I am including information on this page about a Thomas Mitford because he is referred to a few times by a colleague as Mr. Medford. Also, he was a cape merchant for the East India Company which Richard, John and Robert Medfords eventually became associated with as well. I think there is some connection here. 26 Dec 1614 Thomas Mitford to Sir Thomas Smith, Governor, and the RlGHT Worshipful, My service remembered. Being arrived in the Indian country in good safety with the loss of some few men in our fleet, whereof two merchants, to say, Mr. Emsworth and Timothy Wood, for which the Almighty make us ever thankful, amongst many others I thought it not unfit to certify you of our proceedings here since our settling in the country. The 14th of October, 1614, we arrived in the road of Swally, where our General sent a messenger to certify your factors at Surrat of our arrival and to request the principal of them to come aboard our ships to advise us of the state and condition of the country, and in what safety we might land our goods, as also what store of commodities were fitting for our country, with their prices. The 16th Mr. Thomas Aldworthe came aboard and reported that the countries within themselves were at peace, only at wars with the Portingals; our safeties there not to be doubted, all former matters being concluded and ended; and for buying of commodities we could not have come in a more fit time, by reason of the wars betwixt the Portingals and the Indians, which had continued for these two years past, so that there had been very little or no commodities transported by sea. Mr. Aldworthe likewise acquainted us of the death of Paul Canning and said that of necessity one must reside at Agra, both for holding respondency with the Mogore as for the buying of commodities at certain times of the year; and therefore at a Council holden the 18th of October, Mr. William Edwards was made choice of to reside at Agra with seven other merchants, and Mr. Thomas Aldworthe to remain principal at Surrat with the rest of the merchants. And having so disposed of the factories we made all haste that could be for the landing of our goods, that we might proceed about our business for the lading one ship or more for England, as well for your encouragement in proceeding here as to give you notice of a port in Percia called Jascas, lying betwixt Sinde and Ormouce in the latitude of 26°, where ships of great burthen may very well come unto; and therefore if you will send shipping thither no question but you may have a trade settled there, which will be very commodious if God give a blessing unto it. For I have been informed by many (especially by one Richard Steel, merchant, who came from Aleppo to Spahanin Percia and so into India, with one John Midnall, who died at the Mogore's court, and that by means of the said Steel all his goods and moneys are in deposito in the Mogore's treasurer's hands, which amount unto five or six hundred pounds, to make good the rest of an account due unto Mr. Leat, Mr. Abbot and others that were interested in his Percian voyage), that Percia will vent five hundred cloths and one thousand kerseys, Agam colours, per annum to very great profit, besides tin in bars, lead, iron, cony skins, fitches and other commodities of the like sorts, for the Percian country is so cold that for six months in the year they wear cloth; and also there is divers commodities of India will give great profit there. Upon which encouragements, by a general consent of a council, we have entertained the said Richard Steel in your service to come home through Percia again for better discovering of the country, and have given him only money to bear his charges. More he did not require, but doth wholly refer himself unto you for a reward when his labour of discovery shall be shewn. We have also appointed John Crouther to go along with him to Spahan and then to return to us again for our better instruction of Indian commodities vendible in those parts; but if either should die before their coming to Spahan then is the other to proceed for England. At our landing at Surrat we stood betwixt hope and despair for the space of a month whether we should proceed in these countries or no, for by Mocrob Chan, chief governor of Surat, we had many wrongs done us, ourselves stayed so that we could have no recourse to our ships, our goods taken and used at his pleasure, our arms that we brought for our defence taken from us, and forced us to show the king's presents, which formerly we had certified to the court should not be seen until they were presented to the Mogore (only to make us break promise, to bring us in disgrace with the Emperor), and so with delays and by force kept us in Surrat from proceeding about our businesses until the last of November; and then with much ado were licensed to proceed for the buying of commodities. The 3rd we came to Barroch, where great store of calicoes are made; and having seen the musters of many sorts, as also of cotton yarn and indigoes, we left three merchants there with a commission for the buying of these commodities, if they could be had at reasonable prices. The gth we came to Brodera, where commonly is store of gumlac, where we purposed to have left two merchants, but not finding any quantity we departed without leaving any there. The 13th we came to Amadavrs, which city was the seat of the king of the Gogerats; it is a great town as spacious as the city and suburbs of London, where we found not many commodities for our purpose, only indigoes, of which there is