeing that they
had had bad times recently, and promising
to send out a reasonable proportion of shipping
against the pirates at their own charge.
The^ difficulty wjth regard to pirates is a
ny constant one^Jmt-_even so it did not^^ear
y^j/\j to trouble the company as mudi_as the factors
j^rJy in the East. To guide the factors in their
^^J^ dealings a mass of rules and regulations was
laid down by the company. The factors
were the agents^ in_ theJLeyant of members
of the company and they were there to do_
business for theirDrmcinals. But there was
always a strong temptation for them to do
business on their own account^^ '^ and^it was to
prevent this that the company, tried ^rious
ways-_and-Jiieans.
* Min. July 18, 1633.
10 " By which the principal hath a double prejudice
and loss : first, in that the' factors prefer the sale of their
own commodities, and secondly, that they make use
of their principal's money to their own benefit." Min.
January 20, 1631.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 147
At the court held on 20 January, 1630/*
a letter was read from Mr. Cowley, the com-
pany's agent at Zant, in which he informed the
company that factors were quite heedless
of the regulations in force, and not only were
great traders themselves but also dealt for
masters of ships. So once again it was laid
down by the company that factors were not
to trade, exception being made only for
Cowley ^2 "for his better encouragement."
Yet these regulatip_ns_made no difference.
The factors went on in their old way," and the
company saw themselves forced to sterner
measures. It was decided to recall all such
factors as broke the company's regulations.**
Yet, in order to remove temptation from their
way, the factors were given power ** to take
a Dollar " upon every thousand of currants
he shall lade for England." They might also
charge for stiving,*^ for waste of bags and
" See minutes under this date.
'2 Min. June 7, 1631.
*^ Cf. Min. March 2, 1630, where a penalty is laid
down as follows : If the offending factors are free of
the company they shall be disfranchised ; if not free,
they shall be made incapable of ever enjo5ring the
freedom. ** Min. January 25, 1631. " i.e. dusting.
148 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
boxes, for the lining and stuffing of the casks,
for hoops and nails, and so forth.
But all in vain. The regulations were
powerless jo check those factors who were
intent on avoiding them. Again and again
there were complaints against them. In
1638 1 ^ it was even alleged that some of them
had stolen the customs ; on another occa-
sion ^ ' that they had exceeded the stint on
currants, having bought more than they had
agreed to, and pretended that it was done at
the order of their employers. Yet again ^*
it was asserted that they charged their prin-
cipals a larger consulage than they actually
paid, and i' that they bought silk at one
weight and delivered it out to the account of
their principals by another — to their own
great profit.
Whether these^accusations were Jrue or
not_^ certain it is that the factors made a good
deaLout_Qf their positions, and were able to
live in grand style in . cpiLsequenc^. Other-
wise there would have been no occasion for
^^ Min. February 19, 1638.
^' Min. October 3, 1639.
18 Min. March 23, 1639. ^^ Min. June 2, 1C36.
THE LEVANT COMPANY ~ 149
the Governor to ask " the Company that they
should take some course against " the exorbi-
tant height and excess that their factors abroad
do Uve in for apparel and otherwise." Perhaps
one excuse for this was that some of them at
any rate were very young.^^
2" Cf. Min. October 3, 1638, where a letter from the
consul at Aleppo was mentioned, in which he asked the
company to send no factors to Aleppo " till they were
of the age of twenty-two or upwards, and had attained
to some settledness in judgment and manners."
XI
CONCLUSION
We have brought down our consideration of
the development of the Levant Company to
the year 1640. Perhaps it will be well to
finish this portion of our study with quoting
certain recommendations made by the com-
pany, recommendations which, we take it,
summed up and gave expression to the ex-
perience of the company during the first three
decades of its history. In 1640 the " Honour-
able Committee for Trade " assembled
in the House of Commons (9 June 1640).
This committee had already sent out 4 ques-
tions to the trading companies regarding
their commerce, and like the others, the
Levant Company were asked (i) whether there
was a decay in their trade ; (2) wherein the
decay consisted ; (3) what was its cause ;
and (4) how it might be remedied. On 9
July 1640 ^ the company considered what
- See minutes under that date.
IM
THE LEVANT COMPANY 151
answers should be given to these questions,
and among other things, decided to ask that
its Charter should be confirmed by Act of
Parliament. At the next meeting ^ the com-
pany demanded to be freed from all arrears
of impositions on silk, currants and other
commodities. They suggested, moreover, that|
shipping in strange bottoms should be most
strictly prohibited, for it was a source of loss
to the whole kingdom ; secondly, that a court
of merchants should be established for hearing
and deciding all controversies which con-
cerned merchants, in a summary and decisive
way of justice. This would avoid long and
tedious suits in the law courts, which cost
much money and wasted much valuable
time.
All this is novel ; and therefore a suitable
starting point for the second instalment of
the History of the Levant Company.
2 Min. January 12, 1640.
Appendix I
THE CHARTER TO THE COMPANY OF JAMES I.
1605.1
James by grace of God Kinge of England,
Scotland, Britnnie, and Ireland, defendor of
the faithe, etc., to all our officers, ministers
and subjects and all other people as well
within this our realme of England as elswhere
within our obeysance and jurisdiction or
otherwise unto whome these our Irs ^ shall
be seene shewd or read greeting : whereas
the trade of the Signiorie of Venice and the
Domynions of the graund Signior hath hereto-
fore bin granted by our late deceased sister
Elizabeth of famous memorye late queene
of England unto dy verse particuler marchants
of our citie of London by twoe generall
grauntes of priviledges and hath bin enioyed
^ This charter is numbered at the Public Record
Office. F.A. Levant Company, No. 107.
• i.e. letters.
163
154 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
by those marchants for dyverse yeares by
some of the said several grants which grants
being determyned and the said trade at this
present without government, we being de-
sierous not onely to uphold and mayntayne
the trade and traffique of our kingdomes for
the increase of our navigacion and the benifit
of our subjects but by the best means we may
devise to advance and enlarge the same have
resolved hereafter not to appropriate the
said trade of the Signiore of Venice and
Turkey to any lymited nombre of marchants
nor to anie one cittie towne or place within
these our realmes and Domynions nor to suffer
the same to be used or enjoyed in anie degree
of monopoly but to lay open the same to all
our loving subjects using onely the trade of
marchandize whoe are wiUing to enter into
the said trade upon such reasonable tearmes
and condicions as shall necessaryly belong
to the supporte of the same. And to that
end we have of late intimated our pleasure
in this behalfe and have caused notice thereof
to be geven by Ires wrytten under the hand
of our welbeloved cousin Thomas Earle of
Dorset our high Treasorer of England to all
THE LEVANT COMPANY 155
our porte Townes within this our realme of
England wherein marchants doe reside re-
quyring all such marchants whoe shall be
willing to enter into the said trade to repaire
unto our cittie of London to the Guildhall
of the said cittie and there to conferre with
such commissioners as we had or should
appoynte in that behalfe. And in theire
conference to consider not onely of the neces-
sary charge of the said trade of the Signiory
of Venice^ [and the Dom] ynion of the graund
Signior but of the trade of all other the partes
of the levant. And whether the Islandes
Portes havens creekes and other places of
traffique within the levant seas not hereto-
fore contayned with ^ [in the prijviledge
granted to the said marchants of London
weare fitt to be conteyned under one entire
government of marchants trading to the
levant. And whereas after such intimation
made of our pleasure for the e ' [ ]
trade for the general good of our subjects
repaire hath bin made by dyverse mar-
chants as well from sondrye other Ports of
3 There is a hole in the MS. here. The words there
are presumably those I have put between [ ].
156 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
this our realme of England as of oure Cittie
of London to the said place appoynted and
son dry e conferences have beine there had
betwene our said commissioners and the said
marchants touching the said trade and the
meanes to mayntaine and supporte the same
wherein it hath bin resolved fforasmuch as
the late discovery of the trade of the East
Indies wherby manie spices druggs silks and
marchandize which formerlie weare brought
into this realme of England and the Domynions
thereof by the trade of Turkey are nowe
brought imediately from the Indyes to the
diminucion of the said trade of Turkey that
therefore for the repayre of the said trade it
weare convenient that all the Islandes havens
ports creekes and all other the places of trade
and traffique within the levant or Mediter-
ranean Seas should be annexed and united
imto the Priviledges and gouvernement of this
trade of the Signiory of Venice and the Domy-
nions of the graund Signior and especiallye
for that those Islands havens Portes creekes
and other places of marchandizing have
theire peaceable and safe trafique against
the Turkes Galleyes by reason of the capitu-
THE LEVANT COMPANY 157
lacion of intercourse holden by us with the
Graund Signior and by the residence of our
Ambassador within his Domynions. And
whereas it was resolved in the said conference
for the necessarie supporte of the said trade
that active payment and contribucions should
be levyed rated and collected uppon all and
everie of the marchants which should enter
into the Priviledges and freedomes of this
trade ffyrste by the payment of a reasonable
some of money uppon their fyrst entry there-
unto and afterwardes from tyme to tyme by
a rateable levy uppon theire goodes and
marchandizes sent and retorned into and
from the places of trafiique by waye of con-
sulage as three, two or one in the hundred
more or less in and out as the necessary charge
of the trade shall require wherein one equall
and generall rate and proporcion of consulage
is to be kepte soe that all mens -goodes shall
be charged and rated alike uppon all which
and severall proceadinges in the navigation
of the trade aforesaid and uppon the desire
of diverse of our loving subjects whose names
doe hereafter ensue to have the said trade
established under a forme of govemement
158 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
manifesting theire desyre and redyness to
enter into the said trade of the Levant by
the payment of the severall somes of twentye
and fyve poundes by everye of them uppon
theire first entry towards the necessarye
supporte of the present charge of the said
trade giving theire full and free consent to
beare and paye uppon theire goodes to be
sent and retomed to and from all and everie
partes of the said trade such rateable con-
sulage as from tyme to tyme shall be found
proporcionable to supporte the future neces-
sarye charge thereof, know ye that we for
the consideracions aforesaid and for dyverse
other good causes and considerations as there-
unto especiallye moving, of our especiall
greate certaine knowledge and meere mocion
have willed ordayned constituted graunted
and declared and by these presents for us our
heires and successors doe will ordaine con-
stitute graunte and declare that our wel-
beloved subjects syr Thomas Lowe, syr John
Spencer, syr Thomas Smyth, syr Stephen
Soame, syr Robert Lee, syr leonerd holladay,
syr Willm Romney and syr John Ffeame
knights John Jowles cittizen and alderman
THE LEVANT COMPANY 159
of London, Willm Harborne' esquire Richard
Staper Willm Garrawaye Thomas Cordall
John Eldred Andrewe Bayning Robert
Sandy Thomas Symonds Robert Offley
Robert Coxe Nicholas Leate Roger O'feild (?)
Richard Aldworth Thomas Garraway Nicho-
las Salter Richard Martyn Thomas Farring-
ton John Bate Morris Abbott Willm Ffree-
man Jeffery Kirby Hugh Hammersley
Thomas Bostock Humfrey Robinson Raphe
Ffiche George Salter William Kellett Thomas
Cowley Thomas Juett William Wastell
Edward Abbott Phillip Dawkins Simon
Broadstreate John Dyke Thomas Sowth-
arcke Richard Wright Thomas Cutler Olyver
Style George Holman James Cullimer
Richard Wich Giles Parslowe William Harri-
son William Gowerson William Angell Wil-
liam Greene well Andrew EUim Samuell Hare
Richard Ven Lionel Cranfield William
Massam Robert Harvy Richard Coxe
Thomas Style Richard Talboys William
Heynes Robert Angell John Cornellis Richard
Deane Richard Husband Thomas Wright
John Humfrey William Gunnell William
Hynde William Walton John Skeete Clem-
i6o THE EARLY HISTORY OF
ent Edmonds Raphe Harrison John Deanes
Robert Johnson Richard Champion Edward
Barkeham John Banckes Samuell Armitage
Christofer NichoUs WiUiam Turnor Richard
Allen Humfrey Smyth John Bushbridge
William Wodder Robert Middleton Robert
Bateman Henry Barefoote Richard Cham-
pion Anthony Skinner William Anys Henry
Bridgman Lawrence Wetherall John Green-
wood Thomas Havers William Russell George
Wright William Millet Andrew Holdippe
Robert Spence Thomas Boothbye Humfrey
Milward William Dunckombe John Cooper
William Clarke George May Thomas Ed-
wardes Raphe Ffreeman Lawrence Greene
Robert Bowyer John HoUoway David
Bourne Richard Welby and John Rayney
marchants of our realme of England and
theire and everie of theire sonnes whatsoever
and all and everie other marchant and mar-
chants which shall hereafter from tyme to
tyme be admytted or made free in such manner
and forme as hereafter in these presents is
declared and specified and theire and everie
of theire sonnes whatsoever shall be one
fellowshipp, and one bodye corporate and
THE LEVANT COMPANY i6i
pollitique in deede and in name by the name
of Governor and company of marchants of
England trading into the Levant Seas. And
them by the name of Governor and company
of marchants of England trading into the
levant Seas one bodye corporate and pollitique
indeede and in name really and fully for us our
heires and successors we doe erecte name
constitute and declare by these presents and
that by the same name of Governor and com-
pany of marchants of England trading into
the levant seas they shall have perpetuell
succession and that they and theire successors
by the name of Governor and company of
marchants of England trading into the levant
Seas be and shall be at all tymes hereafter
one fellowshippe and one bodye corporate
and pollitique and capable in lawe to have
purchase receive possesse enjoye and retayne
mannors mesuages landes tenements liberties
priviledges franchises jurisdiccions and heredi-
taments of whatsoever kynde nature forme
and quallitie they shall be to them theire
successors in fee or perpetuitie or otherwise
for tearme of lyfe or yeares. And alsoe to
give graunte alien lett assigne and dispose
i62 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
manors mesuages landes tenements and heredi-
taments and to doe and execute all and singuler
other acts and things whatsoever by the same
name. And that they and theire successors
by the name of Governor and company of
marchants of England trading into the levant
seas maye sue and be sued pleade and be
impleaded aunsweare and be aunsweared
unto defend and be defended in whatsoever
courtes and places and before whatsoever
judges and before all psons * officers and
mynisters of us our heires and successors
whatsoever within this our realme of England
and other our Domynions whatsoever in all
and singuler pleas, actons, suites quarrells
causes and demandes whatsoever of what-
soever kynde nature or sorte in such manner
and forme as anie other our leige people of
this our realme of England or other our
Domynions being parsons able and capeable
in law may or can have purchase receive
possesse enjoye retaine geve graunte demyse
alien assign dispose plead and be impleaded
answeare and be answeared defend and be
defended doe pmet ^ and execute. And that
* i.e. persons. ^ i.e. permit.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 163
the said Governor and companye of marchants
of England trading into the levant seas and
theire successors maye have a comon seale
to serve for all the causes and businesses of
them and theire successors. And that it shall
and may be lawfull to the said Governor and
company of marchants of England trading
into the Levant Seas and theire successors
the same seale at theire will and pleasure to
breake chaunge alter and make newe as to
them shall seem expedient. And further
we will and by these presents for us our heires
and successors we doe ordaine that there shall
be from henceforth for ever hereafter one of
the said companye to be elected and ap-
pointed in such forme as hereafter in these
presents is expressed which shall be called
the Governor of the said company of mer-
chants of England trading into the levant
Seas. And for the better execucion of this
our will and graunte in that behalf we have
assigned named constituted and made and
by these presents for us our heires and suc-
cessors we doe assign name constitute and
make our welbeloved subject Syr Thomas
Lowe Knight and alderman of our cittie of
i64 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
London to be the first and present Governor
of the said company by vertue of these our
kes patent to contynue in the said office from
the date of these presents for the space of
one whole yeare nexte ensuying and from
thence untill another of the said companie
shall in due manner be chosen and swome to
the said office according to the ordinances
and provisions hereafter in these presents
expressed and declared yf be the said Syr
Thomas Lowe shall soe long lyve. And
further we will and ordeyne and by these
presents for us our heires and successors we
graunte that from henceforth for ever there
shall be eightene of the best and discreetest
parsons of the said company resident and
remayning within our cittie of London or
the libties ' thereof, the which eightene
parsons shall be and be called the assistants
of the said companie for all things matters
causes and businesses of the said companye
in all things towching [and] ' concerning the
good rule state and government of the same.
