Inventory 10414
Surat · 372 pages · 44 segments · open at the Nationaal Archief ↗
English
him was. 88. as well as that he would send his second to speak with His Honour about these matters. 89. Whereupon Mr. Price again had it stated that he would await the second in the evening at half past five. 90. But that His Honour must not be blamed if the Nabob used violence. 91. And the second having thereupon presented himself to Mr. Price at the appointed time. 92. This dispute was thus settled in the following manner. 93. That the Director, to show that he was willing to entrust the person of Tabitas to Mr. Price as a friend, would remove the four Company sepoys. 94. That Mr. Price would thereupon also remove his sepoys. 95. And that His Honour would let the aforementioned Tabitas go to the Director the following day. 96. But in the meantime and at the very time that all this was thus arranged and settled. 97. The Nabob that evening at half past seven sent his servant Mir Serif with a crowd of people armed with firelocks and with broadswords and shields into the garden of the Noble Dutch Company where the Director was then residing. 98. Demanding that the aforementioned sepoys be immediately removed from Tabitas. 99. Or that the Nabob would otherwise have the wharf and the houses of our brokers occupied; 100. As well as having the same Company servants seized from the street. 101. Without anything that the Director advanced to the contrary being of any avail. 102. Namely, how strange it seemed to him that the Nabob meddled in the private disputes between two chiefs of European nations. 103. In which His Excellency after all had no concern whatsoever. 104. And which might even already have been cleared out of the way, since His Honour had sent his second to Mr. Price for that purpose. 105. The same servant declaring that he had positive orders not to leave that place before the aforementioned sepoys were removed. 106. But had been ordered to remain there in the garden of the Dutch Company with the men he had with him. 107. While the said servant in the meantime distributed the men he had brought along throughout the garden, 108. In such a manner that some of them stationed themselves in the alleys and at the avenues of the house. 109. And two armed with firelocks even penetrated as far as the bedchamber of the Director. 110. Whereby His Honour clearly seeing that they not only occupied the Company territory, but even deprived his person of his natural freedom. 111. And this out of sheer violence without reason and solely to force him to consent to the private ideas and intentions of this or that person. 112. He had the repeatedly mentioned servant of the Nabob, who had now already kept the garden occupied for fully two hours, 113. Come before him again and ordered him to go back and report to the Nabob the matters mentioned here before in articles 102, 103, and 104. 114. But he declared repeatedly that he had absolute orders not to leave that place without further instructions. 115. So that all of this is clearly established from the depositions made before our Council of Justice, appended hereto under No. 4. 116. Thus the Director still that same evening at nearly ten o'clock sent his court messenger to Mr. Price, 117. To inquire when His Honour could receive a public deputation. 118. And to which His Honour did not reply at that time. 119. The same request was repeated the following morning, and notice of all the foregoing was then given to Your Honour the Chief by a public deputation on the 25th of September. 120. And we already had a letter in readiness: 121. When the Nabob, upon consideration of the public violence and injustice done to us, 122. And the consequences which such a procedure might often have, 123. Resolved to make amends for this open violence in a public manner as well. 124. Accordingly causing, on the 9th of October, through his envoys the Dewan and Waliallah, 125. To the Director, assisted by the members of our assembly Van der Sleijden and Sontag, 126. And in the presence of the brokers and court messenger of the Noble Company, 127. Public apology to be made for the violence committed in the garden Zorgvrij mentioned here before. 128. With the added assurance that the like would never happen again, and that the affairs of our Company would henceforth suffer no hindrance. 129. Thus we do not doubt in the least that all that has been recounted above will show to the entire impartial world, 130. How poorly Your Honour has been informed in your so-called advanced investigation. 131. How erroneous, not to use reciprocal terms, Your Honour's conclusions in this matter have been formed. 132. And how improper is Your Honour's conduct that has this for a foundation. 133. Indeed, we may firmly maintain that a careful reading, when accompanied by the requisite impartiality, 134. Will show to everyone, 135. That the Nabob did indeed place a guard or garrison in the Company garden Zorgvrij, and held the person of our Director, the representative head of the entire Dutch nation in this place, under arrest. 136. While anyone who is not willfully blind can perceive, 137. That His Excellency has meddled in affairs entirely private and outside of his concern. 138.
Dutch transcription
hem was. 88. / mitsgaders dat hij sijnen secunde senden zoude om met zijn Edele over het een en ander te spreeken. 89. / soo liet den Heere price andermaal seggen dat hij de secunde 'savonds om half ses soude afwagten. 90. / Dog dat het zijn Ed: niet moeste worden geweeten soo den nabal geweld gebruijkte. 91. / En de waarop dan den secunde sig ter bepaalder tijd bij den Heere price begeeven hebbende. 92. / zoo wierd dit dispout en deeser volgen vereffend. 93. / Dat den directeur om te toonen, dat hij den persoon van Tabitas wel aan de Heere price als een vriend vertrouwen wilde de vier Comp:s sipaijs zoude weg neemen. 94. / Dat m:r price daarop sijne sipaijs mede zoude wegneemen. 95. / En dat zijn Edele voormelde Tabitas den volgenden dag bij den Directeur zoude Laeten gaan. 96. /: Dog ondertusschen en ter zelver tijd, dat dit alles alzoo geschikt en verevend wierd. 97. / Lend de Nabab dien avond om half leven sijnen die naar Mier serieff met een menigte volks met snaphaenen en met Houwer en schild gewasend, in de Thuijn van de Edele Hollandsche Compagnie alwaar den Directeur toenmang logeerde. 98. / Vorderende dat de voormelde sipaijs immediaat van Tabilas weggenomen wierden. 99. / off dat de Nabab andersints de werff en de huijsen van onse makelaars soude Laeten besetten; 100. / Mitsgaders dezelve Comp:s bediendens van de straat laaten op vatten n n aa selen 101. 16 4 125 101. sonder dat hier tegens van eenige vrugt was, dat den directeur avanceerde. 102:/ Hoe vreemd het hem voorkwaem, dat de Nabab: sig meleerde in de particuliere disputen tusschen Twee opper„ „hoofden van Europeese Natien. 103. / Daar zijn Excellentie immers niets meede te doen had. 104. / En die ook mogelik al uijt den weg geruijmt waaren alzoo zijn Edele ten dien eijnde zijnen secunde aen de Heer Price had toegesonden 105. / Als declareerende denselven dienaar dat hij pesitive ordre had, om niet van daar te gaan voor de voorm: sipaijs wegge„ „nomen waeren. 106. Maar gelast was om met sijn bij hebbende mar„ „schappen, aldaar in de sheeijn van de Hollandsche Comp: te moeten blijven. 107. Terwijl gemelden Dienaar intusschen sijne meede gebragte manschappen in de Thuijn verdeelde 108. sodanig dat er eenige sig posteerden in de allaes en op de avenues van het huijs. 109. / En er twee met snaphaenen gewapend selfs tot aan de slaep kamer van de Directeur doordrongen. 110. / waardoor zijn Edele klaerlik siende, dat men niet alleen 'sComp:s territoir besette, maar selfs zijn persoon van de natuurlijke vrijheijd beroofde. 111. / En zulx uijt louter geweld sonder reedenen en eeniglijk om hem te dwengen van de particuliere idees en voornemen van deese off geene in te willigen. 112 sellen 112. / Liet hij meergem:e Nabals bediende, die nu al wel 2. uuren de thuijn beset Gehouden had. 113. / wederom voor zig koomen, en hem aenseggen, om terug te gaan en den Nabab het hier vooren Gem:e aal: 102. 103. 104. te boodschappen. 114. Dog denselven bij herhaling declareerende absolut ordre te hebben, om niet van daar te gaan sonder naderen Last. 115. / Jnvoegen dit een en ander uit voor onsen Raad van Justitie belegde verklaeringen onder N„o 4. hier bij gevoegd, klaar Consteerd. 116. / soo sond den Directeur nog dien selven avond om bij nae thien uuren zijnen Hofijanger bij m:r Price 117. /om te verneemen, wanneer zijn Edele eene publicque commissie konde afwagten. 118. / En waarop zijn Edele des tijds niet antwoorde. 119. (soo is het selve versoek den volgenden morgen her„ „haald en als toen off den 25. 7ber: bij een publicque Com- 6 „missie aan uw Ed: Cheff van al het voorgaande kendis gegeeven. 120. / En wij hadden bereets een missive in gereedheijd: 121. / Wanneer den Nabab uit overweeging van het publicq geweld en onregt dat ons aangedaan was. — 122. E„s de volgen welken zulk een proceduure dikwerff souden kunnen hebben. 123. / Te raade wierd, om dit openbaare geweld ook publicq te beeteren 124. / Doende dienvolgens op den 9. Octobr door zijne afgesondene den duwan en Wellijxulla. 125. 12 125. Aan den directeur G'assisteerd met de Leeden onser verga„ „dering van der sleijden en Sontag. 126. / En ter presentie van de Makelaars en Hof Ganger van de Edele Compagnie. 127. / Openbaar Excus vraegen, over het hier vooren Gemelde in de Thuijn Sorg vrij gepleegd geweld. 128. / Met bijgevoegde verseekering, dat diergelijke nooit weer Gebeuren, en dat de zaeken van onse Compagnie voortaan geen hinder lijden souden. 129. / Dus twijffelen wij geensints off al het vooren verhaalde sal aan de geheele onpartijdige wereld doen zien. 130. / toe kwaelijk uw Ed. bij desselfs soo gevanseerd ondersoek onder„ „regt geworden zijn. 131. / Hoc erroneus om resiproque geen termen te gebruijken uw Edele Conslusien in desen zijn geformeerd. 132. / En oe naagtmaetiguwe Ed: gedrag is, dat dit Een grond slag heeft. 133. / Ja wij mogen vast, stellen dat eene nauw keurige Lecturan, wanneer met de vereiste oneensijdigheijd gepaart gaat 134. / aen ieder een zal doen sien. 135. / Dat de Nabab waarlik een 3jokjen off besetting in 'sComp:s thuijn Sorgrij gelegd, en den persoon van onsen Directeur het representative Hoofd van de geheele Hollandse Natie ter deeser plaatse en arrest gehouden heeft. 136. Terwijl een ieder die niet willens blind is, kan ontwaaren. 137. / Dat zijn Excellentie sig gemelleerd heeft met saeken ten eenemaal particulier en buijten hem. 138.