commonly great store, for the countries round about doth bring their commodities here to be sold. The 20th we sent three merchants to Cambay with two thousand rupees to be employed in quilts and carpets. Here in Amadavares we stayed 20 days to provide ourselves of carts and camels for our journey for Agra; in which time we bought 15 churls of indigo Chirkes at 10, 1oj, n, 12 and 12^ rupees per maund, which is thirty-two pounds. Some indigoes of Byana there were in town, of which we had bought but little quantity. Thus having no further at present to certify you of, I humbly take my leave and rest Your servant to be commanded, Thomas Mitford. December 26th, 1614. Thomas Mitford letter to the East India Company 15 Jul 1616 Samuel Saltonstall, merchant and servant to the Right Honorable Company of Merchants trading to East India, 15 Jul 1616, proved 20 February 1617. I desire my loving friend Mr. Thomas Mittford to take the pains to be my overseer. And I desire that all my money's as I now have due unto me or hereafter shall be made of any of my goods may be delivered unto him, no way doubting of his care to see the said money well and truly paid and delivered into the hands of my loving wife Ann Saltonstall. who is now resident at Sir Henry Bellowes his house in the County of York, knight, whom I make full executrix of this my last will and testament. As a token of my love and rememberence I give unto Mr. Thomas Mitford a mother of pearl cup. [The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 1894 By New England Historic Genealogical Society Staff] 9 Mar 1617 Account of strong waters laden in the good ship the James Alexander Child master for the account of the Honourable Company of Merchants trading the East Indies March the 9th Delivered unto Mr Thomas Mitford merchant one case of bottles No 34 containing 7 gallons 3 pints aniseed water and 3 quarts and half a pint of Rosa Solis 5 which he is to pay half as much more as it cost in England amounteth blank 8 Aug 1617 Thomas Mitford to the East India Company Aboard the Peppercorn at sea 8th August 1617 HONOURABLE and Right Worshipful My duty remembered etc The Globe and Peppercorn being by the providence of God come within 350 leagues of England the one from Surrat the other from Bantam with the loss of seven men since their coming from the Indies for which the Almighty make us ever thankful of which I purposed in person to have given you the first notice as also to have delivered you all our Indian accounts with certain letters of advice from the prime factors of Surrat but by reason of sundry differences fallen out aboard the Globe do think it fitter for preventing of all danger to continue here aboard two or three days after our com ing to land until you had notice of our coming and your answer returned in the meantime thought requisite to dispeed these brief lines unto you with a copy of our bill of lading here enclosed 8 to certify you of the progress and state of your affairs in the Indian country as also of the arrival and departure of your late fleet from Surrat with a touch of Captain Joseph's death in fight with a Portingell carrack etc Wherefore you may be pleased to understand that since the departure of Captain Kelling's fleet from Surrat in February 1615 1616 Sir Thomas Rowe Lord Ambassador from His Majesty hath continued at the Indian Court in good esteem and credit with the Emperor we having permission of free trade within the dominions of the said empire without let or molestation for managing whereof Thomas Kerridg continueth prime factor at Surrat there being left in the country at the departure of this fleet to the value of 15,000 or thereabouts in ready money debts and goods which no doubt will procure lading of indigoes etc for a ship of 500 tons burthen against the arrival of your next fleet there who by their vigilant care need not fear the Portingells assaulting of them this year whose strength and insolencies are much abated having been so sore shaken in these two last years both by the English Flemings and king of Achen's forces that in haste they will not be able to repair their losses especially in those remote parts where amongst them good soldiers and seamen are very scarce In Captain Kelling's coasting along the Indian shore southwards he took divers Portingell vessels with part of whose goods settled a factory at Callicut leaving there George Wolman and Peter Nedom factors for the managing of that business from whom we at Surrat received letters advising the state of the place condition of the inhabitants and commodities thereof whereby we conceived but small hopes of any beneficial trade to be made there the country vending little or no English commodities nor doth it afford any profitable goods for our purpose but such as may be had at more easy rates in other parts of India Further you may be pleased to understand that from your factors at Mussulpatan we received advice of the proceedings of your affairs in those parts with the stay of the ship Solomon all the last year caused by her sheathing within the bar who afterwards could not find sufficient water to carry her over the said bar again whereby their whole capital employed continued there for want of exportation they certifying likewise of their ill usage by the inhabitants caused through the instigation and perfidious dealings of the Hollanders residing in those parts and that divers of the English merchants are dead as namely George Chancey Ralph Preston and Humphrey Elkington Further they advised that the Thomasine was cast away