• i.e. liberties.
' There is a blank here in the MS. I assume the word
left out is " and."
THE LEVANT COMPANY 165
And that they maye and shall be from tyme
to tyme assistantes and ayders to the said
Governor or his Deputie or Deputies for the
time being in all causes or matters towching
or concerning the said companie. And for
the better executing of this our graunte we
have assigned nomynated constituted and
made and by these presents for us ourheires
and successors we doe assign nomynate con-
stitute and make the said Richard Stapers
Thomas Cordall Nicholas Leate Thomas
Symonds Robert Sandy Hugh Hammersley
John Bate Morris Abbott Jeffrey Kyrby
William Greenewell William Harryson
Samuell Hare Robert Harvye William Mas-
sam William Duncombe William Gowerson
Anthonye Skynner and George Holman to
be the first and present assistants of the said
companye from the date of these presents
for the tearme of one whole yeare nexte
ensuyng and from thence untill they or
eighteene others of the said companie shall
in due manner and forme be sworne into the
said office according to the ordinances and
provisions hereafter in these presents expressed
and declared. And further we will and by
i66 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
these presents for us our heires and successors
doe graunte unto the said Governor and com-
panye of the marchants of England trading
unto the levant seas and theire successors
that it shall and may be lawful to and for the
said Governor and Assistants of the said
companye for the tyme being or the greater
part of them present at anie publique assembly
cofhonly called the generall court for the
said companye whereof the Governor of the
said companye for the tyme being allwayes
to be one from tyme to tyme with the consent
of the greater parte of the said companye
assembled at such generall courte to electe^
[nominate] and appoynte one of the said com-
panye abiding and dwelling within our said
Cittie of London to be Deputie to the said
Governor for the tyme being for and concern-
ing the matters and businesses of the said com-
panie. And likewise one other pason of the
said companye to be Deputie to the said
Governor in everie other Cyttie Towne and
Porte within this our realme wherein anye'
® I cannot quite make the next word out. I take
it to be " nominate."
' The second page of the charter commences here.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 167
marchant free of the said companye shall be
inhabiting or resident which Deputie and
Deputies shall and may from tyme to tyme
in the absence of the Governor exercize and
execute the office of Governor in such sorte
as the said Governor ought to do. And shall
contynewe in the said offyce or offyces of
Deputie or Deputies to the said Governor
duering the pleasure of the said Governor
assistants and companye for the tyme being
or the most part of them. And to be re-
moved when the Governor and the Assistants
or the greater parte of them togeather with
the assent of the greater parte of the said
companye present at anie generall Courte
the Governor for the tyme being being one
shall thinke fitt. And furthermore for the
greater encrease and advancement of trade
and traffique and for the enriching of our
loving subjects being meere marchants we
doe for us our heires and successors straightly
charge and commande the said Governor
and companye of marchants of England trad-
ing into the levant seas and theire successors
That they and theire successors shall from
time to time and at all times hereafter admytt
i68 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
and receave into their said companye and
to be free of the same all and everie such pson
and psns being subjects of us our heires and
successors as nowe are or hereafter shall be
meere marchants above thage of Twentie
and syxe yeares and not within his or theire
apprenticeshippe and which by the lawes
and statutes of this our realme maye law-
fullye use the trade of marchandize from or
into our realme of England Soe as such pson
or psons require to be made free of the said
companye before the feaste of the Anuncia-
cion of our blessed ladye saint mary the virgin
nexte ensuying the date of this our graunte
And shall offer and paye unto the said Gover-
nor and companie for the tyme being at the
tyme of his or theire admyttance the some
of Twentie and fyve poundes for his or theire
freedome in that behcilfe and that they and
theire successors shall alsoe from tyme to
tyme admytt and receave into theire said
companye and to be free of the same all and
everye such pson and psons being subjects
of us our heires and successors as nowe be
or hereafter shall be meere marchants and
by the lawes and statutes of this realme may
THE LEVANT COMPANY 169
lawfully use the trade of marchandize from
or into the Realme of England which now
are or hereafter shall happen to be under
the age of sixe and Twentie yeares or not
oute of his or theire apprenticeshippe soe
as such pson or psons doe and shall require
to be free of the said companye within one
yeare nexte after he or they attaine the age
of sixe and Twentie yeares or within one yeare
nexte after the end of his or theire apprentice-
shippe. And shall offer and paye to the said
Governor or his said Deputie for the tyme
being and companye at the tyme of his or
theire admittance the some of ffyve and
Twentie poundes for his freedome in that
behalfe. And that they and theire successors
shall alsoe from tyme to tyme admit and
receive unto the said fellowshippe and to be
free of the same all and everie such pson and
psons being subjects of us our heires and
successors as nowe be or hereafter shall be
meere marchants and which by the lawes
and statutes of this realme of England may
lawfullie use the trade of marchandize from
or into this realme of England soe as such
pson or psons having neglected to be made
170 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
free before the said feaste of the Anunciacion
of our blessed ladye sainte marye the virgin
next 1® [ensuyng] the date hereof or which
at any tyme heereafter shall neglect to be
made free of the said companye within one
yeare nexte after he or they shall attaine the
full age of Twentie-six yeares or within one
yeare after the ende of his or theire appren-
ticeshippe as is aforesaid doe and shall require
to be made free of the same companye at
anie tyme whensoever after the said feaste
and shall offer and paye unto the said Gover-
nor or his said Deputy for the tyme being
and companye at the tyme of his or theire
admittance the some of ffyftie pounds for
his freedome in that behalfe. And our further
will and pleasure is and we doe hereby graunte
unto the said Governor and company of
marchants of England trading into the levant
seas and to theire successors that cdl and
everie the sonnes of all and everie such as
are or shall be of the said companie or cor-
poration and also all theire apprentices im-
ployed in that trade by the space of three
^^ There is a hole here in the MS. I take it the word
is " ensuyng."
THE LEVANT COMPANY 171
yeares or upwardes within the signiories
and Domynions aforesaid whither those
yeares of imployment be whoUye within
their apprentishipps or parteUe within theire
apprentishippes and partlye after theire ap-
prentishippes ended and whether those yeares
of imployment be jointly togeather or at
severall tymes amounting to three yeares or
upwardes shall from tyme to tyme at all tymes
hereafter after theire severall apprentice-
shippes fullye ended and wholly imployed
in the service of theire masters uppon pre-
senting of theire and everie or anie of theire
name or names unto the said Governor and
company of marchants and uppon payment
of the some Twentie shilHngs onely for
the freedome of eache and everie such sonne
or apprentice unto such officer or other pson
as by the said Governor and company for
the tyme being shall be appoynted for the
Receipte thereof shall and may be admytted
and becofne free of the said companie and
corporacion of Governor and company of
marchants of England trading into the levant
seas. And towching such apprentices of all
and everie pson or psons as are or shall be
172 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
of the same companie or corporacon which
duering theire apprentishippe are not or
shall not be imployed in the said trade by
the space of three yeares or upwardes within
the signiories and Domynions aforesaid :
Our will and pleasure is that everie or anie
pson or psons nowe being or which hereafter
shall be of the said companye or Corporation
shall or maye once in everie seaven yeares
nexte ensuyng the date hereof make one
such his apprentice free of this company or
corporation albeit the same apprentice have
not bein imployed as aforesaid paying at
his admyssion to be free of the said companie
the some of Twentie shillings unto such
officer or other pson as by the said Governor
and companie for the tyme being shall be
appoynted for the receipte thereof as is afore-
said And whereas dyverse and sondrye
of our subjects have bein bounde apprentices
and have served theire full apprentishipp
with several psons which weare of the former
societie of the marchants of London trading
the levant seas and have bein imployed in
the said trade in the service of theire masters
by the space of three yeares or more and by
THE LEVANT COMPANY 173
reason of the dissolving of the former societie
have not bein made free of the said trade
according to the tenor of theire Indentures
of Apprentishipp our will and pleasure is
and we do heereby ordaine and appoint the
said Governor and Company for the tyme being
to admitt into the freedome of this present
company of marchants of England trading
the levant seas such and soe many of our said
subjects as shall have bein so imployed and
have served theire said apprentishippes pay-
ing such reasonable ffynes upon theire said
admyssions as to the said Governor and com-
panye or the more parte of them for the tyme
being the Governor for the tyme being being
one shalbe thoughte meete and reasonable
so as the same ffyne soe to be payd by everie
such pson uppon his admyssion as aforesaid
do not exceede the some of Twentie nobles.