English
139. And used violence. 140. It being an absolute untruth. 140. That the Director ever treated with the Nabab concerning the return of Tabitas. 142. Or that he had this requested of Mr. Price otherwise than in the capacity of a good friend. 143. Indeed, we summon Mr. Price, saving the respect which we otherwise have for his Honor, to produce a single engagement granted by our Director to his Honor. 144. It is so far from that, my Lords. 145. That the Secunde Sluijsken is prepared to swear with a solemn oath. 146. That when the aforementioned Mr. Price undertook to apply his influence to the end that this Tabitaes should return. 147. And his Honor required for that purpose a declaration from the Director under the seal of the Company. 148. Containing that no harm should be done by us to this banqueroelier. 149. He declared to his Honor that such could not possibly be. 150. Since it was not intended to release this Gabitas from the protection of the Company. 151. Or to permit that the same, as long as he owed such a large sum to our Company, should take the protection of another. 152. And thus the Lord Director only undertook to write a short letter to Tabitas and would deliver such to his Honor in the quality of a friend. 153. Meanwhile, now that we find ourselves obliged to acknowledge the trouble which Mr. Price has taken in this matter. 154. We cannot at the same time pass over in silence the assertion of Your Honors. 155. Namely, that this Tabitas had returned under the immediate protection of the Castle and Town Governor. 156. And that their authority was insulted by the giving of sepoys to this returned person. 157. Since this proposition is absurdity itself. 158. And by advancing the same, one clearly demonstrates. 159. How little regard one intends henceforth to pay to our privileges. 160. Whereas these clearly dictate. 161. That no one shall be permitted to assist the debtors of the Company. 162. And that the Regents shall not be allowed to permit that they be protected by anyone, vide No. 5. 163. But since we shall have occasion below at art: 350 to discuss this point somewhat further. 164. It follows now naturally. 165. That we must have been deprived of all sense. 166. If we had ever gone to make an apology to Mr. Price over a matter in which we were mistreated in the highest degree. 167. On the contrary, as appears from art: 119, we immediately requested his Honor's assistance against this violence. 168. And this and our further instances having had the result that the Nabab publicly disavowed the violence done to us. 169. However much Your Honors seem to feel an inward regret thereat. 170. And however one also seeks to color such, and to put us in the wrong. 170. We shall likewise here pass over the rest set down in this regard by Your Honors as entirely out of the path of truth. 1720. Without further complaining about the expression of severity, which would be much more fitting in the mouth of a Sovereign Lord. 173. Being well assured that, however much Your Honors also seem to intend to justify the Lord Town Governor, to say nothing harsher. 174. The whole impartial world, indeed Your Honors' own superiors, far from approving such proceedings. 175. As serving for nothing else than to make life difficult for one's fellow man without gaining anything by it. 176. Will be convinced of the injustice and the oppression which is continually inflicted upon us here. 177. And will not leave the same unredressed. 178. The less so when they shall examine according to justice the still following vehement proceedings of the Nabab. 179. To which, following the tenor of Your Honors' letter, we shall now in the first place treat. 180. The violence committed in occupying with armed men a house of a subordinate of the Noble Dutch Company. 880. And the carrying away into prison and keeping of the salaried servants of the same. 182. As we gave notice thereof to Your Honors by our letters of 11 and 21 December last. 183. With the request to assist us against this violence according to their obligation. 184. Concerning which we cannot possibly comprehend. 185. How Your Honors see fit to justify the Nabab. 186. And that, too, as Your Honors report, after a careful investigation concerning everything that NB: previously occurred on similar occasions. 187. Whereas we may summon Your Honors to show us a single example of a similar violence committed. 188. Indeed, since it is as certain as certainty itself. 189. That it has always and from the earliest times that the Dutch Company has been established here in trade. 190. Been a fixed and unalterable custom. 191. That we punish our own servants and subordinates. 192. Whenever they had offended in our service. 193.
Dutch transcription
139. / En geweld gebruijkt heeft. 140. / sijnde het eene volstrekte onwaarheijd. 140: / Dat den Directeur oit met den Nabab over het werden komen van tabitas gehandelt heeft. 142. / off dat hij sulx van den Heere Price anders als in de hoedanighuijd van een goed vriend heeft laaten, versoeken. 143. / Ja wij summeeren den Heere Price voorbehoudens de agting welke wij andersints voor zijn welEdele hebben om een eenige verbintenis van onzen Directeur aen zijn Edele verleend te produceeken. 144. / Het is er soo verre van dan mijne Heeren. 145. / Dat den secunde sluijsken bereid is, met solemneelen bede te sweeren. 146. / Dat wanneer voorm: Heere Price aannaem, om zijn vermogen te sullen aanwenden ten eijnde dezen Tabitaes terug kwaemen. 147. / En zijn Edele daar toe requireerde eene verklaringe van den directeur onder het zegul van de Compagnie. 148. / Jnhoudende dat dezen Banqueroelier geen Leed door ons soude geschieden. 149. / Sij aan zijn welEdele heeft verklaert, dat zulx onmogelijk zijn konde. 150. /alsoo men niet voornemens was, om deezen Gabitas van de protectie der Compagnie te ontslaan. 151. / ofte gedogen dat dezelve, zo lang zulk een groote summa aen onse Compagnie schuldig was, eens anderens protictie „naeme. 152. / En dus den Heer Directeur alleenlik een briefjen aen Tabitas 161 Tabitas aennaem te schrijven en zulx zijn Edele en de qualiteijt van een vriend ter hand stellen soude. 153. „ ondertusschen nu dat we ons verpligt vinden te eakennen de moeijte die den Heer Price in deezen genomen heeft. 154. ( zoo kunnen doij teffens niet met stilswijgen passeeren, het g'avanceerde van uw Edelen. 155. / Dat namentlijk deesen Tabitas terug gekomen, was onder de onmiddelijke bescherminge van den Casteels en stads- Gouverneur 156. / En dat derselver Authoriteijt beledigd was, door het geven van sipaijs aen deesen terug gekomen. 157. / alsoo deeze stellinge de ongeruijmdheijd selver is. 158. / En men met dezelve te avanceeren klaarlik aantoond. 159. / woe watig requard men voortaean op onze privilegien de okt te slaan. 160. / Daar die ik klaarlik dicteerd. 161. / Dat niemande, de schuldenaeren van de Comp. sal vermogen te assisteeren. 162. / En dat de Regenten niet zullen mogen gedogen dat 'er door iemand Gepretegeerd worden, vide N„o 5. 163. Dan vermits wij hier agter arb: 350. Gelegendheijd sullen hebben om dit poinct wat nader te disouteeren. 164: / soo volgd nu van selven. 165. / Dat wij van alle kennisse souden hebben moeten sijn berooofd 166. / Soo we immermeer een Appologie hadden gaen maeke„ bij den Heere Price over een zaek waarin wij in den uijttersten graed mishandeld waeren. 167. van gen 167. / Jntegendeel hebben wij blijkens art: 119. zijn Edele assistentie tegen dit geweld ten eersten Gerequireerd. 168. / En dit en onse verdere en stantien van dat gevolg geweest zijnde, dat de Nabab het ons aengedaene Ge „weld openbaar gebuteert heeft. 169. / Hoe zeer uw Ed: daar over een inwendig requet schijnen te gevoelen. 170. / En hoedaanig men zulx ook zeekt te Coloueeren, en ons in het ongelijk te stellen. 170. / soo zullen wij hier meede het verdere te deesen opzigte bij uwEd: g'agte ter neder gestelde als ten eenemaele buijten den weg der waarheijd passeeren. 1720 / sonder ons verders te clangeeren, over de uijtdrukking van strengheijd, die veel beter in de mond: van een Couverein Heer voegen zoude. 173. / wel verseekerd sijnde, dat toe zeer uweld:s ook voor „nemens schijnen om den Heere stads-Gouverneur en het gelijk te stellen om niets harder te zeggen. 174. / De geheele onpartijdige waereld, Jae uw Ed: eijgene super „euren verre van soodanige procedures te billijken. 175. / als nergens anders toe dienende, als om sijnen Even mensch, het leven moejelik te maaken, sonder er iets bij te gewinnen. 176. / Overtuijgd zullen zijn, van het maegt, en de verdrukkinge, welke ons gestaedig alhier word aangedaan. 177. / En dezelve niet onverbetert laeten zullen. 178. / je minder wanneer dezelve de nog volgende vehemente proceduires van den Nabab nae de Geragtigheijd zullen examineeren examineeren. 179. waartoe wij den teneur van UwEd: missive volgende nu in de eerste plaetse sullen verhandelen. 180. / Het gepleegde geweld bij het met gewapend volk besetten van een Huijs van een onderhoorige van de Edele Hollandsche Compagnie. 880. / En het in gevangenis weg voeren, en houden van de be „soldigde Dienaaren van dezelve. 182. / soo als wij uwEd. daarvan bij onze missives van den 11. en 21. December laast leeden hebben kennis Gegeeven. 183. Met versoek om ons tegen dit Geweld volgens der „zelver verpligtinge te assisteeren. 184. / Wien aangaande wij onmogelik kunnen beseffen. 185. / Hoedanig uwoEdele goedvinden om de Nabab in het gelijk te stellen. 186. / En dat nog wel zoo als uwEdeles melden nae een nauwkeurig ondersoek omtrend alles wat NB: bevoorens bij diergelijke geleegendheeden is voorgevallen. 187. / Daar wij UwEd. mogen fammeeren om ons een eenig voorbeeld aen te toonen van een diergelijk gepleegd geweld. 183. / Jae daar het so seker is, als de sekerheijd selven 189. / Dat het altoos en van de eerste lijden aff, dat de Hollandsche Compagnie alhier ten wandel geseeten is geweest. 190. / Een vast en onveranderlijk gebruijk geweest is. — 191. / Dat wij onse eigene Dienaaren en onderhoorigen afstreaffen. 192. / Weetneerze, in onse dienst misdaen hadden. 193. .