coming from the Mullouccoes laden with nuts and mace which goods and men were most part saved 1 About the middle of July 1616 it may please you to understand of the arrival of a Hollands ship at Surrat 2 about the burthen of 350 8 tons who having made a voyage from Bantam to Moho and other ports in the Red Sea laden with pepper and other spices where having sold the most part thereof to very great benefit brought their remainders to Surrat and landed the said goods with two factors for making sale thereof departed thence towards Bantam about the middle of August following After whose departure the two factors sometimes frequented our house reported that an English ship in return from Bantam was cast away upon St Lorance 4 her men and goods for the most part saved and for a certainty thereof they confidently affirmed that they spake with an English boy of her company at one of their ports in the Red Sea who had been taken upon the island and sold to the Turks who reported the same to them but further did not advise us which ship we supposed to be the Samaritan by the time of her departure from Bantam and not arrival at the Cape In the absence of our fleet we made no great sales of our English commodities and having but small store of moneys left by Captain Kelling wherewith to enter into investments all the factors lay idle without employments only Amadaves excepted where was bought 340 churles of flat indigoes before the arrival of the fleet Nevertheless from Surrat were divers roads sic and merchants sent to discover the Indian country and commodities thereof adjoining upon the Portingell frontiers by which experience made we were the readier at coming of the fleet to set our investments on foot for the speedy gathering of all such commodities as were thought vendible in England or the southern parts Bantam etc Now to come unto Captain Joseph's fleet who arrived at Surrat the 23rd of September 1616 but by the way coming betwixt the islands Moyella and Comoro overtook a carrack bound for Goa who using sundry disgracious speeches and shooting at them the English fought with her but by misfortune in the beginning Captain Joseph was slain with a great shot So that the fight ceased for that time nevertheless kept her still company and having according to order acknowledged Captain Pepwell for their commander renewed their fight the second day after and by their great ordnance battered her for the space of eight hours without intermission so that by the violence of their great shot beat her main and fore masts overboard and ceasing awhile hoping to have gained her without any more bloodshed Mr Con nak cape merchant of the fleet was sent to parley with them to offer mercy etc to see their resolution and what confidence they had in themselves who after courteous entertainment the Captain being of an invincible courage having taken the sacrament never to yield the ship dismissed him with no other answer but that we must win her by the sword if we meant to enjoy her Whereupon the fight was commenced the third time but the Portingells perceiving themselves not able any longer to endure the fury of our great artillery and being somewhat near the island of Comoro run their ship ashore Our fleet all the while looking upon them never offered to board or let l their proceedings And there being aground burnt herself so that without receiving any benefit at all from her saving her colours taken up in the sea left her wholly for a prey to the inhabitants of the island and without further ado held on their course for Surrat and arrived as aforesaid being commanded by Captain Pepwell who in the fight was sore wounded with divers more and nine men slain outright but not any of note saving Captain Joseph etc 2 And having heard a perfect relation of all proceedings in the fleet we determined by consultation the landing of certain quantities of goods and moneys and after propounded a voyage into Percia And having showed good reasons for the same although the Lord Ambassador by letters to the Council absolutely dissuaded the same yet upon mature consideration was generally approved upon for the dispeed of one ship the Percian Gulf Upon which resolution we forthwith appointed the ship James for that employment appointing also her lading merchants etc and dispeeded her from Swallie the 8th February 1 1616 She having had a reasonable passage arrived at Port Jasques the prime of December following which port lieth in the Gulf some 30 leagues from Ormos Where finding good entertainment they landed about 350 broadcloths with divers other English and Indian commodities for trial for disposing whereof was left five factors viz Mr Edward Connak prime Thomas Barker George Plea Edward Pettes William Bell and William Trace who having cleared the ship dispeeded her thence with their letters the 2Oth of January and returned to our fleet at Suallie the 8th of November 2 1616 1617 bringing with her a general letter of advice from those factors 8 signifying their kind usage by the inhabitants of those parts under the Percian government with a relation of their proceedings to Moggestan and good hopes of vent of broadcloth etc and beneficial trade in those parts So having finished all businesses in the Indian country we departed Surrat the 7th of March 1616 1617 having appointed the Charles and James for Mussulpatan the Unicorn for Sumatra and the Globe for England being laden with indigo and other Indian commodities The 9th of March we parted from the fleet latitude 18 30 and steered our course for Cape Bon Esp