And our further will and pleasure is and by
these presents for us our heires and successors
we will and graunte unto the said Governor
and companye of marchants of England
trading into the levant seas and to theire
successors that all and singuler such some
and somes of monie as at anie tyme or tymes
174 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
hereafter shall be due receaved or paid for
or in respecte of anie admittance or admit-
tances into the said Incorporation of Governor
and companie of marchants of England trad-
ing into the levant seas by force and vertue
of these presents shall from tyme to tyme
be 5nnployed and bestowed to and for the
use and behoofe of the said Governor and
companye of marchants of England trading
into the levant seas for and towards the
discharging and defraying of the debtes and
moneyes taken upp in Turkye by the Ambas-
sador and consuUs there resident uppon such
marchants and others as have traded those
partes since the decease of the said late queene
Elizabeth over and besides such due consulage
as those marchants weare to paye uppon
theire goodes traded for and towardes the
mayntenance of the said ambassador and
consulls duering that tyme and for and to-
wards such other debtes and arrerages as
doe depend uppon the said former Societie
and which weare by them owing before the
dissolving of their former priviledges Provided
allwaies that no pson or psons which be or
shall be admitted into this company or fellow-
THE LEVANT COMPANY 175
shipp in manner and forme as is aforesaid
other then such onely as heretofore in the
tyme of the said late queene EUzabeth and
duering the contynewance of the former
Ires patent of freedome and priviledge of the
said trade were free of the societie of mar-
chants of london trading into the levant
seas shalbe charged with the payment of
anie debtes charges or payment owing or
payable by the said former societie or fellow-
shipp concerning the mayntenance of the
said trade or for other debtes charges or
arrerages for anie cause belonging to the said
trade growing due before the feaste of saint
michaell the archangell last past before the
date of these presents But that all such
debtes arrerages charges and payments soe
formerlie due shall be defrayed by the mar-
chants which had and enioyed the former
liberties priviledges Ires patents of the said
late queene Elizabeth toward the levying
and cleering of all which former debts pay-
ments and charges before the said feaste of
sainte michaell the archangell last past soe
due by the said former societie we doe hereby
aucthorice and appoynt the marchants formerly
176 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
interessed in the said trade of the levant seas
by force of the former Ires patents not onely
to receave and retaine of the monies which
shall be collected and receaved for thadmys-
sion of ffreemen into this company all such
admyssion monies as shall be due as well by
themselves for theire severall admyssions as
by others that weare not of the former privi-
ledges but alsoe to coUecte and gather in all
such debtes and dueties which weare due
and owing eyther by waye of consulage
imposicons or otherwise unto the former
societie before the dissolving of the said former
priviledges untill the moneye by them to be
collected uppon the said debtes dueties and
admyssion money shall arrise to the some of
eight Thowsand poundes sterling out of which
eight thowsand poundes they shall defraye
all the said debtes arrerages and charges due
and owing or otherwise formerlye growing
uppon the said trade for the charge of the
ambassador and consulls resident in Turkey
and alsoe all other charges depending uppon
the said trade from tyme to tyme formerlie
growen due untill the said feast of saint
michaell tharchangell last past before the
THE LEVANT COMPANY 177
date hereof. And shall alsoe with the said
allowance of eight Thowsand poundes content
themselves for the charges heretofore by them
expended uppon such houses and furniture
of house and warehouses appertayning and
belonging to the said late societie And to
leave the same houses and furniture to the
use of this present Governor and companye
of merchants of England trading into the
Levant seas and theire successors allwaies
excepted one warehowse at Petrasse which
particularly and soly doth appertaine to
Richard Staper of London marchant and
that the overplus which shall arrise and growe
out of all and everie the said debtes dueties
and admyssion money over and besides the
said some of eighte Thousand poundes shall
from tyme to tyme hereafter be imployed by
the said Governor and company for and
towardes the yearlie charges which shall
hereafter growe for the contyneuance and
mayntenance of the said companie. And
our will and pleasure is and by these presents
for us our heires and successors of our especiall
grace certaine knowledge and meere mocion
wee doe will and graunt that yf anie of our
N
178 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
loving subjects being a meere marchant or
meere marchants and which for anie some or
somes or other consideracons agreable to the
articles and clauses before mentioned mighte
or oughte to be admytted into the said cor-
poracion of Governor and company of mar-
chants of England trading into the levant
seas and according to the true entent and
meaning of these presents shall uppon reason-
able request and uppon payment or tender
of such some or somes of money or pformance
of such other consideracons as is afore-
said be refused by the said Governor and
companie to be admytted and made free of
the said -^ompanye contrarie to the true
entent and meaning hereof Then we for us
our heires and successors doe graunte and
ordaine by these presents that everie such
pson and psons soe being refused shall be free
of the said companye and a member of the
said Incorporacon these presents or anie
thinge therein conteyned to the contrarie
notwithstanding And further we will and
by these presents for us our heires and succes-
sors we doe graunte to the said Governor
and company of marchants of England trad-
THE LEVANT COMPANY 179
ing into the levant seas and theire successors
That the said Governor for the tyme being
or his Deputie with the assent and consent
of the said assistants or the greater parte of
them together with the greater parte of the
said companie of marchants of England
trading into the levant seas assembled at a
generall courte maye and shall have power
to name choose and appointe at theire will
and pleasure from tyme to tyme one or more
of the said companie to be the consuU consulls
or vice-consuUs of the said Governor and
companye of marchants of England trading
into the levant seas in all such places of the
Signiorie of Venice the Domynions of the
Graund Signior and other places within the
levant as they shall thinke meete which
consulls or vice consuUs shall be resident in
such place and places as the said Governor
and Assistants of the ffellowshipp aforesaid
or the greater parte of them together with
the assent of the greater parte of the said
companie present at any courte or assembly
shall thinke meete and^^ convenient. And
that for the said consull and consulls and
11 Page 3 of the charter commences here.
i8o THE EARLY HISTORY OF
vice consulls and everie of them soe named
and chosen shall have authoritie and power
to governe all singuler marchants being
subjects of us our heires and successors as
well of the said company as others which be
not of the said companie and theire ffactors
agents and servants trading marchandize
into the signiorie of Venice the Domynions
of the graunde Signior and other places afore-
said And to administer to them and everie
of them full speedie and expedite justice in
all theire plaintes causes and contencions
amongst them begune and to be begune in
the said Domynions of the Signiorie of Venice
and the graunde Signior and other places
aforesaid and to pacific decide and determyne
all and all manner of questions discordes and
strifes amongst them in anie the Signiorye
Domynions and places aforesaid moved and
to be moved for the better govemement of
the said marchants in the Signiorye Domynions
and places aforesaid for the tyme being
And alsoe that the said consuU consulls and
vice consulls and everie of them resident in
the said Signiorye Domynions and places
aforesaid shall have full power and lawfull
THE LEVANT COMPANY i8i
aucthoritie to doe and execute all thinges
which by the said Governor or his Deputie
and Assistants of the said companie for the
tyme being or the more parte of them to-
geather with the assent of the said companie
resident in London present at anie courte
or assembly shall be unto the said consuU
or consulls and vice consuUs and everie of
them in the said Signiorye Domynions and
places aforesaid for the tyme being prescribed
and appoynted according to the Statutes
actes and ordinances of the said companie
Soe as anie of the ordinances orders direccions
and constitucions soe to be prescribed be
not to the hinderance of the trade of anie of
the said companie behaving him or themselves
duelye and orderlye as becoiheth good mar-
chants of the said companye without anie
fraudulent or disorderly attempte or practize
And that it shall be lawfull for the said
Governor and companie and theire successors
the said consul! or consulls or vice consulls
and everie of them to change and remove
at theire pleasure. And further we will and
for us our heires and successors by these
presents doe graunte unto the said Governor
i82 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
and companie of marchants of England trading
into the levant seas and theire successors
that they or the greater parte of them whereof
the said Governor or his Deputie for the tyme
being to be one from tyme to tyme and at all
tymes hereafter shall and may have aucthoritie
and power yearely and everie yeare uppon
the ffirst day of ffebruarie or at anie tyme
within ffowerteene dayes after that daye to
assemble and meete togeather in some con-
venient place within the cittie of london to
be appoynted from tyme to tyme by the said
Governor or in his absence by his Deputie
for the tyme being And that being soe
assembled yt shall and maye be lawfull to
and for the said Governor and companie of
marchants of England trading into the levant
seas for the tyme being or the greater parte
of them which then shall happen to be present
whereof the Governor or his Deputie for the
tyme being to be one to electe and nominate
one of the said companye which shall be
Governor of the said companye for one whole
yeare from thence nexte following and from
thence untill one other of the said companie
shall in due manner be chosen and sworne
THE LEVANT COMPANY 183
unto the said office according to the true
meaning of these presents And after the
said Governor soe chosen yt shall be likewise
lawfull to the said Governor and companye
for the tyme being or the greater parte of
them as ys aforesaid to electe ordayne
nomynate and appoynte one other of the
said companie resident within our said Cittie
of London which shall be Deputie to the said
Governor for one whole yeare from thence
following and from thence untill another of
the said companie shall in due manner be
chosen unto the said office according to the
true meaning of these presents. And after
the said Deputie soe chosen it shall be alsoe
lawfull unto the said Governor and companye
for the tyme being or the greater parte of them
as is aforesaid to nomynate elect and appoynt
eighteene of the best and most discreete
psons of the said companie inhabiting within
the cittie of London or the liberties thereof
to be assistants to the said Governor and
companie for one whole yeare then nexte
following and from thence forth untill a newe
eleccion of Assistants of the said companye
shall be made which said severall psons so
i84 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
nomynated elected and chosen to the severall
offices aforesaid before they shall enter into
execucion of anie of the said severall offices
shall take theire corporall oathes before the
laste Governor or his Deputie Assistants and
companie or the greater parte of them psent
at such courte or assembly that they shall
duely and truelie execute theire said offices
whereunto they shall be severally chosen in
all thinges concerning the same. And that
the said laste Governor or his Deputie shall
have full power and authoritie from tyme
to tyme to give and mynister to the said
severall psons soe elected and chosen the
said oathe accordinglye. And if it shall
happen the said Governor the said Deputie
or Assistants or anie of them to dye or uppon
juste cause to be removed from theexecucon
of anie of theire said places as before the tyme
of the yearelie eleccion of the said officers
by these presents assigned for anie mis-
demeanor by them comytted in the execucon
of theire said office for which cause it shall be
lawf ull for the said companie at theire generall
assemblye in the presence of the Governor
or his Deputie and the greater nomber of
THE LEVANT COMPANY 185
thassistants togeather with the consent of
the greater nomber of the companie assembled
to displace anie officer formerlie chosen
That then and soe often the said Governor
and companie or his deputie with the greater
nomber of Assistants with the assent of the
greater nomber of the companie present at
theire generall courte to electe and choose
soe manie pson or psons of the said com-
panie as shall supplie the place or places of
every pson or psons soe dying or being re-
moved as aforesaid. And furthermore our
will and pleasure is and by these presents for
us our heires and successors we doe graunte
to the said Governor and companie of mar-
chants of England trading into the levant
seas and theire successors that it shall and
maye be lawfull to and for the Governor or
his Deputie or Deputies and to the said Assis-
tants and companie and theire successors for
the tyme being or the greater parte of them
for ever to assemble themselves for or about
anie the matters causes affaires or businese
of the said companie in anie place or places
for the same convenient within our cittie of
london or our Realme of England and there
i86 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
to houlde Courte for the said companie and
the affaires thereof. And that alsoe it shall
and may be lawfuU to and for them or the
more parte of them being soe assembled and
then present in anie such place or places
whereof the Governor for the tyme being or
his Deputie to be one to make ordaine and
establishe statutes lawes orders constitucions
and ordinances as well for the good rule and
govemement of the said Governor and com-
panie of marchants of England trading into
the levant seas and theire successors as of all
and singuler other subjects of us our heires
and successors entermedling or by anie means
exercizing marchandize in anie parte of the
Signiorie of Venice or the Domynions of the
Graund Signior and other places within the
levant seas and the same lawes orders con-
stitucions and ordinances soe had and made
to putt in use and execute accordinglie and
at theire pleasure to revoake the same or
anie of them as occasion shall require. And
that the said Governor and companye or
the greater parte of them present at anie
courte or assembly as often as they shall make
ordeyne or establishe anie such statutes lawes
THE LEVANT COMPANY 187
orders constitucions or ordinances in forme
aforesaid shall and maye lawfuUie ordaine
lymitt and provide such paynes punyshments
and penalties by ymprisonment of bodie or
by fynes and amercements or by all or anie
of them to be extended upon and against
all and everie offendors contrarie to such
statutes lawes orders constitucions and ordi-
nances or anie of them as to the said Governor
and companie for the tyme being or the greater
parte of them then and there being present
or assembled the Governor or in his absence
his said Deputie being allwaies one shall
seeme necessarie requisite or convenient for
the observacion of the same statutes lawes
constitucions orders and ordinances And
the same ffynes and amerciaments shall and
maye levy take and have to the use of the
said Governor and companye and theire
successors without the ympeachment or lett
of us our heires or successors and without
anie accompte therefore to us our heires
or successors to be rendered or made. All
and singuler which statutes lawes consti-
tucions orders and ordinances soe as afore-
said to be made we will to be observed
i88 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
pformed and kept under the paines and
penalties therein to be conteyned soe as the
same statutes lawes constitucons orders and
ordinances forfeytures and penalties be not
contrarie or repugnant to the lawes and
statutes of this Realme nor contrarie
repugnant or derogatorie to anie treatise
leagues capitulacions or covenants betwene
us our heires or successors and anye other
Prince or Potentate made or to be made
nor tending to the hinderance of the trade
and trafhque of anie of the same companie
behaving hym or themselves duelie and
orderlie as becometh good marchants of the
said companie without anie fraudulent or
disordered attemptes or practices. And also
wee will and by these presents for us our
heires and successors wee doe graunte to the
said Governor and companie of marchants of
England trading into the levant seas and
theire successors that the said Governor or
his Deputie or Deputies and assistants afore-
said or the more parte of them for the tyme
being togeather with the consent of the greater
parte of the companye assembled at a generall
courte may and shall have full and whole
THE LEVANT COMPANY 189
power and aucthoritie from tyme to tyme at
theire will and pleasure to assesse and sett
reasonable and convenient somes of money
as well uppon the marchandize to be trans-
ported or carried out of this Realme of England
or Domynions of the same into the Signiorye
of Venice and the Domynions of the Graund
Signior and other places within the levant
seas or anie the partes or Domynions thereof
as alsoe uppon all other marchandize to be
transported out of the said Signiorye of
Venice and the Domynions of the Grand
Signior and other places within the levant
seas or anie the partes or Domynions thereof
in or to this Realme of England or Domynions
of the same or elsewhere And uppon everie
shipp laden with the said marchandize as to
them shall seeme requisite and convenient
for the comon proffit and sustentacon of the
necessarie and reasonable stipendes and other
charges of the said companie and corporacon
whether such somes of money soe sett either
uppon the goodes or shippes used in the said
trade be rated by waye of consulage or other-
wise. And further we will and by these
presents for us our heires and successors doe
igo THE EARLY HISTORY OF
graunte to the said Governor and companie
of marchants of England trading into the
levant seas and theire successors [that] ^^
yf anie of the said companie or other pson
or psons which shall use the trade of marchan-
dize into the said Domynions of Turkey the
Signiorie of Venice and other places of traf-
fique within the levant seas or anie parte
thereof shall refuse to paie or shall not paie
the said somes of money soe assessed or to
be assessed or sett uppon theire marchandize
or shippes as aforesaid or shall offend or doe
against the advancement of the said trade
and traffique and the comon profhtt of the
priviledges or liberties of the said companie
in and by these presents to the said Governor
and companie graunted or contrairie to anie
article clause or graunte herein contayned
or againste anie statute acte or ordinances
by the said Governor or his Deputie or Depu-
ties or Assistants aforesaid or the greater
parte of them in manner and forme aforesaid
made or hereafter to be made or shall refuse
to paye the said some or somes of money
*2 The word is so faint in the MS. that it can scarcely
be read. I take it to be " that."