English
193. That is, whenever they served us poorly or stole something from either the Company or ourselves. 194. Without any of the regents ever having interfered with it, nor being permitted to interfere. 195. As will be testified by all the merchants and inhabitants of this city who are aware of the ancient customs. 196. And as is also practiced by us daily. 197. For however much we may agree that the nabab, by virtue of the power granted to him, has the right to correct all offenses of the inhabitants. 198. It remains no less certain that he has never interfered in such domestic matters of ours, nor is he permitted to interfere. 199. Which can have even less place in the case in question, where a malwari who works daily in the warehouses finds opportunity to pick up some few spices, mostly consisting of dust and cloves, from the floor and take them home with him, which were taken from him along the way by this Parsi and secured in his house. 200. And it is thus a certain truth that this Parsi himself did not steal. 201. But took it back from a malwari who intended to steal. 202. He having himself, just before his house was occupied by the nabab's sepoys, 203. Given notice to our fiscal that he had a small bag of spices at his house, which he had taken from a malwari who had possibly purloined them on various occasions during the weighing; 204. But suppose for a moment that this Parsi had indeed stolen the spices from the warehouse. 205. And thereby deserved an exemplary punishment. 206. Then indeed the Nabab would have been obliged. 207. If he maintained he was entitled to exercise this punishment. 208. To demand this man, who along with his entire family as well as their ancestors was in our service and belonged under our jurisdiction, 209. From our Director. 210. In which case, assuming the theft had truly been committed. 211. We would not have hesitated for a moment to hand him over to justice. 212. As an object unworthy of our protection. 213. Yet the nabab has never demanded him from us. 214. But before the man was heard, and without leaving him any defense. 215. Not only occupied his house and goods with armed men, 216. But even the sepoys of the Noble Dutch Company, 217. Who were stationed there to see that the goods of this Parsi, as a subordinate of the said Company, were not plundered. 218. And to be sure that those spices, which were said to have been stolen from us and thus ought to be returned to the Company, were not taken away. 219. Were forcibly carried away from there and brought into the Durbar into prison, where they still remain. 220. An act so glaring. 221. That no one can produce any example of it. 222. And which, if it were to happen further in the future, would compel our Company either to remove from Surat, 223. Or to take other measures with the nabab. 224. Since there can no longer be any safety for us, 225. If the servants and true subordinates of the Company are simply seized and held under arrest. 226. And one wishes to prevent us from properly punishing those same servants and subordinates in case they commit offenses in our own service. 227. For thereby we, from a body of merchants as Your Honors very mistakenly please to entitle us, would become less than not only the meanest banyan, 228. But would become incapable of entrusting the Company's vessels and goods, as well as our own, to people who would be able to act with us at their pleasure, 229. Without having to fear any the least punishment from us. 230. A matter which encompasses absurdity itself, 231. Which cannot be defended without committing a great injustice. 232. And which we think therefore also requires no further proof. 233. Wherefore we then also now trust, 234. That Your Honors, instead of demanding from us the making of any apologies in this regard to the nabab, 235. Will no longer delay in maintaining us in our right. 236. And by so doing compel the said Governor to immediately rectify this matter. 237. As thereby it will become apparent, 238. That Your Honors faithfully fulfill your repeatedly given assurances. 239. And continue to maintain us in the prerogatives and privileges granted to us by the same supreme authority, 240. In whose name the city and Castle are governed. 241. Whereby we shall then also be able to remain outside the urgent necessity, 242. Of keeping Your Honors' own obligations so frequently before your eyes, 243. Which since the year 1762 has been all too often necessary. 244. For however much it pleases Your Honors, Gentlemen, to want to help remind us of our present situation, 245. Which Your Honors please to call better than before. 246.
Dutch transcription
193. / Dat is, wanneer te ons off kwaelik dienden off den Comp: dan wel ons iets ontvreemden. 194. sonder dat zig doit iemand der regenten daarmede be „moeijt heeft nog te moeijen mag. 795. / so als zulx door alle de kooplieden en inwoonders deezer „stad, welke de oude gewoonten bewuast zijn, zal worden getuijgd. 196. / Een ook alzoo dagelix door ons gepracticeerd word. 197. / want Hoe zeer wij ook willen toestemmen, dat de nabab, uijt hoofde van de hem verleende magt het regt heeft om alle misdaeden van de Jngeseetenen, te Corrigeeren. 198. „: so blijft het niet minder seker, dat hij zig met „diergelijke onse dotresticque saaken nimmer bemoeit heeft „ nog bemolijen mag. 199: (het geen te minder plaats kan hebben in het geval in questie, daar een maluarij die dagelijx in de pakhuijsen werkt geleegentheijd vind, om eenige weinige specerijen meest bestaande in stoff en kroontjes van de grond op te raapen, en meede na zijn huijs te neemen, en welke hem onder de weg door deesen persie worden afgenomen en in zijn huijs geborgen. 200: —/ En het dus eene zeekere waarheijd is, dat deezen percie silfs niet gestolen. 201. /. maar het van een maluarij die voornemen/ was te steelen te rug genomen heeft. 202. hebbende hij zelfs even bevoorens sijn buijs door Corababs sipaijs beset wierd- 203: - 5 25 203. / Aan onsen fiskaal kennis gegeven dat hij een klein sakjen met specerijen aan zijn Huijs had, welke hij va een maluarie die in differentie reijsen se mogelik onder het uijtweegen hadde beschaard afgenomen had; 204. / Dog voor een ogenblik gesteld; deeze persie had in den„ daad de specerijen uit de zallij gestolen. 205. / En daar over een Exemplaire straffe verdiend. 206. / soo: was immers den Nabab verpligt geweest. 207. / wanneer sustineerde tot deeze staaf oeffening Geregtigd 208. /om deesen man als benevens zijne Geheele familie zoo wel als hunne voor ouders in onsen dienst en onder ons sorteereerde. 209:/ van onsen Directeur op te bisschen. 200. /als wanneer ondersteld de Diverije waarlik was gepleegd. 201. / wij geen ogenblik soude hebben getardeerd hem aan de Justitie over te geeven. 212. / als een voorwerp onse protectie onwaardig. 213. al egter heeft de nabab, denselven nimmer van ons gevorderd. 214. maart alvoorens de man verhoond was, en soinder hem eenige defensie over te laaten. 213: / sijn Huijs en goed, met gewapend volk beset, niet alleen 216: / maar selfs de sipaijs van de Edele Hollandse Compagnie 217. welke aldaar waaren geplaatst, om te zien dat de goederen van deesen persie als een onderhoorige van dezelve Compagnie niet geplunderd. 218. te zijn. 218. / En dat die specerijen, welke men seide dat van ons gestolen waaren en dues aan de Comp: te rug komen moesten niet weggenomen wierden. 209. / van daar met geweld weggevoerd en in den Derbaar in gevangenis gebragt, alwaar se nog zijn. 220. / Een bedrijff soo scheeuwend. 221. Dat er niemand eenig voorbeeld van voorbrengen kan. 222:/ En dat ingevalle voorlaan meerder gebeurde onse Comp: noodzaaken soude of om van souratta te verhuijsen 223. / of om andere maat regulen met den nabab te nemen. 224. / Alsoo er geene veijligheijd voor ons meer zijn kan„ 225. Wanneer de Dienaaren van de Comp: en waare onderhoorigen maar worden opgevat en in arrest gehouden. 226. / En men ons wil belelten, om dieselve Dienaaren en onder„ hoorigen, nabehoopen afte straffen ingevallen dat in onsen eigenen dienst misdoen. 227. Want daar door souden we van een stel kooplieder so als seer uwelEd:s goedvinden ons verkeerdelijk te tituleeren, minder worden dan den geringsten benjaan niet alleen. 228. maar zouden onvermogens raaken om 's' Comp:s vaartuijgen en goederen, so wel als die van ons selver te vertrouwen aanlieden welke met ons zouden kunnen handelen na welgevallen. 229. sonder eenige de minste straffe van ons te vreesen te hebben. 230. / Eene zaak welke de absecrditeijt selver in sluijt 231„ onregwaardigheijd te pleegen. 232. En welke wij denken dat over zulx ook geene verdere adstructie nodig heeft. 233. / Mwaaromme wij dan ook nu vertrouwen. 234: / Dat uwelEd: in steede van ons het maaken van eenige excuses desweegens aen den nabab aftevorderen. 235. / niet meer sullen trainneeren om ons bij ons regt te maintineeren. 236. /: En dus doende denselven Gouverneur verpligten deeze zaak immediaat te beteren. 237. /als zullende hier door geblijken. 238. / Dat uwe lEd. derselven te meermaalen gedaane ver „zeekeringen getrouwelik nakomen. 239. / En ons bij de voorregten en privilegien, ons door dieselvde oppermagt verleend. 240. (uijt welkers naam de stad en Casteel bestierd word blijven muintineeren. 241. Cals waar door wij dan ook buijten de hooge nood zeecke sullen kunnen blijven. 242. / van uw Ed:s desselfs verbinteniessen zoo dikwerff voor ogen te houden 243. / het geen sederd hit Jaar 1762. maar alle dikwirff nodig geweest is. 244. / Want hoe seer het uwe lEd: Mijne Heeren ook behaagd ons te willen helpen geheugen onse tegenswoordige situatie 245. Die uwel Ed:s beter dan bevorens gelieven te noemen. 231. Die niet kan worden gedefendeert sonder een groote 246.