eranza And coming alongst Tarra de Natol 4 in the latitude of 34 30 we met the Peppercorn commanded by Captain Harris by whom we understood of the Hector's casting away upon the careen at Jeccatra 6 and that the Dragon Globe and Expedition were gone for England commanded by Captain Kelling which ships we after found to be safely arrived and departed from the Cape by sundry letters left behind them At our first meeting the ship Peppercorn they seemed all well but speaking with them the day following Captain Haris complained much of the leakiness of his ship and weakness of his company and therefore earnestly desired us to keep them company and so near as conveniently we might but the night ensuing being within seven leagues of the land of Tarra de Natoll in the latitude 34 40 we lost company with them So we steered our course being then as we supposed 140 leagues from Cape Bona Esp eranza and the 16th of May in the morning we came into Saldana bay 1 where we found Captain Newport in the Lion 8 being ready to set sail for Bantam having well refreshed his men and stayed there twenty days for his consort the Hound whose company he had lost at sea By him we understood of the welfare of our State as also of the Honourable Company's preparation of a great fleet for the Indies and likewise of their sending the Hound purposely to victual and relieve any of the Company's ships homeward bound and having stayed one day to congratulate our welcome thither set sail from the Cape towards Bantam the 18th of May 1617 his company being all in very good health The 20th8 of the same Captain Harris in the Peppercorn came into the bay his ship being very leak y much weatherbeaten and divers of his company sick who once again earnestly desired Nathaniel Martin master of the Globe for the more safety of the Company's ship and goods to keep them company whereto Mr Martin seemed very unwilling for certain private respects to himself best known and briefly answered that he would be gone from thence that he had neither order nor warrant from the Company to keep company with any other ship or ships homeward and so made all possible haste to be gone The 24th of the same the Hound came into the bay whose coming was welcome to us all especially to Captain Harris who wanted both sufficient men and provision to carry his ship home And the same day Captain Harris acquainted Mr Gurden 4 with his wants desiring his friendly furtherance with all convenient speed that might be which the said Gurden promised forthwith to effect But the day following being much incensed against Captain Haris by Mr Martin who had reported that Captain Harris had abused his whole company and had perfidiously wasted and embezzled his ship's provisions converting the same to his own use by which instigation the master of the Hound did not only delay the time from supplying his wants but fell to public disputation with Captain Haris about the expense of his ship's stores and government of his company etc threatening openly to displace the said Captain Haris making public declaration that he had a powerful commission from the Honourable Company for the reformation of all abuses or placing or displacing of any persons of what place or quality soever in the Company's affairs whereto Captain Haris mildly answered that as he was the Company's servant he held himself as subject to their orders as the meanest of his company who being all assembled upon the deck were not only encouraged but animated by Nathaniel Martin who oftentimes bid the said company to show their grievances against their captain He mildly standing by all the time gave way to all their proceedings and affronts and when they had done what they could to have stirred up some malcontent or seditious person to have required justice of them contrary to their expectation the whole company of the Peppercorn with general voice publicly said that they neither did nor could tax their captain with any such crime as was objected Whereupon Mr Martin said that he had been informed of all that was objected and much worse Whereupon the company made request that those informers might be produced to justify the same or else to receive condign punishment according to the abuse and scandal offered to their captain And seeing the master's project for the disgracing of the captain took no better effect whose place seemed an eyesore to them both their proceedings was abruptly broke off and hushed on the sudden and leaving the Peppercorn went all aboard the Hound and calling a council for the debating of sundry matters where amongst others Captain Haris propounded the sale of divers goods pepper etc 1 that was to be made aboard the Peppercorn demanded of the Consultation whether it might be lawful for any particular person to buy it or that it ought to be taken for the Company's account Whereto Mr Martin master of the Globe boldly affirmed that any particular person might buy the same but speaking after him I plainly declared unto them the Honourable Company's mind in that point desiring the sequestration of all such goods for the behoof of the Honourable Company's account and therefore offered according to my place amongst them to give my security in the Company's name for the satisfying of the parties or their executors in England according to the i2th article of their late commission given Captain Benjamin Joseph 1 wherein they had largely expressed the same At which speech Mr Martin being highly discontent told Mr Gurden master of the Hound that I was a busy member and indeed but a mere passenger