THE LEVANT COMPANY 191
ffyne or ffynes forfeyture or forfeytures or
penalties due assessed or appoynted to be by
them payed to the said Governor or his
Deputie or Deputies and Assistants aforesaid
by the said actes or ordinances or anie of
them Or yf anie pson or psons whatsoever
by anie means directlie or indirectlie or by
waye of complainte or by anie other cautell
devise considerac5n or intelligence with anie
forraigne Prince Potentate or magistrate or
with any stranger borne attempte or cause
to be attempted or breake violate or make
void these our priviledges or anie of them
or anie article in these presents contayned
to the said Governor and companie of mar-
chants of England trading into the levant
seas graunted whether it be within this our
Realme of England or else where That then
and soe often it shall and maye be lawfuU to
the said Governor or his Deputie and to the
said Assistants or the greater parte of them
which shall be then present at anie courte or
assemblye and theire successors for the tyme
being and to the consull consulls or vice
consulls to be appoynted and established in
the Signiories of Venice the Domynions of
192 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
the Graund Signior and other places of traf-
fique in the levant seas as aforesaid and to
the Deputie and Deputies or anie other officer
established or appoynted in anie Porte Towne
or other place in this our real me of England
by the said Governor and companie for the
tyme being such obstinate offenders and ill
doers to chastice and correcte by imprison-
ment or otherwise by fyne amercement or
other reasonable punyshment according to
the quallitie of the faulte or offence as by
the said Governor for the tyme being or his
Deputie and the said assistants or the greater
parte of them for the tyme being which shall
be then soe present and assembled shall be
ordered and adjudged And that then and
soe often it shall be lawfull to and for the
said Governor or his Deputie and the said
assistants or the greater parte of them for
the tyme being present at anie courte or
assembly or to and for their officer and officers
in that behalfe by them appoynted and
aucthorised to enter into anie house shoppe
warehouse celler or shippe where anie goodes
or marchandize of such offendor or offenders
or pson or psons soe refusing to paye the said
THE LEVANT COMPANY 193
ffynes and penalties imposed on hym or them
shall be or remaine and the same goodes or
marchandizes to distraine and the ^^ distresse
and distresses there founde to take seize
carrye away detaine and keepe untill the
same fynes and penalties and everie of them
shall be fullye satisfied contented and paide
to the said Governor Deputie or assistants
according to the true entent and meaning
of these presents. And for that diverse
psons our subjects being not brought upp
[to] ^* marchandize or use of trafhque but
altogeather ignorant and inexpert aswell in ^'^
the order and rule of marchandize as in the
lawes and customes in the Domynions of
Turkye Signiorie of Venice and other places
of traffique in the levant seas And in the
customes usages tolls and values of moneyes
weightes and measures and in all other thinges
belonging to marchandize verye necessarie
through theire Ignorance and lacke of know-
1^ Page 4 of the MS. commences here. It is the
uppermost full page, consequently the lower half is
rather dirty and therefore somewhat more difficult to
read than the rest.
1* This word is illegible. I take it to be " to."
1' This word is repeated in the MS.
194 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
ledge do cofhytt manie inconveniences and
absurdities as we are informed to the offence
of us and the graund Signior We willing
to prevent and meete with such incon-
veniences and intending to helpe the experte
and exercised marchants in theire honest and
lawfull trade and to establishe good order
and govemement in the said trade of our
ample and abundant grace certaine knowledge
and meere mocion have graunted and by these
presents for us our heires and successors doe
graunte unto the said Governor and com-
panye of marchants of England trading into
the levant seas and theire successors That they
onelye which nowe are or hereafter shall be
of this Incorporacion or free of this companie
and none other shall have use and enioye anie
trade or traffique or anie libertie use or
priviledge of trading or traffiquing and using
the trade and seate of marchandize in or to
the Signiorie of Venice the Gulfe of Venice
the State of Ragousa or anie other state or
Govemement within the Gulf of Venice or in
or to anie parte of them or anie of them or in
or to anie the places of trade and traffique
within anie the Domynions of the Graund
THE LEVANT COMPANY 195
Signior or anie parte of them or in or to anie
other parte of the levant or mediterranean
seas or anie the Islands citties Townes Portes
havens creekes or places of traffique within
the said levant or mediterranean seas other
then to these Islands citties Townes Portes
havens creekes or places of trafiique within
the said levant or mediterranean seas hereafter
pticulerlie mencioned which formerlie weare
not pcell ^* of the priviledges heretofore
graunted to the former societie videlt " Cartha-
gena AUegant Denia Valencia Barcelona
Marcelles Tolone Genua Legome Naples
Civita Vecha Palermo Mecena Malta Majorca
Minorcha Corsica and all other ports and
places of trade uppon the severall costs of
Spaine ffrance and Tuscan or anie of them
To all which severall Islandes citties Townes
Portes havens creekes and places of traffique
being not pcell of the priviledges graunted to
the said former societie Our will and pleasure
is that it shall and maye be lawfuU to all or
anie of our loving subjects trading marchan-
dize albeit they be not free of this Incorpora-
cion to use trade and traffique under the pay-
^* i.e. parcel]. ^' i.e. videlicet.
196 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
ment and condicions hereafter expressed
And therefore we will and by vertue of our
prerogative royall do straightlie charge com-
mand and prohibite for us our heires and
successors all the subjects of us our heires
and successors of what degree or quallitie
soever they be that none of them directly or
indirectlie doe visitt haunt frequent or trade
trafiique or adventure by waye of marchan-
dize into and from the said Signiory of Venice
the Golfe of Venice the State of Ragousa or
anie other state or governement within the
Golfe of Venice or into or from anie the places
of trade and traffique within the Domynions
of the graund Signior or anie parte thereof
or in or to anie other parte of the levant or
mediterranean Seas except before excepted
other then the said Governor and companie
of marchants of England trading into the
levant seas and theire successors and such
pticuler psons as nowe be or hereafter shall
be of that company theire ffactors agents
servants and assignes uppon payne not onelie
to incurre our indignacion but alsoe to paye
unto the said Governor and companie theire
Deputies consults and officers imployed eyther
THE LEVANT COMPANY 197
within this our Realme of England or in anie
the partes within the Domynions Signiories
and places aforesaid by waye of fyne for such
theire contemptes consulage or imposicions
after the rate of Twentie uppon the hundred
according to the valewe of theire goodes soe
traded into the places where theire goodes
or shippes shall be founde anie lawe statute
custome or ordinance heretofore made or put
in use to the contrarie thereof not withstand-
ing Provided alwaies and our expresse will
and meaning is this priviledge notwithstand-
ing that the Islands citties Townes havens
Portes Creekes and other places of Traflfique
within the levant or mediterranean seas
before these presents pticularly mentioned
and expressed which f ormerlie weare not pcell
of the priviledges of the said former societie
shall not be soe united and annexed to the
present priviledge of this companie But
that it shall be lawfuU to all and everie pson
and psons our naturall subjects trading mar-
chandize to visite anie of those Islands havens
portes creekes and places of trade albeit they
be not free of this fellowshippe soe longe as
they shall be willing to paye and doe paye
198 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
unto the said Governor and companie and to
theire successors consuUs and other officers
resident in those places such consulage as shall
be by the general courte of the said companie
reasonablye rated and assessed uppon such
shippes and marchandize as shall from tyme
to tyme be sent or traded into anie of the said
Islands havens Portes creekes and places of
traffique being noe other than such or the like
rates which shall be assessed to be paide and
borne aswell by the bretheren of the said com-
panie for theire trade in those places as by such
as are not or shall not be free of the same.
And further of our more especiall grace cer-
taine knowledge and meere mocon we will and
by these presents for us our heires and succes-
sors graunte to the said Governor and com-
panie of marchants of England trading into
the levant seas and theire successors that it
shall and may be lawfull to and for the said
Governor and companie as alsoe the said con-
suU consulls or vice consulls in the Domynions
of Turkey the Signiorie of Venice and other
places of traffique within the levant seas for
the tyme being or the greater parte of them
which shall be present at anie courte or assem-
THE LEVANT COMPANY 199
bly all and singuler the subjects of us our
heires and successors not being of the said
companye of marchants of England trading
into the levant seas within the Signiorie of
Venice Ragousa the Gulfe of Venice and the
Domynions of the graunde Signior which shall
attempte to use marchandize in the said
Signiories and Domynions aforesaid contrarie
to the forme and tenor of these presents to
punishe at theire will and pleasure according
to their statutes and ordinances [ ] ^®
and freelie and lawfuUie compell them and
everie of them to desist theire attemptes by
fynes mulcts imprisonment and other paynes
And that all and singuler paines forfeytures
and amercements leavied and collected or to
be levied and collected for the violation or
not observing of anie acts lawes statutes or
ordinances by the Governor or his Deputie
and the said assistants and companie or the
greater parte of them for the tyme being
present or assembled made or to be made
shall be leavied by distresse or by anie other
lawfull way or meanes as the said Governor
** The passage is difficult to decipher. It looks hke
" viz. of this ," the last word being illegible
200 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
and Assistants of the said Companie or the
greater nomber of them for the tyme being
present at anie courte or assembly shall
thinke meete and shalbe ymployed to the
use and behoofe of the said Governor and
companie of marchants of England trading
into the levant seas and theire successors.
And further we straightlie charge comande
and by these presents prohibitt all and singu-
ler Customers comptrollers and collectors of
custome pondage and subsidies and all our
ffermors of all our customes subsidies and
imposicions and all other officers aswell
within the Porte of our cittie of London as in
all other our Ports within our Realme of
England to whom it shall appertaine and
everie of them That they or anie of them by
themselves theire clarkes or substitutes shall
not takeentrie of anie goodes wares or mar-
chandize to be transported into the Domynions
of Turkey the Signiorie of Venice or anie other
places of traffique within the levant seas
aforesaid or make anie agreament for anie
custome poundage or other subsidie for anie
such goodes wares or marchandize to be
transported into the Domynions of Turkey
THE LEVANT COMPANY 201
the Signiorye of Venice or anie other place
within the levant seas aforesaid But onely
of such pson or psons as is or shall be free
of the said companie by vertue of these our
Ires patents. And for the better and more
suer observacion thereof we will and graunte
for us our heires and successors by these
presents That the lorde Treasorer of Eng-
land Chancellor and Barons of the Exchequer
of us our heires and successors for the tyme
being or anie three or more of them whereof
the said lord Treasorer for the tyme being to
be one by force of these presents or thinroU-
ment thereof in the saide courte of Exchequer
at all and everie tyme and tymes hereafter
at and uppon the request of the said Governor
and companie for the tyme being theire
attorney or attorneys Deputie or assignes
shall and maye make and directe under the
scale of the said courte one or more sufficient
writt or writts close or patent unto everie or
anie our said customers or other officers unto
whome it shall appertaine comaunding them
and everie of them therebie that they nor
anie of them at anie tyme or tymes hereafter
shall take entrie of anie goodes wares or
202 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
marchandizes to be transported into the
Domynions of Turkey the Signiorye of Venice
or anie other places of traffique within the
levant seas aforesaid with anie pson or psons
whatsoever other then with or in the name
of the said Governor and companie aforesaid
or with or in the name of some pson or psons
that is or shall be free of the said companie
by vertue of these our Ires patents Willing
hereby and straytly charging and comaunding
all and singuler Admiralls vice admiralls
Justices mayors sheriffs Escheators constables
Bayliffes and all and singuler other our ofl&cers
ministers liegemen and subjects whatsoever
to be ayding or favoring helping and assisting
unto the said Governor and companie and
to theire officer and officers agents and minis-
ters in the executing and enjoying the pre-
misses. And further our will and pleasure
is and we doe by these presents for us our
heires and successors ordaine and appoynte
that all and everie pson and psons which by
vertue and force of these presents are and
shall be admytted and made free of the said
corporacon of Governor and companie of
marchants of England trading into the levant
THE LEVANT COMPANY 203
seas shall at the tyme of his and theire admit-
tance before the said Governor or his ^Deputie
and ffower of the assistants of the said com-
panie for the tyme being take his and theire
corporall oathe and oathes for his and theire
good behaviour in the companie aforesaid
And for the pf ormance of all the lawfuU orders
and ordinances made and to be made for the
good govemement of the said company e.
And that the said Governor or his Deputie
shall have full power and aucthoritie by these
presents from tyme to tyme to geve and
minister such oath to everie such pson and
psons soe to be admytted and made free of
the said companie. And moreover we will
and for us our heires and successors doe
graunte by these presents to the said Governor
and companie of marchants of England
trading into the levant seas and theire suc-
cessors That the said Governor or his Deputie
and the assistants of the said companie for
the tyme being or the more parte of them
being togeather with the assent of the greater
parte of the companie present at anie generall
courte shall and may from tyme to tyme
remove expell and putt oute of the said com-
204 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
panie anie of the said companye which they
shall knowe or by good testimonie made
before them fynde to be Retaylers and not
meere marchants or which shall fall into
exercising or practizing of offences and prac-
tizes of evill demeanor for the breaking of
anie acte statute or ordinance of the said com-
pany for theire good governement made or
published or to be made or published
and that all psons soe amoved or excluded
from thenceforth shall by noe meanes
intermeddle or use anie trade of mar-
chandize or trafhque with the said com-
panie of marchants of England trading into
the levant seas. And furthermore of our
especiall grace certaine knowledge and meere
mocion we will and by these presents for us
our heires and successors doe graunte unto
the said Governor and companie of marchants
of England trading into the levant seas and
theire successors That the Governor or his
Deputie or Assistants for the tyme being or
the greater part of them togeather with the
consent of the greater parte of the companie
present at anie generall courte or assembly
may and shall have full power and aucthoritie
THE LEVANT COMPANY 205
at theire willes and pleasures from tyme to
tyme to assign appointe create and ordaine
such and soe manie officers and mynisters
aswell within our cittie of London and in all
other places of our Realme of England or
other our Domynions alsoe in the said partes
beyonde the seas and everie of them as to the
said Governor or his Deputie and Assistants
aforesaid for the tyme being or the greater
parte of them shall seeme expedient for the
doing and executing of the affaires and busi-
nesses appertayning to the said companie
As alsoe to receave gather and leavy by dis-
tresse or other lawfuU way or meanes all
somes of money fynes forfeytures penalties
and amercements of all and everie psons as
well of the said companie being as alsoe of all
and everie other pson and psons which shall
attempte to use and exercize anie trade of
marchandizes in the said Domynions of
Turkey Signiory of Venice and all or anie other
places or place within the levant seas afore-
said and shall be condempned or found culpa-
ble for theire evill governement or offence
againste these our Ires patents or anie statute
acte or ordinance by the said Governor or his
ao6 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
Deputie or Deputies and assistants for the
tyme being or the greater parte of them as
aforesaid made or to be made by vertue of
these our Ires patents. And^" further we
will and by these presents for us our heires
and successors doe charge and comaunde all
and everie mayors sheriff es Justices Bayliffes
constables Customers and all and everie other
the officers and mynisters of us our heires
and successors to supporte ayde assiste and
helpe the said Governor or his Deputie or
Deputies and the said Assistants of the said
companye or marchants of England trading
into the levant seas theire successors offycers
and mynisters and everie of them in executing
the said statutes acts and ordinances and to
punishe the offendors and transgressors untill
they be fuUye satisfied according to the
penalties and fynes by the said statutes acts
or ordinances constituted and app03aited or
hereafter to be constituted and appoynted.