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246. thus shows, this same letter of Your Honour that improvement is far to seek. 247. And that we may never flatter ourselves with it. 248. Since Your Honours, ever since having become the masters of the Sourat castle, seem already to have forgotten, 249. that we are a Privileged Company, 250. which is itself a power in the Indies, 251. and which we do not reconcile when it is placed on an equal footing with that of Your Honour's self, 252. when labeling us with the name of a set of merchants, 253. and wanting to treat us on the footing of a common banyan, 254. against whom one will still very seldom act in such a manner as has happened with us for some time past. 255. And truly, Gentlemen, it can excuse Your Honour very little before the impartial world, 256. that Your Honours, whenever the Nabab inflicts injustices upon us and Your Honour sees fit to prevent them, 257. pretend a charter of our privileges that can hardly be true. 258. Considering it must be beyond any dispute 259. that His Mogol Majesty Alemgier the second, when in the [illegible] year of his reign, the 11th of the moon-month [illegible] in the year 1173, or on the 2nd of September 1759, 260. saw fit to transfer the governance over the Castle at Souratten, 261. which had previously been captured by Your Honour's troops, 262. to the Honourable English Company, 263. handed over to Your Honour at the same time all charters and papers pertaining to the Government of the City, 264. together with such privileges and Firmans as the said His Majesty and his illustrious ancestors have granted unto us. 265. And this appears clearly when Your Honour says to be so well informed of the Nabab's privileges, 266. so that the insistence which Your Honours make to have copies of our firmans 267. can give us nothing other than an unfavourable impression of Your Honour's intentions, 268. however much we also hope for the contrary. 269. Indeed, we can find no other reasons for this insistence 270. than that Your Honour wants to see whether we have still kept all those firmans 271. which were granted to us by the Mogols, or whether some of them have also been lost. 272. And wherefore Your Honour please do not take it amiss of us 273. that we cannot deem ourselves obliged to the production of all these our firmans, except in so far as such shall be necessary, and as has also been practiced by us repeatedly, 274. while we cannot view the request made thereto as anything other than a chicane which people now want to make in order to confuse matters as much as possible. 275. Considering it has always appeared 276. that we have never made any request to Your Honour that was not grounded upon the same. 277. And we also repeatedly showed some of the same, which we deemed necessary, to Mr. Price and in the time of Mr. Duaper, at Their Honours' request and to spare them the trouble of having them fetched from the Castle, 278. as again some extracts from the same have accompanied this writing for Your Honour's convenience. 279. And while we regret that in this we are unable to satisfy Your Honour's requisition, 280. we must still remark briefly that in many cases we do not need firmans, 281. since constant custom, especially in these lands, makes a law, and these customs are known to all merchants of the city, 282. without our needing or ever having attempted to introduce new ones, 283. or to regard simple favours which we have never enjoyed from the Nabab as privileges. 284. And forgive us, Gentlemen, that we cannot comprehend 285. how Your Honours see fit thus to plead for the conduct of the Nabab, 286. whereas Your Honour is convincedly aware of the same, along with many and especially with us, 287. without our needing to detail His Excellency's conduct any further. 288. And were this properly ordered, we would never have need to trouble Your Honour daily with insistences for maintenance against him, 289. whereas now, in order to describe all the impediments in trade, unpleasantries, and chicanes that are daily inflicted upon us, books of paper would be required. 290. Nevertheless, in order not to enlarge this noticeably with the narration of matters of which no one can be unaware, we shall follow the thread of Your Honour's letter further. 291. And it will consequently convince Your Honours that people are found who take pleasure in constantly moving disputes, 292. when, with regard to the complaint of the Nabab concerning a dispute with Boetoesa, Your Honour will please consider the following as a certain truth: 293. That when the banyan merchant Tabidas Nagendas, belonging under the protection of our Honourable Company, had come to fail and fled away in the month of July last past, 294. leaving behind a debt, among many others, of Rs 39240: 17 to the same Company; 295. and we, on the 7th of August thereafter, resolved to inventory and provisionally take into custody the goods of the said Tabidas for the indemnification of our masters; 296. the warehouse master Holmberg, at our request [illegible] 297.
Dutch transcription
246: / soo toond, deeze selfde uwelEd: missive aan dat den beetin„ „schap verre te soeken is. 247:/ En dat wij ons daar meede nimmer platteeren mogen. 248. /: Also uwelEd:s seederd de meesters van het Souratse kasteel geworden zijn al schijven te hebben vergeeten. „249: /: Dat wij eene Gepriviligeerde Compagnie zijn. 250. (:Die selfs eene mogenidheijd in de Jndien is. 251. En welke we niet vereffen als ze egaal word gesteld met die van uwel Edele Pelve. 252. / Wanneer ons bestempelen met den naam van een stel kooplieden. 253. / ben ous willen tricteeren op den voet van een Gemeen bancaan. 254. /. Tegens welke men nog zeer selden sal ageeren, indiervoegen als zederd eenigen tijd met ons geschied is. 255. / En waarlik Mijne Heeren het kan uwel Edele bij de onpartijdige waereld seer weinig verschoonen. 256. / Dat uwelEd:s telkens wanneer de Nabab ons onder„ „gelijkingen aandoed en uwelEd: met goedvinden die te betellen. 7 /voortwenden eene oorkunde van onse voorregten die 257. „ 120 on„gelijk waar zijn kan. 258. Geconsidereerd het buijten eenige tegenspraak zijn moet. 259:/ off zijne Mogolse Majesteijt Alemgier de tweede, wanneer in het selvde Iaar sijner regeeringe den 11. van de moonse maand mozen in het Iaar t 1173: ofte op den 2. 7ber: 1759: 260. / Goedrond om het bewind over het Casteel te souratten; 268. 1 169 261. dat bevoorens door uw welEd: Troupes vermeestert, was. — 262. / Op te draegen aan de Edele Engelsche Compagnie 263. heeft ter selver tijd aan uwel Edele overgegeven alle Chartres en papieren tot de Regeering der Stad 264. Met en benevens sodaane privilegien en Fiamans als Gem: sijne Majesteijt en zijne doorlugtige voor onderen aan ons verleend hebben. 265. / En dit geblijkt duijdelijk wanneer uwel Edele seggen, soo wel te zijn onderrigt van des Nabab:s voorregten. 266. sulx de instantie welke uwelEd:s doen om Copien onsede firmans te hebben. 267. / ons niet anders als een ongunstig denkbaeld van uwelEd: voorneemens geven kan. 268. toe seer wij ook het tegendeel verhoopen. 269. / Jmmers wij kunnen voor deze instantie geene andere redenen vinden. 270. /als dat uw welEd. willen zien, of wij alle die firmans nog wel bewaard hebben. 271. Welke aen ons door de Mogols sijn verleend dan of er ook eenige van deselve zijn verlooren. 272. / En waarom uwel Ed. ons niet kwalijk gelieven te neemen. 273. / Dat wij ons niet verpligt oordeelen kunnen tot de productie van alle deze onze firmans, als voor zoo verre sulx nodig zal zijn, en ook bij ons te meermalen gepracticeerd 271. / Terwijl wij het daar toe gedaane versoek niet anderes kunnen aansien, als een Chicane welke men thans om betrekkelijk. de een is. de zaken zoo veel mogelijk te brouilleeren maken wil. 275. Geconsidereerd het abloos gebleeken is. 276. / Dat wij suwelEd. nimmer eenig versoek hebben gedaan, dat niet op dezelve was gegrondet. 277. /En wij ook te meermalen aan de Heer Price en ten tijde van de Heer Duaper eenige van dezelve, welke we noodig oordeelden, op hun Edeles verzoek, en om haar de moeite weg te nemen, van die uit het Casteel te laalen haalen, vertoond hebben. 278. / Zoo als weder bij deeze schriftuur tot uwel Ed: Commoditijt eenige Extracten uijt dezelve gevolgd zijn. 279. En daar het ons leed doed, dat we in deezen onver„ „mogens zijn aan uwel Ed:e Requisitie te voldoen. 280. / moeten we nog kortelijk remarqueeren, dat we in veele gevallen geene fermans noodig hebben 281. - Also de Constante gewoonten voor al in deese landen eene woet maakt en deeze gewoonten bij alle kooplieden van de stad bekend zijn. 282. / sondete dat wij het noodig of immer getragt hebben, om nieuwe in te voeren. 283. / off om enkelde gunsten die we nimmer van den Nabab genooten hebben als voorregten aan te merken. 284. / En vergeeft ons Mijne Heeren, dat we niet beseften kunnen 285. / Hoedanig uw wel Ed:s Goedvinden dus voor het Gedaag van den Nabab te pleiten. 286:/ Daar uw welEd: het selve met veele en voornamentlijk met ons overtuijgd bewust is. 287. / sonder dat wij noodig hebben sijn Excellenties Conduite nader te 17 te detailleeren. 288. / En was deeze nabehooren ingerigt nooit, souder we noodig hebben uwelEd: dagelijx met instantien tot maintien tegens hem te vermoeijelijken. 219. / Daar toen nu om alle de beletselen in den handel onge „noeglijkheeden en Chicanes die ons dagelijx worden toegebragt te beschrijven, boeken papier souden benodigt zijn. 290. Al egter zullen wij om deeze niet merkelijk te vergrooten met het verhaal van zaaken die niemand onbewust kan zijn de draad van uwel Ed. missive al verder volgen 291. / En het zal uw welE:s ten volgen overtuijgen dat er Lieden werden gevonden die vermaak scheppen om Gestadig ques „tien te moveren. 292. ( Wanneer ten reguarde van de klagte van de Nabab omtrend een verschil met Boetoesa uwelle: het volgende als een seekere waarheijd sullen Gelieven te overwegen. 292. Dat wanneer den onder de protectie van onse Edele Compagnie behoorden benjaans koopman Tabidas Nagendas in de maand Julij Laatst leeden was komen te failleeren en weggevlugt. 294. Met agterlating: van een Debet onder veele andere van Ra/oas 39240: 17. aan dezelve Compagnie 295: /: En wij op den 7. aug:s daaraan beslooten om de goedereer„ van Gemelde Zabidas tot schadeloos stellinge van onze betaals Heeren te Jnventariseeren en bij provisie in bewaaringe te neemen. 296. / Den pakhuijsmeester Holmberg aan ons versoek daes.. 297.