with him and therefore ought neither to have a voice in their consultation nor meddle in their businesses whereupon Mr Gurden in brief craved mine absence and without any further expostulation dismissed me So Mr Martin's opinion touching buying of commodities passed current and was approved of And after it was concluded the two masters called in question the sufficiency of John Curtis master of the Peppercorn and without either examining the man or viewing his course adjudged him insufficient for his place and immediately appointed Henry Rickman to pilot the ship Peppercorn for England which Rickman was put into the Globe for the like purpose by Captain Pepwell which Mr Martin took as a disparagement unto himself and therefore did the more willingly take that occasion to remove him 2 But to conclude these consultations amongst the commanders there sprung up much variance about their places and primacy in subscription and from extraordinary foul language they were ready to fall to sharp blows had not Captain Haris given way to the two masters underwriting the consultations before him as by this torn consultation of the 26th of May 1617 8 firmed by their own handwritings may appear which I also thought good to present unto your judicious considerations for the preventing of suchlike occasions tending to the prejudices of your voyages which in my opinion must be done by ranging every prime servant expressly in your commission as they shall after take place otherwise there will continual heartburnings and discontents fall out amongst them etc And having with much ado appeased and ended all matters at the Cape we set sail from thence the 30th of May last having got little or no refreshing there in hope to touch at St Hellena in short time for the better refreshing of our company but such was our misfortune wanting our chief mariner Henry Rickman by the guidance of Nathaniel Martin we steered a wrong course seeking the island of St Hellena in the longitude of 30 degnes from the Cape being at least 140 leagues to the westward 1 And then when it was too late we sorrowed for the parting with our chief mariner Rickman the commons of the fleet generally repining thereat and blaming Mr Marting's rash and indiscreet proceedings who for the gaining of a little vain renown in directing the ship by his singular opinion had exposed the lives of many sick and weak persons to most apparent dangers But seeing that there was no remedy all hopes of touching at the island being frustrated we steered our course for England since which time it hath pleased God to bless us with a speedy passage for which I pray God to make us thankful But before I conclude I thought not impertinent to give you a brief touch of the occurrents and state of the present time here aboard the Globe 2 where in my opinion there ought to be taken some speedy order for the same which is thus betwixt the master of this ship and the company there hath happened many discontents and grievances and of late some blows passed amongst them the ship as it were divided into two factions the master his part being at present weakest for having disgraced and beaten divers of his mates the boatswain steward and trumpeter etc revenge is threatened upon him And therefore for the preventing of some sudden mischief it were good for the general safety to remove the one party their passions being grown to such height that it is impossible for them to moderate their affections and live any long time quiet or peaceable together For having to the northward of the Western Islands l seized upon a Portingell vessel according to the relation of my protest here enclosed 2 the most part of the company knowing the danger of the laws of our realm in any such case have absolutely opposed themselves against Mr Martine's enterprise What the event will be the Lord doth know the master having this day practised against my life for protesting against him which by the wonderful providence of God I have escaped the relation whereof I refer to both our ships companies thus having sought by all means to Captain Harris and his council to give satisfaction to the Portingell for the credit of our Honourable Masters unto the said Portingell for the barbarous dealings of Mr Martin towards him to the reproach and scandal of all Christians Thus with my duty remembered I commit you to the merciful guidance of our good God humbly resting Your Worships servant to be commanded Tho Mitford From aboard the Peppercorn this 8th of August Anno Domini 1617 where I now remain until my arrival in England Addressed To the Honourable and Right Worshipful the Governor and Committees of the East India Company give these in London Endorsed Thomas Mitford his letter from aboard the Globe at Plymouth. [Letters received by the East India Company from its servants in the East By East India Company, Frederick Charles Danvers, William Foster] 1617 Mr Medford 1 their cape merchant who seemed to be very sick and ill at ease being accompanied with the chirurgeon purser and divers officers of their ship who presently counselled to put him in a bed where the said chirurgeon administered some physic unto him The reason of his coming aboard in that manner I demanded of the officers of the Globe who credibly informed me that their master had publicly disgraced him and kept him two days in irons upon the half deck the occasion as they said to me for ought they knew was only by reason the said Mr Medford made a public protest aboard the Globe against their master's proceeding in the aforementioned business against the Portugale showing themselves very sorrowful for their master's rashness saying they were his own actions and none of theirs. ...to the Almighty's protection I rest Your Worships servant to be commanded Chr Harris Endorsed Captain Harris from aboard the Peppercorn the 25th of August 1617 Also in another hand Captain Harris his discourse of his voyage [Letters received by the East India Company from its servants in the East By East India Company, Frederick Charles Danvers, William Foster] Aug. 25. 