And yf it happen that the said Governor or
his Deputie or Deputies and the assistants
1* The fifth and last sheet of the MS. commences
here. It is only about a quarter the length of the
others.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 207
of the said companie or their successors for
the tyme being or the greater parte of them
at anie courte or assembly uppon misbehaviour
or contempt of anie the lawes and ordinances
of the said companie do comytt any of the
said companie of marchants of England
trading into the levant seas or anie other the
subjects or leige people of us our heires or
successors to anie Goale or Prison according
to the aucthority hereby given to the said
Governor and Companie for anie offence
against the said statutes ordinances and lawes
or anie of them done or comytted Then
wee will and cofnaunde and for us our heires
and successors by these presents doe graunte
unto the said Governor and Companie of
marchants of England trading into the levant
seas and theire successors that from tyme to
tyme all and everie wardens and keepers of all
such Goales and Prisons shall receave into
theire custodie and prison all and everie pson
soe to hym sent by the Governor or his
Deputie or Deputies and the said Assistants
or the greater parte of them soe assembled
and there safelie keepe them at the coste and
charge of the said offendor or offendors with-
2o8 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
out anie enlargement without the consent
and assent of the said Governor or his Deputie
or Deputies or theire successors for the tyme
being untill he or they shall be dismissed
released or enlarged. And that neyther we
nor our heires or successors by anie meanes
shall remytt or release such offendor or
offenders out of prison under bayle or mayne-
prize without the assent of the said Governor
his Deputie or Deputies for the tyme being
and untill the said offenders and everie of them
in all thinges shall obey and satisfie the said
Governor or his Deputie or assistants or the
greater parte of them present according to
the statutes acts and ordinances aforesaid
And shall paye such and soe manie ffynes
penalties forfeytures and amercements as by
the said Governor or his Deputie Deputies
or Assistants or theire successors for the tyme
being or the greater parte of them then present
at anie courte or assembly as he or they for
such offence and contenpte shall be adjudged
to paye All and everie which paynes fynes
forfeytures and amerciaments shall be gathered
receaved and leavied to the use of the said
Governor and companie of marchants of
THE LEVANT COMPANY 209
England trading into the levant seas and
theire successors for ever. And furthermore
we will and by these presents for us our heires
and successors straightlie charge andcomaunde
all and everie officers mayors sheriffs Justices
Bayliffes Customers Comptrollers searchers
and all and everie other mynisters leige people
and subjects of us our heires and successors
whatsoever which nowe are or hereafter
shalbe That they from henceforth be helping
favouring and assisting to the foresaid Gover-
nor and his Deputie or Deputies and Assis-
tants of the companie aforesaid and theire
successors and alsoe to theire ffactors substi-
tutes Deputies Officers and servants and
theire assignes and everie of them in thexecut-
ing and enjoying of the premisses aswell
uppon the lande as uppon the sea from tyme
to tyme whensoever they or anie of them
shall be thereunto required Although ex-
presse mention of the true yearelie valewe or
certaintie of the premisses or of anie of them or
of anie other gif tes or grauntes by us or anie of
our Progenitors to the aforesaid Governor and
marchants of England trading into the levant
seas heretofore made in these presents is not
p
210 THE LEVANT COMPANY
made or anie statute Acte ordinance provision
or restrainte to the contrarie made ordayned
or provided or anie or anie other thinge cause
or matter to the contrarie in anie wise not-
withstanding. In witnes whereof we have
caused these our Ires to be made patents
Witnes our selfe at Westmynster the ffower-
tenth daye of December in the thirde yeare
of our raigne of England ffraunce and Ireland
and of Scotland the nyne and Thirtith.
per breve de private sigillo,
Clapham.
APPENDIX II
GOVERNORS OF THE COMPANY (of the
reorganized company 1605)
1. 1605. Sir Thomas Lowe. Nominated in
the charter of James I.
2. 1623. Sir Hugh Hammersley. Elected
8 May, 1623.
3. 1634. Sir Henry Garraway. Elected 3
Feb., 1634.
4. 1643. Alderman Penington.^
5. 1653. Alderman Reccards.
6. 1672. John Joliffe.
7. 1672. George Lord Berkley.
8. 1695. Sir William Trumbull.
9. 1709. Right Honorable Sir Richard On-
slow.
1 Although my study in the first part of the History
of the Levant Company goes down only to the year
1640, yet for the sake of completeness I give the list of
all the Governors of the Company. For the names I
am indebted to A Short Account, etc. See above, p. 4,
note (lo).
212 THE LEVANT COMPANY
10.
I7I8.
Rt. Hon. James Earl of Carnar-
von.
II.
1735.
John Lord Delawar .
12.
1766.
Anthony Earl of Shaftesbury.
13.
1772.
William Earl of Radnor.
14-
1776.
Frederick Lord North.
15.
1792.
The Duke of Leeds.
16.
1800.
Rt. Hon. Lord Grenville.*
2 The Government took over the company in 1821
(Act 6 George IV. ch. 33), and the charter was sur-
rendered in 182$.
APPENDIX III
AMBASSADORS AT CONSTANTINOPLE (to 1640)
1. 1582. William Harbome.
2. 1588. Edward Barton.
4. — Paul Pindar.
5. 1619. Sir John Eyre. Appointed i July,
1619.
6. 1621. Sir Thomas Rowe. Called '* the
now elect ambassador " in
Min. 31 July, 1621.
7. 1626. Sir Peter Wiche. Chosen 6 March,
1626.
8. 1638. Sir Sackville Crow.
1 Edward Barton remained ambassador until his
death, January i, 1597- I have been unable to discover
whether he was succeeded by any one before Pindar, or
whether Pindar was his direct successor. Pindar is
first mentioned in the minutes under date November
4, 1614, But as the minutes of meetings before 1614
are lost, it is impossible to say when he was appointed.
ais
APPENDIX IV
CONSULS AND VICE-CONSULS AND THEIR SEATS
I. There were consuls in the time of Elizabeth
at the following places : Scio, Patras,
Tripoli, Aleppo, Alexandria and Al-
giers.i
CONSUL :
Mr. Markham.
Mr. Bartholo-
mew Hag-
gatt.
Mr. Markham.
Mr. John Webb.
VICE-CONSUL :
Mr. Libby Chap-
man.
CONSUL :
Mr. Libby Chap-
man.
1 See document in Turkey Papers, Bundle I. The
document has no date, but it speaks of the loss which
" her majesty " would have if the Turkish trade were
abandoned. Hence it is EUzabethan.
^ The date following the name of the place is that
of the minute where the appointment is made.
214
2. Smyrna, i6ii
3. Aleppo, 30 Sept., 1614 ^
4. Cio, 2 Sept., 1614
5. Patras, 14 Feb., 1615
6. Aleppo, 14 Feb., 1615
27 Mch., 1617
THE LEVANT COMPANY 215
VICE-CONSUL :
7. Smyrna, 11 Sept., 1616 Mr. Richard
Milward.
CONSUL :
8. Naples, 26 March, 1617 Mr. WilHam
Norton.
9. Aleppo, 31 July, 1621 Mr. Kirkham.
10. Leghorn, 19 Sept., 1621 Mr. Richard Al-
len.
11. Algiers, 27 Nov., 1621 Sir Thomas Glo-
ver.
12. Smyrna, 30 July, 1622 Mr. Markham.
13. Smyrna, 11 Nov., 1624 Mr. Salter.
14. Aleppo, I May, 1627 Mr. Potton.
*' PUBLIC
MINISTER : "
15. Zant, I Oct., 1628 Mr. John Cow-
ley.
CONSUL :
16. Aleppo, 3 March, 1629 Mr. John Wain-
deford.
17. Patras, 3 March, 1629 Mr. Humphrey
Bunnington.
18. Smyrna, 29 July, 1630 Mr. Lawrence
Green.
2i6 THE LEVANT COMPANY
19. Smyrna, 22 Feb., 1633 Mr. John Free-
man.
20. Smyrna, 8 July, 1635 Mr. Edward
Barnard.
VICE-CONSUL :
21. Cyprus,^ 2 June, 1636 Mr. Richard Glo-
ver.
CONSUL :
22. Zant & Cephalonia, 10 Mr. Thomas Sy-
March, 1637 monds.
23. Aleppo, 25 Oct., 1638 Mr. Edward I
Barnard.*
^ At the Court of Assistants of May 19, 1636, a letter
was read from Mr. Glover, " who hath taken upon
himself the consulship of Cypnis," asking for the com-
pany's approbation. The court approved, holding
" that it was very necessary to have a consul in that
place." At the General Court held June 2, 1636, Glover
was appointed vice-consul, with the consulage of his
place towards his maintenance, and he was to be sub-
ordinate to the consul at Aleppo.
* He had been consul at Smyrna since July 8, 1635
(see No. 20 in hst). Evidently, then, the position at
Aleppo was more important.
APPENDIX V
LIST OF SHIPS BELONGING TO THE COMPANY.*
I. Ships trading Zant and Candia in 1581.*
(i) The Primrose .
(2) The George Bonaven-
ture
(3) The Ascension .
(4) The Suzanne
(5) The Thomas Bonaven-
ture
(6) The Charity
(7) The Toby, of Harwich
(8) The Royal Merchant .
(9) The Edward Bonaven-
ture 250 50
1 Many of the ships are given in more than one list,
but I have enumerated all the Hsts as they stand, for
the freight and the sailors of the same ship appear to
be different in different cases. Moreover, it is interest-
ing to note when new ships appear and old ones dis-
appear. ' S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 149, No. 58.
ai7
TONS
BURDEN.
MEN
300
60
150
35
180
35
300
50
100
25
140
30
140
28
350
60
2i8 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
TONS
BURDEN. MEN.
(10) The Harry, of London 120 26
(11) The Gift of God . . 120 24
(12) The Christ .... 100 22
(13) The White Hind . . 100 25
(14) The Providence . . 200 40
2. Ships in a list dated 1584.*
(15) The Royal Merchant . 350 60
(16) The Suzanne . . . 260 50
(17) The Edward Bonaven-
ture 240 40
(18) The George Bonaven-
ture 160 34
(19) The Thomas Bonaven-
ture 100 25
(20) The Ascension . . . 170 36
(21) The Samaritan . . 140 30
(22) The Mary Rose . . 130 28
(23) The Alice Thomas . 140 28
(24) The Gift of God . . 130 27
(25) The Margaret Bona-
venture . . . . . 120 26
(26) The Red Lion . . . 150 30
' S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 177, No. 55.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 219
TONS
BURDEN. MEN.
(27) The Harry Bonaven-
ture 120 27
(28) The Trinity Bear . . 140 30
3. " The number of ships and mariners set
on work by the Turkish Company,
beginning in Anno 1583, ending 1588." *
(29) The Charity
(30) The Bsirque Reynolds
(31) The Suzanne .
(32) The Teagre (?) ^
(33) The Emanuel .
(34) The Bark Burre (Bear ?;
(35) The Golden Noble
(36) The Merchant Royall
(37) The Toby . . .
(38) The Mary Martin .
(39) The Jesus .
(40) The Solomon .
(41) The Elizabeth Stoaks
(42) The Elizabeth Cocken
(43) The Mary Rose
(44) The Mayflower
* S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 233, No. 13 I.
^ I could not quite make out this name in the MS.
. 130
36
s 150
40
. 250
60
. 150
40
. 200
50
?) 120
30
. 140
40
. 300
70
. 200
50
. 160
40
. 100
25
. 130
36
.S 120
30
. 120
30
. 130
40
. 160
40
220 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
TONS
BURDEN.
MEN.
(45) The William & John .
120
30
(46) The Gift of God . .
120
30
(47) The Hercules .
300
70
4. " Ships and mariners maintained and set
to work by the merchants trading Turkey
and the Dominions of the Seigniory of
Venice by that traded • dated 20 May,
1590.
(48) The Royal Merchant .
(49) The Suzanne .
(50) The Hercules .
(51) The Edward Bonaven-
ture
(52) The Toby ....
(53) The Cherubim
(54) The Ascension
(55) The George Bonaven-
ture 180 37
(56) The Thomas Bonaven-
ture
(57) The Centurion
(58) The Mignon
• 5. P. D. Eliz. vol. 232, No. 26.
350
70
300
60
300
60
250
50
230
46
220
44
200
38
120
28
200
44
200
44
THE LEVANT COMPANY 221
TONS
BURDEN.
MEN.
180
40
180
40
160
38
180
38
140
34
140
34
140
34
150
38
(59) The Marget & John
(60) The Solomon .
(61) The Red Lion
(62) The Mayflower
(63) The Samaritan
(64) The Mary Rose
(65) The AHce & Thomas
(66) The Eagle .
5. Petition ' from Thomas Cor dell and others,
merchants trading into the Levant Seas
. . . that whereas they have laded the
good ships following that they he al-
lowed to let them sail.
TONS
BURDEN.
(67) The Suzanne, of London . 200
(68) The Lion 140
(69) The Samaritan .... 120
6. The names ' of ships expected home from
Venice, Zant and Candia.
MEN.
24
28
(70) The Thomas Bonaventure
(71) The Margaret Bonaventure
(72) The Mary Rose .... 30
' S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 246, No. 57. No date.
222 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
MEN.
(73) The Gift of God, of Harwich 25
(74) The Alice Thomas .... 30
(75) The George Bonaventure . . 30
(76) The Ascension 35
(77) The Phoenix 25
7. List of ships. '^ No date.
(78) The Great Suzanne
(79) The Royal Exchange
(80) The Hercules
(81) The Ascension
(82) The Consent
(83) The Mayflower
(84) The Report ^
(85) The Cherubim
(86) The Centurion 1
(87) The Angel |
(88) The Mignon J
of 350 tons
each and
70 men.
of 300 tons each
and 60 men.
of 200 tons each
and 50 men.
(89) The Merchant Bonaventure
(90) The George Bonaventure
(91) The Jollian (? JuHan)
(92) The Charity
8 S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 253, No. 18.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 223
TONS
BURDEN.