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297. That there might be delivered to him from the warehouses of the aforementioned Tabidas 298. such 45 cannassers of candy sugar as were still found there, and which he, the warehouse master, had delivered to the same from the Company's latthijs among other goods, 299. in order to satisfy from the proceeds thereof the tolls of the Company to the English Gentlemen and Marattas. 300. And which request having been granted by us, 301. in consideration that the sugar had been delivered for the tolls of the Honorable Company, and must always remain as a pledge for that purpose, 302. since the said tolls, amounting to a sum of 5070 rupees, had been left unpaid by Tabidas, although the rest of the delivered goods had also been alienated by him; 303. provided, however, that the said warehouse master declared to us by handfasting in place of an oath 304. that these 45 cannassers were the very same that had been delivered by him to Tabidas for the satisfaction of the tolls, 305. as appears from an extract from our resolution of the said 7 August under No. 6. 306. Thereupon the Banyan merchant Saa Rieltersje Gokel addressed himself 307. to our meeting by petition on the 15th of that month, a copy of which accompanies this under No. 7, 308. with the request that the aforementioned 45 cannassers of sugar might be delivered to him, 309. on the grounds that he had advanced money on loan to Tabidas on the same, as well as on some spices, 310. and which goods had been pledged to him for that purpose by the said Tabidas, and thus, through the flight of the same, should belong to him in ownership. 311. Which petition, then subsequently by decision of our meeting No. 8, having been placed into the hands of the warehouse master Holmberg, 313. with orders to submit a report thereon, 314. the same was also complied with by him on the 18th of the aforementioned month, see the said report No. 9; 315. whereupon it appeared very clearly to us: 316. First, that the contract which the said Banyan had submitted, and which accompanies this as No. 10, 317. was not of the required validity, but on the contrary bore all the marks of having been drawn up after the flight of Tabidas, 318. since it was signed not by the contractor, but by his brother Siwidas, with whom he had not traded together in two years, 319. and this, according to the own confession of this Gokel, fully a month after Tabidas was already out of the city and a fugitive; 320. Secondly, that this sugar was found in the warehouse of Tabidas and of no one else; 321. and thirdly, that the said paper by no means demonstrated that the sugar had been sold, 322. but only that it had been pledged, with a commission to claim it for him, 323. since Tabidas declared therein that he had given the goods to Saa Kettingjie Gokel to sell for him, and that he had received a sum of rupees 8490 at 3 and 3/4 percent per month from the Banyan, and left the said goods in pledge for it. 324. Which could in no respect be valid, 325. because Tabidas was by no means authorized to pledge the goods of the Honorable Company that had been handed to him for the payment of the country's dues, 326. and this Gokel was also not ignorant that these goods did not belong to Tabidas, but had been delivered to him for the satisfaction of the tolls. 327. And for all of which reasons we, on the same day, as appears from our decision under No. 11, 328. after the warehouse master had performed the declarations mentioned hereinbefore in articles 303 and 304, namely that this was the very sugar that he had delivered for the toll, 329. thought fit to persist in our decision of 7 August mentioned hereinbefore in article 305, 330. and consequently to have the aforementioned 45 cannassers of candy sugar delivered to the warehouse master. 331. From all of which we trust that Your Honors will be assured 332. that we, according to the rules of equity, have admitted the strictest law; 333. and that the city governor, merely to scrape together everything possible to cause us trouble, 334. has made a very unfounded complaint to Your Honors, 335. whereas he had been obligated to dismiss this merchant when he came to complain to him on his own behalf. 336. Nor is it only, Gentlemen, that people have approached Your Honors with unfounded complaints, 337. in order, if possible, to incite the entire world against us out of private resentments, 338. but people have even done everything to place events that give us legitimate reasons to complain 339. in a contrary daylight, 340. and to represent them as if the Company's servants were entirely in the wrong. 341. And a clear proof of this is provided by the alleged complaints of the Nawab against our broker Manchergie, 342. as if he had committed various acts of violence and insults 343. against the subjects of the city, as if the Nawab were already the owner of His Excellency's city and it no longer belonged to the Great Mughal, 344. whereas it is nevertheless certain and if necessary provable 345. that when our brokers, according to a custom among all the merchants of Surat, 346. had sent two sepoys, who were given to them by the Dutch Company, 347. to a certain coppersmith in Surat who
Dutch transcription
297. Dat aan hem migte woorden afgegeven uit de pakhuijsen van voorm: Tabelas. 298. / zulke 45. Cann:s Candij zuijker als aldaar nog Gevonden waren en hij pakhuijsmeester onder meer andere goederen uit 's Comp:s Latthijs aan denzelven afgegeven had. 299. / Om uijt dies provenue de Thollen van de Compagnie aan „de Heeren Engelschen en Marrettas te voldoen 300. En welk versoek bij ons sijnde toegestaan 301. / uijt Consideratie die zuijker voor de Thollen van D E. Compagnie afgegeven was, en altoos daar voor ten onderpand verblijven moesten. 302. Alzo dezelve Thollen tot een bedragen van 5070. rop:s door Tabidas onbetaald gelaaten waaren schoon ook de meerdere afgegevene goederen door hem waaren vervreemd. 303. /mits dat egter de gem: pakhuijsmeester aan ons bij handtastinge in plaats van bede verklaarde 304. Dat deeze 415. Cannassers dezelve waaren, welke doore hem aan Tabidas tot voldoening der Thollen waaren afgegeven. 305. Blijkens een Extract uijt onse Resolutie van den Gemelden 7. Aug:s sub N:o 6. 306. / soo adderesseerde sig den ben Jaans koopman Saa Rieltersje Gokel. 307. / Aan onse vergadering bij Request op den 15. van die maand, waar van de Copia deezen bijgaat onder N:o 7. 308. met versoek dat de voorsz: 45. Cann:s suijker aan hem mogten worden afgegeven. 309. / luijt hoofde hij op dezelve als meede op eenige specerijen, 7: aan 9 §10. /. Die Goederen daar voor door denselven Tabibas aan hem 310. / En dus door de aufugie van denselven aan hem in eijgendom behooren zouden. §: 12. welk request: dan vervolgens bij besluijt onser vergadering N:o 8. gesteld zijnde, in handen van den paksuijsmeek ter Holmberg. 313. met ordre om daarop te dienen van Berigt. 314. / zoo wierd zulx ook door denselven op den 18. van meergenoem „de maand nagekomen, vide het selve berigt n:o 9. 315: / wanneer ons, zeer klaarlijk gebleek 316. / primo / Dat het Contraet soo den gemelden benjaan hadde overgelegd en deesen bijgaat n:o 10. 317. / niet was van de vereijschte validiteijt, maar daar en tegen alle de tekenen droeg van na de vlugt van Jabidas samen gesteld te zijn. 318. / Alzoo het niet door den Contractant, maar door zijnen broeder Siwidas, met dewelke hij in geen twee Iaaren had te samen genegotieerd getekend was. 319: / Ende zulx volgens de Eijgene bekentenis van deezen Gokel, wel een maand na dat Tabidas al uijt de stad en voortvlugtig was. 328.: / Dat deze zuijker was bevonden in het pakhuijs van „ Tabidas en van niemand anders. — 321. / En ten 3=den Dat het selve papier Geensints. aantoonde dat die zuijker was verkogt. 322. maar eenelijk dat verpandet was, met Commissie aaren verpandet. aan Tabidas geld ter Leen geschooten hadde. n aan aginie Verore hem om 1 om die voor hem te vendiceeren. 323. Alto Tabidas daarbij verklaarde dat de Goederen aan saa Kettingjie Gokel had gegeven, om voor heen te verkopen en dat hij een seomma van Rap:s 8490: tegens 3¾. p:r C:t smaands van den benjaan ontfangen had, en daar voor de gedagte Goederen en pand liet. 324. Het welk en geene opsigte dugtig sijn konde 325. uijt hoofde Tabidas geensints was bevoegd om de Goederen van D 8. Comp: soo tot betalinge van de Lands Gerigtighend aan hem waaren ter hand gesteld te verpanden 326. /. En deeze Gokel ook niet onkundig is geweest dat deeze Goederen niet aan Fabidas behoorden, maar aan hem voor de voldoeninge der shollen afgegeven waaren. 327. En: om alle welke reedenen wij dat denselven dage blijken ons besluijt onder N:o 11: 328. Na dat den pakhuijsmeester de hier vooren art: 303. en 304. gem verklaaringen dat dit namentlijk dezelve zuijker was die hij voor Thol had afgegeven had gepresteerd. 329. Goedvonden bij ons besluijt van den 7. aug:s hier voren ant 305: vermeld te persisteeren. 330. / En dies, volgens de meergedagte 45. Cann: Candij zuijker aan den pakhuijsmeester te laaten afgeeven. 334. sluijt alle het welke wij vertrouwen / dat Uwel Ed. versekerd zijn zullen. §02. / Dat wij volgens de regulen van Equiteijt het aller„ „strekste regt G'admitteerd hebben: 333./ En dat den stads. Gouverneur om maar alles bij ee te rapen wat mogelijk was om ons moeijelijkheeden aante doen. 334. 334. Bij uwEd. eene seer ongecuendiende klagte gedaan heeft. 335. Daar hij verpligt was geweest om deezen Koopman so als van zig zelven bij hem megt geklaagd hebben 336. /sa het:s niet alleen Mijne Heeren dat men uw Ed:s met ongefundeerde klagten voorgekomen is. — 337. / om was het mogelijk de geheele woaereld tegens ons uijt particuliere ressentimenten te annimeeren. §8. 1 maar men heeft selfs alles aangewend om Gebeurtenissen die ons regtmatige reedenen tot klaagen geeven. 339. / Jn een strijdig dogligt te stellen. 340. / En zodanig te vertoonen als of 'sComp:s Dienaaren en het volkomenste ongelijk waaren. 340. / En hier toe verstrekt tot een klaare blijk de voorgeven de klagten van den Nabab tegens onse makelaar manchergie. 342. Als had die verscheijden Geweldenarijen en beschempingen 343. Jaan NB: de onderdaanen Nabab eeven of van de stad nu al den eijgendom van zijn Excellentie geworden was, en niet meer aan den Grooten Mogol behoorden 344. Daar het egter seeker en des noods bewijselijk is. — 345. / Dat wanneer ons makelaars volgens eene Gewoonte onder alle de kooplieden van Socratte. 346. / Twee Sipaijs welke haar van de Hollandse Compagnie gegeven zijn. 347. / hadden gesonden bij seekere kooperslager „ Soeratte gepleegd. van de hand te wezen. die 12
