First Voyage of the English East India Company, in 1601, under the
Command of Captain James Lancaster.[85]
INTRODUCTION.
From the historiographer of the company[86] we learn, that the period of
this voyage being estimated for twenty months, the charges of provisions
were calculated at L6,600 4:10: and the investment, exclusive of
bullion, at L4,545; consisting of iron and tin, wrought and unwrought,
lead, 80 pieces of broad cloth of all colours, 80 pieces of Devonshire
kersies, and 100 pieces of Norwich stuffs, with smaller articles,
intended as presents for the officers at the ports where it was meant to
open their trade. Captain John Davis, who appears to have gone as chief
pilot, was to have L100 as wages for the voyage, with L200 on credit for
an adventure; and, as an incitement to activity and zeal, if the profit
of the voyage yielded two for one, he was to receive a gratuity of
L500; if three for one, L1000; if four for one, L1500; and if five
for one, L2000.[87] Thirty-six factors or supercargoes were directed to
be employed for the voyage: Three of the first class, who seem to
have been denominated cape merchants, were to have each L100 for
equipment, and L200 for an adventure; four factors of the second
class at L50 each for equipment, and L100 for an adventure; four of
the third class, with L30 each for equipment, and L50 for adventure;
and four of the fourth class, with L20 each for equipment, and L40
for adventure.[88] They were to give security for their fidelity, and to
abstain from private trade; the first class under penalties of L500
the second of 500 marks, the third at L200 and the fourth of L100
each.[89] These only exhaust fifteen of the thirty-six, and we are
unable to account for the remaining twenty-one ordered to be nominated.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 175 of 815
Words from 47162 to 47485
of 221842