1617 Capt. Chr. Harris to the East India Company. Account Aboard the 0f the voyage since leaving the Straits of Sunda on 28 February. Peppercorn. Met Qi0^e on 9th May, and earnestly desired Martin to keep near him until they arrived at Saldanha, many of Capt. Harris' company being sick and his ship leaky. Complains of Martin who helped them so grudgingly that they might as well have been without him. The Hound came up with them on 24th May, which supplied the Peppercorn w ith men and victuals. Detailed account of Martin's proceedings in reference to a small Portugal vessel, which, while courteously giving assistance to Capt. Harris and his company, was fired upon by the Globe by Martin's orders, contrary to Capt. Harris' earnest desires. The Portugal vessel searched, one of the crew tortured to make him confess where the rest of their treasure was, and the women ravished. All this done in spite of Capt. Harris' faithful promises to protect the Portugal vessel. Medford brought on board the Peppercorn from the Globe very sick, he having been put in irons for publicly protesting against the proceedings of the master of the Globe against the Portugals. Subsequent endeavours of Martin, "finding the Portugal ship not answerable to his expectation " to give satisfaction, but the Portugals protested they would have the best remedy the laws of England would afford. Has landed Thos. Mitford for the speedy delivery of this letter. The 1617. Thomas arrived from Japan 10th February; the Advice daily expected from thence; the Rose bound for Tecoe and Acheen; the Attendance and Speedwell for the Moluccas; the Endeavour for Jambi; and the Solomon daily expected from the coast of Coromandel. [Seven pages. O.C., Vol. V, No. 532.] 26 Dec 1617 Francis Fetiplace to the East India Company Agra the 26th December 1617 RIGHT Worshipful By a general dated the 2oth December from Agra2 and sent by this conveyance subscribed by Robert Hughes and myself your Worships may understand of what hath passed this year in our factory etc whereto I refer me The present is to give your Worships humble thanks for your favour unto me in the yearly augmentation of my wages whereof by this fleet arrived I have understood from Mr Offly8 altogether undeserved by me howbeit will labour to the utmost of my weak ability to deserve it at your Worships hands and although I am unable to do your Worships so good service as I wish I could yet I will endeavour to give you content by my just and honest service whereof your Worships may be assured Neither may I omit to give your Worships many thanks for your licence and permission granted to my friends for the adventuring my means as it groweth due to me in England in your Joint Stock which I hope your Worships will not recall I am the rather desirous to have it so employed because I would not have your Worships anything doubt of my upright endeavours and true meaning to your Worships in whatsoever shall be committed to my charge In one thing only to say in the point of private trade I must confess I have offended for which I crave pardon but my share is like to be but a very small matter and for that your Worships are therein so strict whatsoever it shall be God sending me safe into England I will lay it down at your Worships feet and disposure and will not desire any part thereof except your Worships shall think me worthy of so small a matter What it is not to keep anything secret from your Worships I have raised on some small trifles brought with me from England not on my salary for my expenses have yet been greater than the third of my wages which I have received here I beseech your Worships favourable censure herein it is a general fault in us all and I acknowledge herein to have broken both promise and bond Thomas Mitford last year left this country in my debt dishonestly 100 mamodyes for which he hath falsely perjured himself It was money I lent him out of my purse two and a half years since for which I have his hand to show I beseech your Worships if he hath anything in your hands to give order that the value thereof may be stopped and the profit thereof from India at five for one his own rates until he shall have satisfied me for it is unreasonable that any should so dishonestly make use and benefit of other men's money which have not half of their means Herein I entreat your Worships to stand my friend and if I prove him not indebted to me in such a sum I will be content to lose double the value unto him Thus craving pardon for my boldness with the remembrance of my humble duty I take my leave and cease to be farther troublesome desiring God to give a happy success to all your Worships affairs Your Worships obedient servant Fran Fetiplace Addressed To the Right Worshipful the Governor and Committees for the Honourable East India Company these be dd London Per a friend Mr Robert Younge whom God prosper Endorsed Agra 26th December 1617 Francis Fettiplace to the Governor and Company [Letters received by the East India Company from its servants in the East By East