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who is said to be protected by your Honour's broker and the Cha. 348. in order to demand from him settlement of his arrears to her. 349. And with orders to remain there until payment had followed, at least in part. — 350. on behalf of the city Governor some people were sent there. 351. Who forcibly drove the aforesaid sepoys away from the house of this coppersmith. 352. With threats that if they came there again, the Nabab would have their hands and feet cut off. 353. A conduct, my Lords, not only so violent and of such far-reaching consequences that it would make our stay in Souratta impossible for us. 354. because our brokers are thereby prevented from obtaining their outstanding debts and satisfying our Company. 355. but also entirely contrary to our privileges. 356. as the accompanying copies from the firman granted to us by the Mogol under No 15 here above, advanced in article 162. 357. will clearly show your Honour that the respective regents of Souratta. 358. are obliged to show us all help and assistance in collecting our debt claims whenever we make a request to that end. 359. without being permitted to tolerate that anyone, whoever he may be, protects and shields these our debtors in any way. 360. And wherefore we most urgently insist with your Honour that you compel the Nabab to withdraw such orders and to let the brokers collect their claims peacefully and undisturbed. 361. Just as his Excellency on 6 December 1772, when this improper conduct was publicly complained of to him, indeed undertook to do. 362. Although he subsequently trampled this same promise underfoot again. 363. While we must further request your Honour that the Nabab may be obliged not to refuse audience to the brokers of the Honourable Dutch Company. 364. as often as they are sent to his Excellency by our Director on public commissions for the service of our Honourable Company. 365. And as the Nabab has thought fit to do on 20 August and 21 ditto. 366. on the grounds that Manchergie gave such a bad name to Dansicha Gaff. 367. Herewith then, for the present, we shall consider your Honour's agreeable letter of 29 December aforesaid answered. 368. having already had the honour on 2 January last to send your Honour our reply regarding the affair of Deannaat. 369. In the hope and certain expectation. 370. That the same will be fully persuaded. 371. That your Honour had indulgence with the Nabab regarding the liquidation of his debt to the Company, see articles 32 to 44. 372. That his Excellency truly placed a chowki or guard on the garden of the Honourable Company and the person of the Director on 24 September 1772. 373. And on that account publicly apologized on 9 October following, from article 61 to article 168. 374. That the occupation of the house of our servant and subject of the Company. 375. as well as the taking into prison and keeping of the Company's salaried servants. 376. Is an act full of violence and injustice, articles 179 to 240. 377. That we in the case with the Banyan Iaa Retting, alias Gokel, whom your Honour calls Boeloesa, have admitted justice in every point, from article 291 to 335. 378. And finally that the Nabab has violated and trampled underfoot our privileges when he prevented the brokers from collecting their debts according to custom, even refusing them audience, from article 336 to article 360. 379. And that your Honour accordingly will now no longer delay in compelling the Nabab. 380. To make amends for the violence and injustice done to us. 381. And henceforth to let us peacefully and undisturbed enjoy the privileges and prerogatives granted to us by the sovereign Lord of these lands. — 382. as well as belonging to us by virtue of the old and constant customs. 383. And so then concluding this, we have the honour to be with much respect; below stood: Honourable Sir and Sirs. lower: your Honour's very humble and obedient servants, was signed: Mr. In Bosman, - - - - - - , I. van der Sleijden, I. B. Zimmerman, R. C. de Wassij, W. L. Sontag, J. J. Bocquet and E. No Wiardi. in the margin: Souratta, 24 February Anno 1773. still lower stood: P. S. although we can no longer postpone the dispatch of this, because the Nabab continuously keeps pressing for an answer to all such articles about which we have answered in this, we nevertheless declare that we reserve to ourselves all such complaints as we shall deem necessary to make for the maintenance of our lawful right, concerning matters which in the meantime, while this was sent elsewhere for translation, have been attempted and put into effect by the Lord city Governor to our great prejudice and public affront, and which we therefore leave postponed until such time and while we have someone at hand sufficiently skilled in the language to make your Honour understand our intentions. Agreed Goverts Junior po 891
Dutch transcription
die men legt dat door uwelEd:s makelaar d en de Cha„ geprotigeerd word. 348. / om van denselven te vorderen voldoening van zijn agter weesen aan haar. 349. / En met last om aldaar te blijven tot de betalinge ten minsten voor een gedeelte gevolgd was. — 350. namens den stads Gouverneur aldaar eenig volk gesonden is geworden. 351. Die de voorsraemde sipaijs met geweld verdreeven hebben van het huijs van deezen koperslager. 352:/ Met dreigementen dat soo aldaar weeder kwamen den Nabab haar handen en voeten soude afkappen laaten. 3530 / Een gedrag mijne Heeren niet alleen sodanig Gewels„ „deedigen van zulke verre uijtsigten dat het ons het verblijf te souratta onmogelik maken zoude. 354. / om dat onse makelaars daar door belet worden haare uijtstaande schulden te bekomen, en onse Comp: te voldoen. 355. / maar oak ten eenimale strijdig met onse privilegen. 356. / als zullende de nevensgaande Copien uijt de firman/ ons door den Mogol verleend onder N:o 15. hier vooren art: 162. g'avanceerd. 357. /uw welEd:e klaarelik doen sien dat de respective regenten van Sourattan. 358. / verpligt sijn om ons in het invorderen onser schildvonderingen alle hulp en assistentie te bewijsen wanneer wij daar toe versoek doen. 359. ƒ 74 7— 359. / sonder te mogen gedogen dat iemand wie hij ook zijn moge; deselve onse schuldenaaren op eenige wijze protegeerd en beschermd. 360: / En waarom wij wel instandiglijk bij uwEd: en sesteeren om den Nabab te verpligten van diergelijke ordres en te trekken en de Makelaars vreedig en ongestoond haare pretentien te laaten invorderen. §361. Soo als zijn Excellentie op den 6. xber: 1772: wanneer over dit oneigen gedaag publicq bij hem geklaagd is, wet aangenomen heeft te doen. 362. / Schoon dezelve belofte na dies wederom met voeten getreeder. heeft. 363. Terwijl wij uwelEd: alverder moeten versoeken dat de Nabab mag werden verpligt om de makelaars van de Edele Hollandse Comp: geen gehoort weigeren. 364 / soo meenigmaal dezelve door onsen Directeur aan zijn Excellentie in publicque Comissien voor den dienst van onse Edele Comp. gesonden worden. 365. / En zo als den Nabab heeft kunnen Goedvinden te doen op den 20: Aug:s en 21. dito 366. / om reedenen dat Manchergie sulk een qaader. naam aan Dansicha Gaff. 364: / Hier meede dan zullen wij uwEd: aangename van den 29: xber: voorm:e voor het tegenswoordige voor b'antwoord houden. 368. / als hebbende bereeds op den 2. Januarij J:o leeden d' Eere gehad Ucold. ons antwoord op de aiffaire van Deannaat te laten toekomen. 369 370. 369. / Jn de hoope en zeekere verwagtinge. . Dat devalde den vollen sullen zijn geperefuedeert. 371:/ Dat uw Ed. inschikkelijkheijd met den Nabab omtrend de liquidatie van zijn schuld aan de Comp. gehad hebben vide art: 32. â 44: 372:/ Dat zijn Excellentie waarlik op den 24. 7ber: 1772. een Tjokjen of bezetting op de Thuijn van d' E. Comp. en den persoon van den Directeur gelet. 373. En diesweegens op den 9. october daar aan publicq Excuus gevraagd: heeft van Art: 61. tot Aat: 168: 374: / Dat het bezetten van het huijs van onsen Dienaar en onderhorige van De Comp: 375. / mitsgaders het in gevangenis neemen en houden van 'sComp:s besoldigd die naaren. 376. / Een Acte is vol van geweld en Onregt adans. 179. lob 240: 377. / Dat wve in het geval met den benjaan Iaa Retting, Jie Gokel /:die Uwel Ed:s Boeloesa noemen:/ het allen stukste regt g'admitteerd hebben van art: 291. lot §35: 378:/: En eijndelijk dat de Nabab onse privilegien verkragt en met voeten getreeden heeft, wanneer de makelaears heeft belet„ om haare schulden na gewoonte in te vorderen, haar selfs acrdientie weigerende van art: 336: tot art: 360. 379. / En dat uw welEd:s dien volgens als nu niet langer sullen traineeren om den Nabab te verpligten. 3380. / Van het ons aangedaan geweld en onregt te beteren. 381. / En ons voortaan vreedig en ongestoord te Laaten Jourisseeren van de previlegien en voorregten als ons door den souverainen Heer deezer landen vergund zijn. — 382. / mitsgaders aan ons Competeeren uijt hoofde van de oude en 179 en Constante gewoontens. 383. / En dus dan deesen eijndigendende soo hebben wij de Eer met veel agting te zijn; /:onderstond:/ wel Edele Heer en Heeren. /lager/ uw wel Ed: seer ootmoedige en Gehoorsame Dienaaren /:was getekend:/ M.:r I=n Bosman, - - - - - - , I. vn d„r Sleijden, I. B. Zimmerman, R. C. de Wassij, W. L. Sontag, J. J. Boc„ „quet en E. N:o Wiardi. /:in margine)/ Souratta den 24. e Februarij A:o 1773: /nog lagen stond/. P: S. schoon wij niet langer kunnen uijtstellen het afzenden dezes, ter oorsaake den Nabab bij aanhoudentheijd blijft aandringen op antwoord op alzulke articulen waarover wij in dezen hebben g'antwoord, zo behin zi i dezer ue vertand soo betuijgen wij nogthans aan ons gereserveerd te houden, alle zodanige klagten als wij tot maintien van ons wettig reegt sullen nodig agten te moeten ^tusschen doen, over zaaken dewelke er in den tijd dat deeze ter vertaling elders afgesonden was tot ons groot nadeel en publicq affront door den Heer stads Gouverneur sijn getendeerd en in het werk gesteld, en dewelke wij dierhalven tot zoo lange uijtgesteld laaten, ter tijd en wijle wij iemand aan handen hebben, taalkundig genoeg om uw Ed:s onse intentien te kunnen doen verstaan - Accordeerd Goverts Junior po 891