MEN
130
30
200
44
250
60
260
66
8. " i4 content of such shipping as we the
merchants trading Turkey * do look
daily for to come home out of the Straits
he as follows " ^^ (1595) :—
(93) The Jewell
(94) The Centurion
(95) The Royal Exchange
(96) The Great Suzanne .
(97) The 11 & Eliza-
beth 60 16
(98) The Merchant Bona-
venture .... 150 35
(99) The Hercules . . 250 60
(100) The George Bonaven-
ture 140 35
(loi) The Angel. . . . 180 40
(102) The Gyllyon [? Julian
cf. (91)] .... 130 30
" i.e. Levant merchants. The first Levant Company
was incorporated 1592.
*° Turkey Papers, Bundle 3. The documents in
this (as in the previous) bundle are unnumbered. This
particular one is dated 1595.
*^ I could not make out this part of the name in the
MS.
224 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
TONS
BURDEN.
MEN.
(103) The Prosperous .
200
44
(104) The Recovery.
80
20
Ships belonging to the Levant Compi
zny in
1600.12
(105) The Hector . . .
350
70
(106) The Great Suzanne .
300
60
(107) The Royal Merchant.
300
60
(108) The Ascension
300
60
(109) The DarUng .
240
50
(no) The Cherubim
220
50
(in) The Centurion
180
40
(112) The Charity . . .
160
36
(113) The Saker ....
140
36
(114) The Royal Defence .
140
36
(115) The Perigrine .
120
30
(116) The Lanavit (?) . .
100
25
(117) The Little George
100
25
(118) The Anne Frane i« .
140
35
12 S. p. D. Eliz. vol. 276, No. 60.
^' With regard to the ships numbered 105 to 118 the
document says that those were ships " of the Levant
Company which they be owners of." And as to the
ships numbered 119 to 130, these are described as
" ships freighted this year by them for the ports of the
Venetians and Turkey " ; while in the case of the last
three the destination is given as Marseilles and Leghorn.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 225
(119) The Phoenix .
(120) The Edward Bona-
venture ....
(121) The Swallow .
(122) The Angel ....
(123) The Greyhound .
(124) The John Francis
(125) The Diamond .
(126) The Rebecca.
(127) The Elnathan .
(128) The Suzanne Pamell .
(129) The Royal Merchant
(130) The Desire
(131) The William Fortune
(132) The Guest, of Dart-
mouth ....
(133) The Dragon .
10. Ships given in a document ^* dated 8 July,
1605.
TONS
BURDEN.
(134) The Royal Exchange . . 300
(135) The Royal Merchant . . 300
" 5. P. D. James I. vol. 15, No. 14.
TONS
BURDEN.
me:
300
50
160
40
150
35
140
35
140
35
130
35
140
35
160
36
80
20
200
45
300
60
120
30
200
45
120
35
160
40
226 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
(136) The Alcede ....
(137) The Great Phoenix
(138) The Thomas & William
(139) The Darling ....
(140) The Trinity ....
(141) The Cherubin
(142) The Susan Parnell .
(143) The Royal Defence
(144) The Angel ....
(145) The Roebuck .
(146) The Mary Anne.
(147) The Saker ....
(148) The Mary Const
(149) The Triumph .
(150) The Swallow
(151) The Husband .
(152) The Alathia.
(153) The Centurion .
(154) The Edward Bonaventure
(155) The Amity . . .
(156) The Merchant Bonaventure
(157) The John Francis .
(158) The Cosklett (?) . .
(159) The Greyhound
TONS
BURDEN
300
300
250
220
200
180
180
180
160
140
140
140
THE LEVANT COMPANY
227
(160) The Salamander
(161) The Samuel
(162) The Phonix
(163) The George Bonaventure
(164) The Hope ....
TONS
BURDEN.
140
120
120
120
120
II. Ships mentioned in Minutes of the Court
Meetings under various dates.
(165) The Rainbow
(166) The Sampson .
(167) The Clement .
(168) The Job . . .
(169) The William &
Ralphe .
(170) The Margaret .
(171) The Royal Ex-
change .
(172) The Royal Mer-
chant
(173) The George Bona
venture .
(174) The John Bonaven-
ture .
(175) The Samuel .
(176) The Hercules .
23 Nov., 1625.
I Dec, 1625.
22 Dec, 1625.
22 Dec, 1625.
30 Jan., 1625.
6 Feb., 1625.
2 Aug., 1627.
228 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
(J77
(178:
(179
(180
(181
(182
(183
(184
(185
(186
(187
(188
(189
(190
(191
(192
(193
(194
(195
(196
(197
(198
The Saphire
The Cock .
The Marigold
The Jane .
The Industry
The Unicorn
The London
The Paragon
The Salutation, of
Yarmouth
The Mary .
The Delight
The William &
Thomas .
The Greenfield
The Merchant Bon
aventure
The Resolution
The Elizabeth &
Dorcas .
The Scipio
The Lewis
The Hector
The Ulysses
The Concord
The Freeman
18 March, 1627.
4 Nov., 1629.
30 Nov., 1629.
3 Feb., 1629.
24 Oct., 1633.
8 Feb., 1629.
20 Oct., 1631.
18 July, 1632.
14 Nov., 1632.
24 Oct., 1633.
30 Oct., 1633.
30 Oct., 1633.
30 Oct., 1633.
30 Oct., 1633.
9 Jan., 1633.
10 Dec, 1634.
24 July, 1635.
16 June, 1636.
21 Sept., 1637.
25 May, 1638.
25 Oct., 1638.
THE LEVANT COMPANY
(199) The Jonas
(200) The Aleppine or
Aleppo Merchant
(201) The Thomasine
(202) The Society .
(203) The Diamond .
(204) The John .
(205) The Experience
229
27 Nov., 1638.
19 Feb., 1638.
19 Feb., 1638.
3 July, 1639.
3 Aug., 1639.
20 Dec, 1639.
9 Nov., 1640.
APPENDIX VI
LIST OF PORTS 1
I. The names of the Ports which the old
company did enjoy in the Signiory of
.Venice and Turkey by virtue of their
privilege : —
1. The City of Venice j
2. Zant ' in the Signiory
3. Zephalonia I of Venice.
4. Candia J
5. Scio
6. Constantinople
7. Alexandretta, the port
of Aleppo
8. Tripoli
9. Alexandria
10. Algiers
11. C5^rus Island
^ S. P. D. James I. vol. 17, No. 36. There is no
date.
230
in Turkey.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 231
II. Over and besides the Ports above men-
tioned the new company are promised
the following ports : —
1. Juberalterra [Gibraltar].
2. Malaga.
3. Carthagena.
4. Allicant.
5. Denia [S.W. Spain].
6. Valentia.
7. Barcelona.
8. Marseilles.
9. Talone [Toulon].
ID. The Isles of Eryes [? Hyers or Golden
Isles, to S. of France].
11. J anna [Genoa].
12. Ligorno [Leghorn].
13. Civita Vechia, port of Rome.
14. Naples.
15. Messina.
16. Palermo.
17. Majorca
18. Minorca
19. Malta.
20. Ancona.
21. Ragusa.
islands.
APPENDIX VII
IMPOSITIONS 1
I. The following table gives the impositions
on the goods named when exported
from, or imported into Turkey. But
if exported from or imported into
Venice they were assessed at half the
rate.
1. Assa Fetida, per bale, 2s. 2 pence.
2. Aloes epatica, per bale, 2s.
3. Aloes succatrina, per bale, 10 pence.
4. Broad cloths, per pair, 3 shillings.
5. Bridgwaters, per pair, 8 pence.
6. Benjamin,* per cwt, 5 shillings.
7. Balsatians, per bale, 2 shillings.
8. Botanos, per bale, 5 shillings.
9. Cony skins, per cent.,^ 8 pence.
10. Cochinelle,^ per pound, 3 pence.
* These lists, which are based on previous hsts of
the year 1608, were adopted in 1631. Cf. Min. Feb-
ruary 4, 1631.
2 Benjamin = Bensoin, a drug much used in perfumery.
' i.e. for each 100 skins. Cf. hides.
* Cochinelle = cochineal, a drug used in dyeing scarlet.
232
THE LEVANT COMPANY 233
11. Copper, per cwt., i shilling.
12. Calicoes, per bale, 4 shillings.
13. Calico lawnes, per pair, i penny.
14. Cassia fistula, per cent., i shilling.
15. Cloves, per cwt., 4 shillings.
16. Chambletts,^ per bale of 40 pair, 10
shillings.
17. Calamus, per bale, i shilling.
18. Cardamoins, per bale, 5 shillings.
19. Comashes, per bale, 5 shillings.
20. Carpets, 50 single chest, per bale, 5
shillings.
21. Cordevants,' per bale, 5 shillings.
22. Cotton wools of Smyrna, per bag, i shill.
6 pence.
23. Cotton wools of Cyprus, per bag, 2 shills.
24. Cotton yarn, per bag, 2 shills. 6 pence.
25. Campechia wood, per cwt., 6 pence.
26. Enforbium, per cwt., 8 pence.
27. Elephants' teeth, per cent., 2 shills.
28. Fitches,' per timber,* 2 pence.
^ Chambletts = chamblotts, a stuff mixed with camel's
hair.
• Cordevants = cordovan, a sort of goatskin leather
made in Cordova.
' Fitches = fur of the pole-cat (a kind of weasel).
® A timber of skins = 40.
234 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
29. Farnando Buck, per cent., i shill.
30. Ginger, per cwt., i shill.
31. Grograines, per bale of 34 [? yards] • 8
shill.
32. Grograine yarn, per cwt., 2 shills.
33. Goats' wool or camel's hair, per cwt., 8
pence.
34. Gallingall, per bale, 2 shillings.
35. Galls, per cwt., 6 pence.
36. Gum arable, per bale, i shilling.
37. Gum lac, per bale, 2 shillings.
38. Galbanum, per bale, 3 shillings.
39. Hides — Bulgazer red, per cent., 6 sh. 8 p.
40. Iron, per ton, 2 shill.
41. Indigo, per chest, 10 shill.
42. Kersies (north), per pair, 8 pence.
43. Kersies (Ham), per pair, i shill.
44. Latten,i° per cent., 4 pence.
45. Latten wire, per cent., 8 pence.
46. Lignum Aloes, per cent., 5 shills.
47. Lignum vitae, per cent., 8 pence.
48. Lead, per iother,^^ 1 shill. 6 pence.
49. Logwood, per cent., 6 pence.
® The word is badly written in the MS.
^^ Latten = iron tinned over.
" A Fother of lead = 19^ cwt.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 235
50. Long pepper, per bale, 5 shills.
51. Morses* ^* teeth, per cent., 2 shill. 6 pence.
52. Martin skins, per timber, « 3 shills.
53. Maces,^^ per cwt., 5 shills.
54. Mastick,^* per chest, 6 shill. 8 pence.
55. Mirabulanes, per bale, i shill.
56. Mirtha, per bale, 2 shill.
57. Nutmegs, per bale, 6 shill. 8 pence.
58. Nux de bene, per bale, 2 shills.
59. Olibanum, per bale, i shill.
60. Opium, per bale, 5 shill.
61. Pepper, per bag, 3 shill.
62. Pewter, per cwt., i shill.
63. Quilts, per bale, 5 shill.
64. Raisins, per bale, 3 pence
65. Rhubarb, per pound, 2 pence.
66. Red Lead, per cent., 3 pence.
67. Squirrel skins, per mill, i shill. 4 pence.
68. St. Martin's Wood, per cent., 8 pence.
69. Cinnamon, per bale, 6 shill. 8 pence.
70. Soap, per ton, 5 shill.
71. Sednary, per bale, 2 shill.
72. Sal ammoniac, per bale, 6 shill.
^2 A morse is a sea-ox.
^' Maces were a kind of spice.
1* Mastick = a kind of gum.
236 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
73. Storax/*^ per bale, 8 shill.
74. Sanguis draconis, per bale, 6 shill. 8
pence.
75. Scamony,^*' per bale, 10 shill.
76. Seney, per bale, 3 shill. 4 pence.
77. Sables, per timber,® 3 shillings.
78. Steel, per cwt., 4 pence.
79. Tyncall, per cent., 4 shill. 8 pence.
80. Terra Umbra, per cwt., 2 pence.
81. Tobacco, per cwt., 5 shillings.
82. Tallow, per ton, i shill. 8 pence.
83. Tin, per cent., i shill.
84. Turmerick,^' per bale, 2 shill.
85. Turbith,^^ per bale, 10 shill.
86. Wire, per cwt., 8 pence.
87. Wormseed, per bale, 6 shill. 8 pence.
n. The following goods have impositions at
the same rate, whether it is Turkey
or Venice that they are exported
from or imported into :
1. Argall, per cent., 3 pence.
2. Almonds, per cent., 6 pence.
15 Storax = a gum.
1* Scamony = a gum.
1' Turmerick = the root of an Arabian herb.
1* Turbith = a herb of violent purging quality.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 237
3. AUum, per ton, 5 shills.
4. Brimstone, per cent., 2 pence.
5. Caviare, per ton, 8 pence.
6. Calves' skins, per dozen, 2 pence.
7. Copper as,^' per cent., i penny.
8. Currants, per cent., 4 pence.
9. Comenseeds,2o per cent., 3 pence.
10. Ebony, per cent., 6 pence.
11. Flax, per ton, 5 shills.
12. Gunpowder, per barrel, 8 pence.
13. Goatskins, per dozen, 2 pence.
14. Herring, per barrel, i penny.
15. Hides muscovia," per cent., 3 shill. 4
pence.
i6. Hides, india, per cent., 6 shill. 8 pence.
17. Lanthorne horns, per ," 2 shill.
18. Muscadelles,23 per Butt, 2 shill.
19. Mohaires, per bale of 40 pair, 5 shill.
20. Oil, per ton of 252 gallons, 6 shill. 8
pence.
21. Silk, per bale, 6 shill. 8 pence.
1' Copper as = vitriol.
^'^ Comenseeds = ? Cummin seed.
21 = ? Russian hides.