India Company, Frederick Charles Danvers, William Foster] 3 Feb 1618 Court Minutes of the East India Company. Sir Julius Caesar allowed to adventure 1,500Z. Cause of Best suspended in the Council Chamber, but still in the Company's power to have him called up again if he do not demean himself as is fitting. Accusations against Withington. General order to the commander of the fleet against taking any on the voyage but those entertained for employment. Letter from Sir Thomas Dale, dated from the Low Countries, 15th Jan., stating that the Dutch commanders have orders from the States to engross the pepper at Bantam and Jacatra into their hands, to undersell the English at home, and to weary and punish the English so as to force them to the desired union; advises them to stand upon their defence if the Flemings shall attempt against them. His intention to return to England by the end of 1618. January. On Lady Dale's application, 501. to be lent her to provide for her husband's return. Thomas Mitford desires
to have his goods and satisfaction from Nath. Martyn for things stolen
from his cabin ; he also pleads for some gratification for his good
service ; but " he, having deserved so ill, gave no encouragement to
think any further of him." Committees to go to Gravesend to hasten the
departure of the ships. The ships that go to relieve any ships they
meet standing in need of men and provisions. Bargain to be concluded
for certain frames, feathers, and pictures. Ships to take two pinnaces
with them from Bantam to the Moluccas, to carry goods and run in and
out to discover as occasion shall be presented. Lord Zouch having
acquainted the Privy Council with a bill set upon the Exchange by a new
East India Company, they all wondered
that the Lord Mayor had allowed it to be set up so publicly to the
discountenancing of this Company, and resolved to let the King know "
how ill they all do conceive thereof and to crave reformation." Thomas
Spike to be sworn a free brother on his return. Gratuity to Rand the
preacher. Samuel Hazard entertained as a factor. 10 Feb 1618
In point of private trade, is guiltless of sending one pennyworth of commodities either north or south. Little encouragement to him when he sees Capt. Towerson, Rich. Steele, and others laden with commodities, and last year Martyn, Mitford, and others returned unfit proportions of commodity of more moment. Is persuaded the poor condition of their sei-vants there will keep them clear of this crime. As to the payment of too great a proportion of their servants' wages, a cause of private trade. Concerning " the request or disrespect of goods," those which are unprofitable and those which will seH the bes'". Their treatment by Mocrob Khan and Aseph Khan, who disgraced them in the King's presence; suggestions for preventing similar treatment in future. Account of the tr.idc of the Portuguese. 1618.
8-15 May 1618 Letter read from Thomas Mitford, desiring a reward for his long service and his extrordinary expenses in apparel in the Mogul's Court ; the Company finding some future use may be had of him, and that the complaints against him happened by the fury of his youth, granted him one hundred nobles. [East Indies, China and Japan: May 1618', Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Japan, Volume 3: 1617-1621 (1870), pp. 163-168. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=68832 Date accessed: 20 December 2010] 1631 Richard Medford SR03599 Library of VA (ships/masters from the port of London)
a John Medford master of the ship Humphrey & Elizabeth Library of VA (ships/masters from the port of London) HUMPHREY AND ELIZABETH [no ref.] No date These documents are held at British Library, Asia, Pacific and Africa Collections 320 tons. Voyages: (1) 1668/9 Surat. Capt Robert Medford. Mar 1669 - 15 Jul 1670 Downs. (2) 1670/1 Madras and Bengal. Capt Robert Medford. Jan 1671-. (3) 1671/2 St Helena. Capt Robert Medford. Jun 1672 - Madeira - Nov St Helena - Brazil - brought off settlers after Dutch capture of St Helena on 1 Jan 1673-. http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=059-iorlmar_3&cid=1-1-82#1-1-82 1664-1678 Robert Medford is master of the ship Humphrey & Elizabeth Library of VA (ships/masters from the port of London) 1664 The English factories in India, 1668-1669 - Page 184by William Foster - Business & Economics - 1927 - 343 pages The fleet dispatched to Western India in the spring of 1669 consisted of the Sampson ... Robert Medford), and the George, a small vessel of about 1 80 tons 03 May 1667 Will of John Medford of Mariner and in Service of His Majesty's Abroad, Hornsea Reference: PROB 11/324/21
1671-1673 A calendar of the court minutes etc., of the East India company, 1671-1673 - Page 115 by East India Company, Ethel Bruce Sainsbury, William Thomas Ottewill - East Indies - 1932 - 356 pages Captain Robert Medford, commander of the Humphrey and Elizabeth, reports that he
has a packet of letters directed to Lord Arlington containing a return of ... THE COMPANY TO CAPTAIN ROBERT MEDFORD, JUNE 14, 1672 (Letter Book, vol. iv, p. 549). Have taken into their service the Humphrey and Elizabeth (of which ship 14 Jun 1672 Captain Robert Medford of the Humphrey and Elizabeth Reference: E/3/87 ff 273v-74 Held by: British Library: Asian and African Studies, not available at The National Archives
The Company's Island: St. Helena, Company Colonies and the Colonial Endeavour - Page 141by Stephen A. Royle - History - 2008 - 227 pages... particularly at Banks's, Rupert's and Munden's Point to the east of the ...