English
Sir, Sirs, 1. When on the 19th December 1772 we found ourselves honoured with your letter of the 17th ditto, 2. we could not in the least doubt that you gentlemen, after due examination, 3. would make any difficulty to maintain, according to your obligations, the noble Netherlands Company in their privileges and ancient customs at this place, 4. and consequently oblige the governor of the town 5. to take away his sepoys from the house of one of our servants and dependants of the Company, 6. and send back two servants in the Honourable Company's pay who had been kept in prison by his Excellency a long time. 7. Yet herein we have found ourselves not a little deceived, 8. as we found by your esteemed letter of the 29th December of the same year, 9. either that you gentlemen have been inconveniently deceived, 10. or that it is intended, contrary to all justice and the most solemn engagements, to let us remain under the most public oppressions; 11. and though we will readily presume the former, 12. by reason of our professing the same religion 13. and the happy peace which has subsisted between the two nations to their mutual happiness during near a century, 14. yet your letter plainly shows, though this is substantiated by others, 15. that yet you seem to have no intention not only 16. of maintaining us by our ancient customs and privileges, 17. but also your said letter openly shows 18. the regret you feel 19. if the Nabob, on being convinced of a public injustice and weighing the consequences which might one time or other derive from them, gave us a small satisfaction, 20. because you gentlemen seize the first opportunity 21. to set in another light 22. this satisfaction, which the Nabob himself could not deny; 23. which all will clearly appear by the sequel of this writing and the adjoined proofs; 24. and with alleging of such facts as being inevitable upon this occasion, we will follow the thread of your before-mentioned letter. 25. Without mentioning at present a thousand disagreeable circumstances of chicanery, impediments, etc., which we daily are labouring under and which cause no small obstacles to our trade and call us in our business, 26. we must before, however, solemnly protest 27. how painful it is to us, if in the sequel of this we are obliged, 28. to the maintenance of our privileges, to make remarks we wish to be able to pass over. 29. Because our endeavours have always been and always will be 30. to keep up the good harmony and carefully cultivate the same, 31. without ever interfering with any other thing but our trade; 32. and therefore to begin, we hope that the weighing out and the delivery of our goods will in future be freed from any more obstacles or hindrance, 33. as now you have consented 34. that the rupees 6900:— 35. which the governor of the town is indebted to our Honourable Company, being the remainder of a larger sum of 11900 rupees 36. according to a note of his hand passed in due form, 37. and which his Excellency promised should be deducted from the customs of 1771, 38. we agree that only of the duty of 1772 rupees 3500 shall be deducted, 39. and to balance the rest out of the first duties of the year 1773. 40. We are and shall always be ready to pay the customs of the goods of the country 41. according to agreement with Mr. Gambier, 42. upon the real quantity as they are received in our catties, 43. and this to the Nabob or his officers if only there a due acquittance is given, 44. and that thereby will rest satisfied the other partners in the customs, being you gentlemen and the Marattas. 45. We have thus nothing further to add hereunto, 46. but that it is unknown to us as well as to the first subscribed director, 47. what dispute you gentlemen have in view, when in your letter you ask 48. about some sugar said to be delivered, but not received by the officers of his Excellency. 49. Of this difference we know nothing. 50. And though in our letter of the 11th December we only desire you to oblige 51. the Nabob to take away his sepoys from the house of one of our Netherlands Company, 52. and to release from prison the Company's country servants, 53. and that to show you how little dependence there was to be made on the governor's word, 54. we made mention of the solemn assurances he so shortly before had made, 55. that in future no violence should be used, but the noble Netherlands Company should be maintained in her privileges and ancient rights; 56. yet you willingly misunderstood this as a complaint, 57. in order that you might have an opportunity thereby to bring this affair again on the carpet, and after taking a long time of weighing and examining circumstances, to colour and represent the affair according to your own good pleasure, 58. and likewise to set in a bad light our conduct and make it appear inconsistent, and cover the same with the most hateful colours.
Dutch transcription
Sirx Sirs 1th when on the 19th December 1772 we found owrsel¬ ves honoured with your letter of the 17 Detto 2. we could not in the Least doubt that ijou Gentlemen after due examination. 3. Would make anij difficultij to maintain anording to Your obligations the noble Netherland Companij in their preveledges and ancient custume at this place 4. and Consequentlij oblige the governour of the Town 5. to take awaij his seepaijs from the house of one of our servants and dependants of the Companij. 6. and send back two servants in the Hamble Campanijs paijwho had been kopt in prison bij his excellenij a long time. 7. Yet here in we have foud ourselves not a little decerved 8. as we found bij Your Esteemed Letter of the 29 December of the same ijear. 9. hither that you gentlemen hare been inconumenty de„ „ceived. 10. Or that it is intended contrary to all Justice & the most solemn engagements to letus remaimunder the nost publiek oppressions. 11. and thaugh we will read, bij presume the former 12. Bij reason of our professing the Same religion. 13. And the hapij pear wht has subsisted between the two nations to their mitual happines sdurmij neer a centurij. 14. Gjet you Letter plainlij shows though this in substin- bedom bij otters. 5. No. 181 15. that ijet you seems to hane in intention, not onlij. 16: of maintaining us bij our anicent custums and privilig= „J: Batassagour said letter openlij Thows. 18. the regret van feel. 19. if the Nabol, on being commed of a publiek in Justice and weighing the Consequences which mij one time or other derive from theme gave us a small sa „tisfaction. 20. Because You gentlemen saizes the first opportungjtig 21. to set in another Light. 22. this fatisfaction, which the Nabol himselfs could not denij. 23. which all will CLearlij appear bij the subsequence of this waiting and the adjoined provss. 24. and with alledging of such faits as beinginevi„ „table upon this occasion we will follow the tread of your before mentioned letter. 25 Without mentioning as present thousand desagre„ „able Circumstances of Chicanes impediments &c. which we daily are labouring und and which causes no small oblhaelld to our tride, and caw me in our bussiness. 26. We must before however solemnlij protest. 27. howpainfullitis tous, if in the sequel of this me are obliged: 28. to the maintainance of our prinilegges to make re„ „marks we will to be able to pass over. 29. Because our ende avours has alwaijs been and alwaijs will bee 30. to keep up the good harmonij and ewee fullij Culti vate the same Without ever interfering with anij other thine but ourtrade. 32. and therefore to begin, we hope that the weigring out and the delivery of our goods will in Luture be freed from aniy more ob Hacles or hindrans. 33. as now joe have Consented. 34. that the ropres 6900:— 35 which the governour of the townis indepted to our Honourable Companij being the remainder of a Larger Sum of 11900 ropies 36. according to a note of his hand passed in due form 37. And which his excellencij promised should be dediu¬ „ted from the Custums of 1771. 38. we agree that only of the duty of 1772 rupus 3500 shall be deducited. 39. and to ballame the restout of the first duties of the year 1773 40. We are and shall alwais be ready to pay the Customs of the goods of the Countri 40. according to agreement with Mr Gambier 42. upon the real quantitij as theij are received in our Cattijs. 43. and this to the Nabob or his officers of only ther a due acquittance is giver. 44. And that therebij will rist Satisfied the other par ters in the Customs being you gentlement and the Marettes. 183 45. we have thus notting further to addhere cnto. 46. But that it is unknow to us as well as to the first Subscribed director. 47. wat disput yougentlement hare in Vieu, when in Your Letter You ask 48. about Some Iugar said to lee delwered, but not re„ „ceived bij the officers of his Exalleme. 49. of this differenie we know notting. 50. and though in our Letter of the 11th December we only desire youtdoblige. 51. the Nabol to take awayj his sepays from the house of one of our Netherland Companij. 52. And to release from prison the Companijs Contry servaten 53. And that to show you haw little depandeme there was to be made on the Governours word. 54. We made mention of the Solemn assurances he so shortlij before had made. 55. that in future no vidleme should be used, but the noble netherland Companij shouldbe maintained in her prneledgesand accent rights. 56. Yet you willing lij mis under stood thuis as a Complaint. 57: in order that you might have an opportunity there bij to bame this affairagain on the Carpet and after take a long time of waighing and examening Cur„ Cunstames, to Coulour and and represent the affair according to ijour ouw good pleaswre—. Ed. and likewise to set in abad Eight our Conduit and make it appear inconsistent and cover the same with the Mosthatefull Colours.