22 Cannot make out this word. It occurs again at
sheepskins.
** MuscadeUes = a kind of sweet wine.
238 THE LEVANT COMPANY
22. Raw silk, per bale, 20 shill.
23. Mosea silk, per bale, 10 shill.
24. Swordblades, per dozen, 4 pence.
25. Sheepskins, per ,22 i shill. 4 ]
26. Sugar, per cent., 4 pence.
27. Wax, per cent., 8 pence.
APPENDIX VIII
MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS
§ I. It may please your honours [to be] *
advertized that William Harbronne being in
Constantinople in 1578 procured of the Grand
Signior for Mr. Edward Osborne, of London,
alderman Richard Stapers, merchant, and
himself (at our great charge) a peculiar license
of free travel into all places of his dominions,
as by the same appeareth, which by the said
Grand Signior his letters signified to her
majesty, and he desired the same might be
general to all other her subjects, and by the
like letters required Mustafa Beg his chief
* In Turkey Papers, Bundle I. There is no date.
But the Sultan's charter is mentioned. This was
granted in 1580, and Harborne's commission as ambassa-
dor was dated 1582. The document falls between these
two dates.
2 There is a piece here torn away. I suggest " to
be " as the words missing.
£30
240 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
interpreter of the Latin tongue to employ his
service in furtherance thereof, as also the
late Mr. Secretary Wilson commanded Har-
bronne in her majesty's name to perform his
dUigent endeavour in attaining the same,
promising a due consideration to be had of
the expense, by several letters extant is
apparent.
§ 2. Whereupon according to our duty we
procured the said general charter, with a
safe conduct for her majesty's ambassador
thither, the charges thereof cost your honours'
suppliants about 600 pounds sterling, as by
account ready to be seen is manifest.
§ 3. Since the receipt of which charter
well accepted, her majesty promised by her
letters to send thither her ambassador to
gratify his good will and confirm the same,
whose presence accordingly is hourly expected,
which except it be speedily performed (for
that the Grand Signior will otherwise think
himself deluded) according as Mustafa his
last letters did import, may offer him occasion
to repeal the said charter and also make
frustrate ^ our private license, which both we
3 The MS. here was " fustrate."
THE LEVANT COMPANY 241
have purchased, as above said, with great
charge.
Of the premisses we thought it our bounden
duty to put your honours in remembrance,
especially considering the mighty power of
this prince (in service to none) (said to be) a
very friend of his friend, and the like heavy
enemy to his contrary, whom, as also any
other, although her majesty (God be praised)
needeth not in any respect whatsoever, yet
his uninvited amity tending (as hereunder
mentioned) to the benefit of her people and
country is not (under your honours' correc-
tion) to be refused.
1. First, her majesty pleasing to use of the
Grand Signior in any matter of estate,
having her agent there continually
resident, the same may be readily
effectuated.
2. Her majesty shall hereby preserve her
subjects (given free by virtue of this
license) from future captivity in his
dominions, the redemption of which
in these 20 years (no doubt) hath
cost this realm four thousand pounds,
and yet divers to this day remain there
R
242 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
unrescated'' of which some (the more
be pitied) have turned Turks for avoid-
ing the great extremities of most
miserable barbarous cruelty.
3. Her majesty shall increase the navy of
the realm, for that this trade must be
followed with great and tall ships, and
furthermore, all her subjects not using
this trade, in the like vessels may
boldly deal as accustomed within the
straits at all times more freely than
heretofore they have done, deprived of
former fear of captivity.
4. Her majesty's customs hereby shall be
increased, for that we shall not only
bring into this realm commodities of
Turkey needful to serve the same but
also thereof to serve other countries
near adjoining, which, landed here,
payeth inwards and so her majesty's
customs thereby advanced.
5. Also, her majesty shall do good to her
country and people in that we having
this trade, shall bring the commodities
of Turkey directly hither, the abund-
* I suppose this means " unrescued. "
THE LEVANT COMPANY 243
ance whereof shall procure the greater
intercourse of strangers from the
northern and eastern countries to buy
the same here, which they were accus-
tomed to fetch out of the Levant parts.
In consideration whereof a humble suit
unto your honours to be a mean to her majesty
to send over her ambassador or agent to the
said Grand Signior to confirm and ratify the
said general charter, whose charge if it please
not her majesty to supply, then we humbly
desire that her majesty of her most gracious
liberality will vouchsafe to grant us towards
the same as followeth :
I. Imprimis for so much as of necessity a
present might be first given to the Grand
Signior from her majesty, (according to
usual customs of all other princes their
ambassadors or agents at their first
coming, in token of their masters'
goodwill and friendship) that it would
please her majesty to do the like for
that the same must be presented as a
gift sent him from her majesty, which
in value may amount to one thousand
pounds sterling.
244 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
2. And for the supporting by us (as above-
said) of all charges to any such am-
bassador or agent incident, it may
please her majesty to rent us the
customs of our goods, in and out, for
the same trade of Turkey only, at some
reasonable rate for these seven years^
3. Otherwise, that for such goods as we
shall bring into this realm out of
Turkey, that if we transport and send
any part out of this realm again, to be
sold in any other country, that then
for the same we may have the customs
which we paid inwards returned and
allowed to us again, for that thereby
her majesty loseth nothing, the same
growing of such things as cometh in
more than the realm needeth, which
now is not brought in at all.
Otherwise, that it may please her majesty
to defer the payment of her customs
for the said trade, in and out, into the
end of the aforesaid seven years.
This amity begun (we suppose) is likely
always to continue, her majesty sending over
at the change of every Grand Signior a present
as aforesaid.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 245
Thus craving your honours' pardon of our
presumption in the premises in what may be
offensible referring the expedient to your
honours' most grand and perfect wise judg-
ment, to which we your humble suppliants
wholly commit ourselves.
2
A consideration of the trade into Turkey, 1580,
by Mr. Secretary Walsingham.^
In all trades two things principally are to
be considered, profit and surety ; for if they
be not joined together they are in no wise to
be attempted.
Touching the profit that may ensue by
trade into the Turk's dominions, it may be
comprehended in these points following : —
First, you shall set a great number of your
greatest ships in work whereby your navy
shall be maintained, one of the principallest
strengths and defence of this realm, which
otherwise were like to decay.
You shall vend your own commodities with
most profit, which before did fall into strangers'
hands.
You shall furnish not only this realm but
<» S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 144, No. 70.
246 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
also the most part of the hitherpart of Europe
with such commodities as are transported
out of the said Turk's dominions to the great
enriching of this realm.
Touching surety, which is the principal
matter we ought to have care of, we are first
to consider who will seek to impeach the
traffic by reason of the incomodity they shall
receive thereby.
The principal traders into his dominions
are the Italians, especially the Venetians, and
the French who do transport from Venice and
Marseilles the most part of the Kersies made
in this realm to his dominions, as also make
return of such commodities as are brought
from thence : somewhat also is done by those
of Ragousa, who also, it is to be thought, will
join with the other two in opposing themselves
to our trade that way.
It is also to be looked for that the King of
Spain who can never be long without wars
with the Turk will seek also to impeach any-
thing that may be to his benefit, being also
not the best affected towards us.
The ways they wiU take to impeach us will
be two — by fines and by force.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 247
Touching the impeaching us by fines or art,
it is to be looked for that the Venetians and
the French King, having their ambassador at
Constantinople will seek by some indirect
practise to discountenance such of her majesty's
subjects as shall trade thither.
Touching the impeaching us by force, the
Venetians who always keep certain galleys
upon the seas for the defence of their traffic
against the corsairs will, no doubt of it, unless
our ships go very strong, seek, by all the
means that they may, to distress them, in
which action the French will easily be drawn
to concur with them ; beside, the Italian
merchants that have now the trade here will
seek underhand to draw the King of Spain
by some offer of contribution to join with the
other two, who shall be able, after he is
possessed of the Kingdom of Portugal, greatly
to impeach us, having forts on both sides the
Straits.
To meet with these inconveniences and to
provide some probable way of surety, the first
thing that is to be done to withstand their
fines is to make choice of some apt man to be
sent with her majesty's letters unto the Turks
248 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
to procure an ample safe-conduct, who is
always to remain there at the charge of the
merchants, as agent to impeach the indirect
practices of the said ambassadors, whose
repair * thither is to be handled with great
secrecy, and his voyage to be performed rather
by land than by sea, for that otherwise the
Italians that are here will seek underhand that
he may be disgraced at his repair thither, and
therefore it shall be very well done to give
out that in respect of the danger of the traffic
her majesty cannot be induced that her sub-
jects shall trade thither.
To withstand the force, great care is to be
had in good choice of ships, to see that the
same be well furnished both of men and muni-
tions, and also it is to be thought that unless
twenty sail may be set on work they shall not
be of sufficient strength to withstand those
that will seek to impeach them, wherein care
would be had that they pass not the strait
nor coast of France, Spain and Italy in time
of calms, and therefore it would be ordered
that the voyages might be so performed as
that both in their going and return they might
pass in the winter seas.
• Cf. p. 9 above, note (26).
THE LEVANT COMPANY 249
Now in this point of defence as also that
the traffic may be beneficial, these things
following are to be considered:
First, whether that the said twenty ships
well furnished shall be able to pass
without danger of those that shall seek
to impeach them.
Secondly, whether that there be sufficient
commodities within the realm to lade
the said twenty ships, wherein care is
to be had that no greater quantity be
transported thither than the prices of
our wares will be abased, which at the
first selling of the trade may prove very
prejudicial and therefore it were very
good a calculation were made what
Kersies have been transported yearly
by the Italians and Ragousers out of
this realm, whereof the greatest part
hath been sent into Turkey, as also
what Kersies are sold yearly by our
merchants that trade into France to
those of Marseilles.
Thirdly, if there be no sufficient commodities,
whether the same may not be supplied
sufficiently for the lading of the said
250 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
ships out of the countries next adjoin
ing with vendible commodities in those
parts.
Fourthly, whether the freight of the said
ships being so thoroughly manned for
defence will not be so chargeable to the
merchant as it will discourage him.
Fifthly, whether there shall be that vent of
our Kersies during the wars between
the said Turks and the Sophy as was
before the said wars. A matter to be
enquired of by the party that is to be
sent, before the voyage be attempted.
Sixthly, whether the said ships shall all go
to Constantinople or whether some of
them shall not go to Alexandria and to
Tripoli, when it is likely they shall
have good vent, for that both these two
ports do serve well for Aleppo, being
the staple towns for those Kersies that
are dispersed into Persia. As also at
Alexandria they shall be best furnished
of spices and other commodities fit for
those places.
Seventhly, how the said ships dividing
themselves as is aforesaid, may meet
THE LEVANT COMPANY 251
together in some convenient place,
before they pass the Straits, whereby
they may return with more safety.
Eighthly, to procure the Turk's letters to
the King of Barbary and the rest of
the princes of Africa that the ports
there may be free for our merchants,
as also in case of necessity to have a
safe conduct of galleys from Algiers,
to pass the Straits withal.
Divers other cautions may be added hereunto
upon conference with skilful merchants and
others acquainted with the Midland seas.
3
A '—The Letter
Endorsed : The humble petition of the
merchants trading Turkey and Venice for
confirmation of their trade, uniting them in
one patent.
Whereas we have been of long time humble
suitors to your honour for uniting the Turkey
and Venice Companys into one body politic
' See above, p. 28, note (5). 5. P. D. Eliz. vol. 239,
No. 40.
252 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
for better supporting the great charge of her
majesty's ambassador in Constantinople which
otherwise (of our selves) cannot be, we . . .
humbly crave of your honour to become our
good mediator to her majesty to grant the
same by letters patents, in such form and
order mentioned in the annexed articles to us
the undernamed of both companies, for other-
wise the time of her agents' residence long
since expired, if he be not confirmed ambassa-
dor or else some other sent for him with the
accustomed presents according to order of that
Court, the intercourse cannot longer be con-
tinued, and we your humble suppliants shall
duly pray for your honour etc.
The Merchants trading Turkey and Venice.
B
Articles of the merchants trading Turkey
and Venice to be incorporated into one body
by the name of Merchants of Levant. «
I. That where Sir Edward Osborne, William
Harbrown, Richard Staper and divers other
merchants of London have made open the
trade into all the Turk's dominions, whereby
8 S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 151, No. 34. These articles
have been shghtly summarized.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 253
divers privileges are there granted to her
majesty's subjects trading those parts for the
profitable vent of the commodities of this
realm, the increase of her majesty's customs
and the navy of the same,
2. Her majesty [tendering]^ the wealth of
her people, for the better preservation of the
said trade and privileges, doth grant the whole
trade and traffic into and from this realm to
all the Turk's dominions and into and from
the dominions of the Signiory of Venice to Sir
Richard Osborne, &etc. their children and
their apprentices.
3. They to be one body politic, by the name
of merchants of Levant, authorized to as-
semble themselves to choose a Governor and
six assistants yearly and to make laws for
their trade.
4. Liberty to trade with Turks, Jews, and
all other persons, to carry over all lawful
merchandize, paying her majesty's custom
and to bring from those parts into this realm
all manner of commodities paying only her
majesty's customs for the same.
5. That her majesty for the said her customs
• It is difficult to make out this word in the MS.
254 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
is pleased to forbear the said merchants six
months upon their bond to the customer for
the same.
6. That for such customs we shall be due
to her majesty for goods shipped out of this
realm, if the same miscarry by the way, her
majesty is pleased to allow them custom again
upon the next goods they shall ship forth.
7. Goods brought into the country and
exported within 18 months are to be exempt
from customs.
8. Her majesty doth prohibit all persons to
bring into this realm any currants, [wines
of Candy] ^** or sweet Greekish oil, but the
said company or their assignes upon payment.
Provided always if the state of Venice do take
away such new imposts as they have made
upon her majesty's subjects there, that then
the subjects of the said state of Venice shall
also bring in their commodities here, paying
only her majesty's duties, as in former times
they had done.