whose captain, Robert Medford, had been commissioned by Charles II to use ... 15 Feb 1677-6 Thomas Medford, son and heir app. of William Medford of Pespoole, co. Durham, arm., at request of Thomas Strode, now reader. [Lincoln's Inn Admission Register] Sep 1677 Sept 1677. Shippers by the Humphrey & Elizabeth, Mr. Robert Medford, bound from London for Virginia: Francis Wheeler, John CHUMLEY, ... [THE COMPLETE BOOK OF EMIGRANTS 1607-1776 (to the U.S.), by Peter Wilson Coldham] Public Record Office, Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1LR:E190/72/1,80/1] 1678 Robert Medford has become _merchant_. Library of VA (ships/masters from the port of London) 27 Aug 1678 to 27 Sep 1678 Shipper: John Sadler was one of the merchants shipping goods from London to Virginia on the ship Humprhey & Elizabeth, Rober Medfod, Master [Coldham II, 343 http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nvjack/davnport/jamesriverdavenports.pdf) 4 Oct 1679 Martha Medford, daughter of John Medford, Merchant: buried in the South isle under her mother's pew. [The reiester booke of Saynte De'nis, Backchurch parishe (city of London) - Page 245 St. Dionis Backchurch (London, England), Harleian Society, Joseph Lemuel] 31 Aug 1685 31 AUGUST 36 CHARLES II Certificate under the hand and seal of Sir William Smyth bart and JP for Middlesex of the conviction of Robert Medford marriner of having wittingly and willingly permitted an unlawful conventicle to be held under colour of exercising religion & c on the said 31st Aug at his house in Wapping in Stepney and of the conviction of Baxter of Stepney aforesaid of having preached to and taught the persons assembled at the same conventicle Certifying also that the said JP imposed a fine of 2o on the said Robert Medford for his offence and a fine of 2o on the said Baxter for his offence CCC 35 and 36 Charles II [Middlesex County Records] 6 Oct 1685 16 MARCH 36 CHARLES II True bill for not going to church chapel or any other usual place of common prayer during one month beginning on the said day against Rebecca Coltman the wife of John Colt man sailor Mary Alford the wife of Robert Alford sailor Mary Hill the wife of Robert Hill sailor Elizabeth Johns the wife of Peirce Johns sailor Mary Basse the wife of Robert Basse yeoman Robert Medford yeoman his wife Mary Medford Francis Bullard chandler Rebecca Andrews the wife of Benjamin Andrews yeoman the men named in the indictment being all described as late of Stepney co Midd Rebecca Coltman Mary Hill Elizabeth Johns Robert Medford and Rebecca Andrews were all discharged of the indictment on satisfying the Court of their conformity No clerical minute touching subsequent proceedings in the case against the other indicted persons SPR 6 Oct 36 Charles II [Middlesex County Records] 29 Jun 1733 Petition to the Treasury from Dorothea Lady Forbes. To be appointed, with Jonathan Ewar, of London, merchant, attorneys for three shares in the navigation of the river Kennet, fallen to the Crown by an extent against Wm Martin, Jacob Wyan and John Medford. [Calendar of Treasury books and papers, 1729-1745: Preserved in the Public ... By Great Britain. Public Record Office] 26 Dec 1735 Treasury warranty to Customs Commissioners. To remit the sureties of John Medford, tobacco merchant, the interest due on tobacco bonds. [Calendar of Treasury books and papers, 1729-1745: Preserved in the Public ... By Great Britain. Public Record Office] |
Records Library >