9. A prohibition to all her majesty's sub-
^° The MS. is torn here. The expression is very pro-
bably " wines of candy," as it is in the parallel passage
in paragraph 10.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 255
jects and others to trade from this realm into
and from any of the places granted as aforesaid
upon pain of her majesty's high displeasure and
loss of their ships and goods as adventured,
and imprisonment for their contempt. The
half to her majesty and the other to the said
company, to be allowed them by virtue hereof.
10. A commandment to all customers not
to take entry or make any agreement for the
customs of any currants, wines of Candy, or
Greekish oils without consent of the said mer-
chants, and that the said merchants may have
Writ out of the Exchequer to the said custo-
mers to the same effect.
11. That the said merchants may make and
use a common seal and may wear in their
flags and ... in their ships her majesty's
arms with the red cross and white over the
same.
The names of the merchants to be inserted
in the patent : —
Sir Edward Osborne, Thomas Cordall,
Sir George Barn, Edward Holmden,
Mr. Richard Martin, William Garraway,
Mr. John Hart, Paul Bayning,
Mr. William Masham, Robert Sadler,
256 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
Mr. John Spencer, Henry Anderson,
Mr. Thomas Smyth, Henry Farington,
Mr. William Harborn, Andrew Banynge,
Richard Staper ^^ Philip Erymes,
Thomas Lawrence, Anthony Bate,
Robert Dowe, William Freeman,
Roger Clark, John Eldred,
Henry Hewitt, John Bate,
Robert Bate, Nicholas Cerd,
Leonard Poore, Edmund Ansell,
c
" The Articles of the privileges desired of
her majesty by the merchants for the trade
into Turkey and the Signiory of Venice." ^*
The points i to 7 are the same as in docu-
ment marked b. Point 8 is a new one in this
document ; it is not found in b.
8. That for so much as their ships must
take their due and proper times to
^^ those voyages which otherwise
cannot be performed in the rest of the
** There is no " Mr. " prefixed to the rest of the
names in the list. Perhaps this is because " Mr. "
must in those days have imphed seniority or worth.
12 S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 231, No. 55.
** It was impossible to make out this word in the MS.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 257
year following her majesty is pleased
that four ^* ships and 200 mariners
to sail in them shall not at any time
be here stayed for any service, but by
virtue hereof suffered to depart quickly
and freely for the said voyages.
Then follow the other paragraphs as in
document B.
The names of those to be admitted are given
as follows : —
Sir John Harte, Lord
Mayor, James Staper,
Sir Edward Osborne, Andrew Bayning,
Sir George Bame, Robert Bate,
Sir Richard Martin, Leonard Poore,"
Mr. John Spencer,
Alderman, Phillip Grymes,
Mr. William Massam, Anthony Bate,
Alderman,
Mr. Thomas Smith,
Esquire, William Freeman,
Mr. WilUam Harbom, John Eldred,
Richard Staper, John Bate,
Thomas Cordell, Edmund Ancell,
1* I am rather doubtful about the number.
1* The name occurs in list b. Perhaps it is Roowe
(= Rowe).
s
258 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
William Holmden,
William Garraway,
Paul Bayning,
Thomas Lawrence,
Robert Dowe,
Robert Sadler,
Henry Anderson,
Henry Farrington,
Roger Clarke,
Henry Hewitt,
Henry Passby,^'
Nicholas Hearde,
John Doddington,
Thomas Dawkes,
Thomas Trent,
Thomas, Wodey,
Richard Dussell,
George Salter,
John Moone,
Nicholas Leate,
William Smith.
17
Right honorable, the merchants trading
Turkey and Venice do most humbly beseech
the same to have consideration of the great
charges they have sustained in discovering
and upholding the said trade being no less
than 40 thousand pounds as appeareth —
1. The maintenance of ambassador and
agent at Constantinople at least £20,000.
2. The placing and maintaining of consuls
*• I am not sure about this name,
difficult to make out.
1' S. P. D. Eliz. vol. 239, No. 44.
The MS. wa.s
THE LEVANT COMPANY 259
in Scio, Tripoli, Alexandria, Patras
and Algiers — ^£12,000.
3. Those trading Venice have paid in im-
post more than they have received,
above £10,000.
So that no one of your suppliants who have used
any ample trade thither but it hath cost him a
thousand pounds in these behalf. Thus have
your suppliants hazarded their estates in mak-
ing trials and preferring unfrequented trades
whereby many of the principalest and best
merchant ships have been made and increased
with mariners in this realm ; Kersies, cloths
and other English commodities have been there
vented and from thence many needful things
hither directly returned for your suppliants
and all in English shipping, greatly advanc-
ing her majesty's customs and setting many
her subjects awork which else might have
lived more idly. Wherefore, if your suppli-
ants (who already are far too many for the
trade) should receive the discouragement
offered through the suits of some persons whose
strange humours are never satisfied, having
no regard how weighty a matter it is not to
overcharge a trade, it must needs follow in
26o THE EARLY HISTORY OF
those trades and with your suppliants as of
late it hath done with the trade of Barbary
and those merchants which some persons of
like disposition to these enforcing into that
trade and so everlaying the same have brought
our English cloth there into contempt and
advanced their dross and base sugar to high
price and so not only spoiled and overthrew
that trade but have undone themselves and
many an honest merchant, old traders, whose
living before it was. Assuredly no better
success is to be expected in this trade if more
should be admitted, for in very truth, the
one half of us already traders are too many
and in number sufficient to maintain that
trade with as much of the commodity of this
realm as possibly can there be vented, as the
present time proveth, having now at this
instant in those parts of English commodities
more than by any means sufficient vent can
be found for the same. So if more or others
should be permitted to deal in that trade an
oppression and confusion of the same must
needs follow. The damage whereof should
specially redound to your suppliants who have
been at so great a charge in preferring the
THE LEVANT COMPANY 261
trade as aforesaid, and unto our servants who
have adventured their lives in the same. Most
humbly beseeching your honour (the premisses
considered) to be a means that we may have
the use of that trade without receiving in of
any others for these certain years which her
majesty did most graciously assent imto,
whereby we may so trade with hope to recover
our said charges, otherwise it will not only
discourage us and others in like respect here-
after to attempt and go on with like charges
and discoveries, but be utterly discouraged to
enter into any new charge which is not ^ *
and so rather to withdraw ourselves, giving
over the trade as soon as conveniently we may,
with the loss of the great charges aforesaid,
for that we are sure (the trade being so over-
charged) loss and no gain is to be looked for
therein.
(Signed)
Ed. Osborne, William Garraway,
John Leate, Thomas Cordell,
WilHam Massam, Paul Bayning,
John Spencer, and others.
Richard Martin,
^^ I cannot make out this word in the MS.
262 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
The ill-treatment of the English merchants
at the hands of the Venetians was a great
point for the former, and they sought to make
it quite clear how much worse off the English
trader was than the Venetian, by giving con-
crete examples. Thus, here is "a declara-
tion ^* of the difference of the custom and
impost between Venetians and Englishmen,
as well for Kersies and tin as for currants.
Englishman buys
here lOO pair of
Kersies @ £4 a
pair ....
Customs here .
=400
10
So the Englishman is better
off than the stranger to
the extent of fjii.
Stranger buys here
100 pair of Ker-
sies @ ;f 4 a pair
He pays double
customs
He may pay in
packing and such
other duties as
the Englishman
may not
=400
: 20
= I
£421
^^ S. P. D. James I. vol. 6, No. 67.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 263
Englishman buy-
eth 10 thousand
weight of tin @
£4 per cwt.
He payeth cus-
toms for the
same @ 2 shill-
ings a cwt.
=400
10
So the Englishman is better
off than the stranger to
the extent of £3 los.
is. d.
Stranger buyeth
10 thousand
weight of tin
@ £4 per cwt. = 400 0 0
He pays in customs
a quarter more
than the Eng-
lishman . = 12 10 o
In other duties and
charges . . = 100
£413 10 o
264 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
£s. d.
Englishman bring-
eth the said lOO
pairs of Kersies
to Venice and
there payeth
more custom
than the stranger
3 %, which Ker-
sies being rated
at 20 Ducats the
pair, the said
overplus customs
amounted to 6o
Ducats, which @
5 shill. a ducat is 15
o o
He bringeth the
10 thousand
weight of tin
thither for which
he doth pay
more customs
than the stranger
by 3 %, which is
60 dollars, and
@ 5 shill. a dollar =15 00
So that Englishman
pays more in
Venice for cus-
toms on his Ker-
sies and his tin =30 00
The stranger hath
paid in England
more customs
and charges on
his 100 pair of
Kersies than the
EngUsh doth .
£s. d.
II 00
And on tin more
than the Eng-
hsh . . . . 3 10 o
i.e., £14 10 0
So the Enghsh-
man's charges in
England and in
Venice is more
than the stran-
gers (on both
commodities) 15 10 0
£30 o o
THE LEVANT COMPANY
265
An Englishman
buys 100 pairs of
Kersies and 10
thousand weight
of tin which he
carries to Zant,
and there he pays
his ordinary cus-
tom and charges
as the Venetian
doth. And be-
sides we pay for
impost of every
pair of Kersies
and every cwt. of
tin 2 ducats,
which the stran-
ger payeth not,
i.e., 400 ducats
@ 5 shillings a
ducat . .
The stranger
payeth in
England for
the charges on
the like quan-
tities of goods
more than the
Englishman
doth (see pre-
vious calcula-
tion)
So the stranger
hath more com-
modities than
the Enghsh-
man hath by
i s. d.
14 10 o
85 10 o
=100
;flOO O O
266 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
i s. d.
An Englishman
buyeth at Venice
or Zant loo
thousand weight
of currants, for
which he pays
impost, which
the stranger doth
not, 10 ducats on
every thousand
weight, which is
1,000 ducats, and
@ 5 shilhngs a
ducat . . =250 0 0
More for customs
in England of
the said 100 thou-
sand weight of
currants, being
90 thousand
weight @ 18
pence per cwt. =67 10 0
Together . ^^317 10 o
The Venetian
pays in Eng-
land for cur-
rants of like
quantity one
and a quarter
as much as the
EngUshman
pays, i.e., 3^67
10s. and £16
17s. 6i.
In other duties
which the Eng-
lishman doth
not pay the
stranger may
pay . . .
£ s. d.
=84 7 6
15 0 o
Together £99 7 6
So the stranger
shall rest in-
debted to the
Englishman
which he shall
have his cur-
rants better
cheap . . 218 2 6
£317 10 0
Here is another such estimation : ^o
** A computation made ye Englishman and
20 S. P. D. James I. vol. 10, No. 25.
THE LEVANT COMPANY
267
Venetian for 100 pair Kersies and 10 thousand
weight of tin bought in London and carried
to Venice ; as also upon 100 thousand weight
of currants bought at Venice and brought to
London, whereby it appears that the Venetian
may get £267 2s. more by his adventure than
the Englishman can do, buying and selling
all at a price which is 5 shil. 11 pence upon
every cwt. of currants."
i s. d.
I s.d.
Englishman buys
in London 100
pairs of Ker-
Merchant stran-
ger buys in
London 100
sies which cost
pairs of Ker-
him £4 a pair=
Custom on same
=400
10
0
0
0
0
sies, costing
him . . .400
0
0
He also buys
Custom on same 20
0
0
10 thousand
He also buys
weight of tin
@ £40 per
thousand =-
Custom on same
400
II
0
13
0
4
10 thousand
weight of tin
@ £40 per
thousand = 400
Custom on same 14
0
II
0
4
Together ;^8
21 13
4
Together ;^834
II
4
Englishm an
The merchant
buys at Ven-
ice with the
stranger buy-
eth at Venice
proceeds of his
goods above
with the pro-
ceeds of his
268 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
said loo thou-
sand of cur-
rants, cost him
there 5,000
ducats, which
is sterling. 1,250
For Impositions
he payeth
1,000 ducats,
which is ster-
ling . . .250
More, for for-
bearance and
adventure of
the said 1,000
ducats which
he payeth for
impost . . 30
More, at his
arrival here,
he payeth im-
post . . .250
£s.d.
0 o
Together £1,780 o o
£s. d.
goods above-
said 100 thou-
sand weight
of currants,
costing there
5,000 21 du-
cats, which is
sterling .1,250 o 0
More, these cur-
rants are so
much the dear-
er to the mer-
chant stranger
for that he
pays more
custom out-
wardly than
the English
merchant by 12 18 o
More, at arrivzil
of his goods
here he pays
impost . .250 0 o
Together ;fi,5i2 18 o
On the whole it is clear from this "estimate [that the
Venetian may make his voyage better cheap than the
Enghsh merchant by the sum of ;^267 2s.
Both these calculations are evidently from
the side of the company, to show how badly
** The MS. here has 500 ducats. But it is clearly
a slip of the pen, since the £1,250 is the same as in the
case of the Englishman.
THE LEVANT COMPANY 269
off they were, compared to the Venetians.
But I have been able to discover a similar
calculation 2* which appears to be inspired by
the opponents of the company, and, indeed,
of the Turkey trade in general. It is there
advocated that the trade should be given up
altogether. Yet, if it is to go on, let it go on
in a private way. The merchants need not
complain of impositions, for the English mer-
chant is on the whole better off than his Vene-
tian rival. Here follow six reasons to prove
the last statement — reasons which show a real
comprehension of the principle of differential
advantage.
1. The Venetian shipping is bad and their
navigation worse.
2. They make their voyage twice as long as
we do.
3. They rely on no return for their freight
is double.
4. They come to another country and we
to our home.
5. They have to bear the venture of their
return, which we do not.
*« S. P. D. James 7. vol. 10, No. 28.
270
THE LEVANT COMPANY
6. They must sell presently, but we may
wait our occasion.
Then comes the calculation :
The Venetian buys
currants in Venice
and brings them to
England to sell.
They cost him per
cwt
For whole freight he
pays ....
Difference of assur-
ance ....
Interest of 3 months
30
I
I
£39
The Englishman
buys currants at
Venice and brings
them to England
to sell. They cost
him per cw^.
Half freight . .
Impost 20 ducats .
i s.
30
3
4
o
o
10
£37 10
Therefore the Englishman is better off than the
Venetian to the extent of £1 los.
are «o>v b"^'i-
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The early history of
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