English
It is for these reasons we find ourselves necessitated to relate now what really happened in the Company's affairs at this place according to truth, as it has been confirmed by sworn witnesses. 61. Our Director then addressed himself to Mr. Price on the last of August 1772 in the character of a friend, 62. requesting him to employ his well-known influence with the neighboring country governments 63. for the recovering of the person of Tabidas Nagerdas, always belonging to our protection, who, after having made considerable debts as well to the Noble Netherland East India Company as to several of our servants and the country people, had failed and fled; 64. and thus thereby to remove a number of disputes which this failure has occasioned, 65. and to see if there were no means to provide at least some indemnification for the creditors. 66. Which being undertaken by Mr. Price to put into effect, 67. accordingly to encourage the said Tabidas as much as possible to return, 68. and to remove all fear of being put in arrest as a Company debtor and persecuted, 69. the Director wrote a letter wherein he assured him of the contrary. 70. This letter, the copy of which see Number 1, was delivered to Mr. Price as knowing the place whither he was fled, 71. and which had this effect: 72. that Tabidas on the 22nd September in the evening at 9 o'clock sent word to the Director that he was come back and was alone in the house of one of his friends. 73. On which our Director, as alone entitled to protect the said Tabidas as a protected person of the Company, 74. sent him four sepoys of the said Company, 75. with directions only to keep him from every troublesome insult and affronts without in any manner hindering him in his affairs or in his coming or going, 76. as the deposition of the sepoys under Number 2 shows. 77. However, when it was discovered Tabidas had two peons belonging to Mr. Price, the sepoys were ordered out of complaisance only to go to Tabidas when the sepoys of Mr. Price who had brought him into town were returned. 78. Yet afterwards, when we saw that this bankrupt (see the declaration 3) during two days was carried about the town without anyone looking after him, the sepoys were ordered to go and remain with him. 79. This Mr. Price took so much amiss that on the 24th September he sent a message to the first merchant, 80. that the sending of these sepoys was an affront done him; 81. that they must be immediately taken away; 82. otherwise it must not be imputed to him if the Nabob sent a chowry to the wharf. 83. To which the Director sent answer: 84. that it appeared to him incomprehensible how Mr. Price could find good that the Nabob should meddle in a private dispute and in an affair with which His Excellency had never been troubled, 85. and that we must wait to see if the Nabob could find good to use such violence 86. on the giving of Company's sepoys to their dependants 87. and in an affair that entirely was private and not belonging to him; 88. but that he could send his second to speak with him over these affairs. 89. Mr. Price sent word he would wait for the second at 5:30 o'clock in the evening, 90. but that it must not be imputed to him if the Nabob used force; 91. and the second at the appointed time having waited on him, 92. the dispute was in this manner settled: 93. that the Director, to show that he would trust the person of Tabidas to Mr. Price as a friend, should take away the four sepoys of the Company; 94. that Mr. Price should at the same time take away his sepoys; 95. and that the next day he should let the said Tabidas go to the Director. 96. Yet in the meantime, while all this was done and agreed, 97. the Nabob sent the same evening at 6:30 o'clock his servant Mirza with a number of armed people with muskets, sabres, and targets into the garden of the Noble Netherland Company where then the Director lodged, 98. requiring that the sepoys aforementioned should be immediately taken from the said Tabidas, 99. or that otherwise the Nabob would cause the wharf and the houses of our brokers to be beset with troops, 100. and the Company's servants taken upon the street and put in arrest. 101. Whereupon the Director advanced 102. how strange it appeared to him that the Nabob should meddle in the private disputes between chiefs of two European nations, 103. with whom His Excellency had never had anything to do, 104. and which possibly were removed, as he had for that end sent his second to Mr. Price. 105. This servant Mirza declared he had positive orders not to stir from there before the said sepoys were removed, 106. but was ordered with the people he had with him to remain in the garden of the Noble Netherland Company. 107. In the meantime he divided his people in the garden, 108. so that some posted themselves in the alleys and in the avenues of the house, 109. and two armed with muskets had proceeded to the door of the chamber in which the Director slept, 110. whereby he plainly saw that not only the Company's territory was beset, but he also deprived of his personal liberty, 111. and this merely from violence without reason and alone to force him into some particular ideas. 112. He called before him the said Nabob's servant who had now for near two hours beset the garden, 113. and told him to go back to the Nabob and tell him the aforementioned articles 102, 104, 105.
Dutch transcription
5 it is for thise reasons we find our selves mussitated. to relate now, what realij happened in the Companijs attera, at his place according to venth, as it has been Confirmed bij sworn witnesses - 61. our Director then addressed himself to Mr. Price the Last of august 2772 in the character of a friend. 62. requesting hun to emploij his well known influ„ eme with the negtbouring Country governments 63. for the recovering of the person of Tabidas Na= „gerdas alwaijs belonging to our protection, who after having made considerable debts as well to the Noble Netherland East India Company as to several of our servants and the Country people had failed, and flid. 64. And thus there bij to remove a number of dispie „tes which this failure has occasioned. 65. and to see if there were no means to provire at Least some indemnification for the Creditors 66. wsint being andertook bij M:r prin to pus in Effect. 67. accordinglij to emourage the said Fabidas as muih as possible te returnt. 68. And to remove all fear of being put in arist as a Companij debtor and persecated. 69. the Arrector wrote a letter where in he assured him of the Contrarij. 70. This letter the Copij of which see N: 1:/ was delivered to Mr. Price as knowing the place wither he was fled 71. and whinh had this Effect. 69. a fir. 185 72. that Tabidas on the 22th September in the Evening 85 atg oc Lok Sent word to the Derector that he was Come back, and was alowe in the house of one of his friends 86 73. One whinh our Director as alone intitled to protest the said Fabid as as a protected of the Company 74. Send him four Sipaijs of the said Companij. 75. witt directions onlij te keep him fromevertroubbs omenelij and effvouts without in anij manner hinde„ „ring him in his affairs or in his Coming or going 76. as the deposition of the Sipaijs (under N: 2 Thows:) 77. however whenit was discavered Tabidashud 2 pions belonging to M=r Prie the Sipaijs were ordred out of Complaisance onlij to go to Sabidan when the sipaijs of Mr. Prixe wo had brought him into town, were returned. 78. Yet afterwards when we saw that this Barknipt /:see the declaratioon 3:/ during two daijs was Carrie about the town without one looking after us the Sopaijs were ordered to go to remain with him. 79. this M:r price took Tamucha miss that onthe 24th. Septembr. he sent a Massage to the forst anden wittig 80. that the sending these Tepaijs was en effvont done him 81. that theij mutst be imediatlij taken awij. 82. otherwise it must not be insputed to him if the Nabob sent a chaurey to the werff. 83. to which the director send answer 84. that it appeared to him in omprehensible how M:r price could find good that the Nabob should meddle in a particu „lar dispute and in an affair with which his Excellenci had never been troublid. 85. and that wve must wait to see if the Nabol Could find good to use suit violenie. on the giving of Companijs Sipaijs to their dependants 7.and in an affair that intirelij was private and not be„ „longing to him 88. But that he could send his second to speak with him over these affairs. 89. Mr. Prise sentword he would wait for the second at 5½ o Clock in the Evening. 90. Bus that it must not be imputed to him it te Nabol used force. and the second at the appointed time having waited on him 92. the dispute was in this Manner sett led. 93. that the derector to fliow that he would brust the person of Tabidas to Mr. Price as a friend, should take awaij the four sipaijs of the Company. 94. that mr Grue should at the same time take awaij his supaijs: 95. and that the next day he should let the said Tabibas go to the director 96. Yet in the mine time, while all this was done and agreed 97. the Nabob send the same Evening at 6½ of Lock his servant misser if with à number of armed peoper with musquets Sabres an Fargels into the garden of the noble Netherl and Companij where then the derector ladged. 98. requiring that the sepaijs afore mentioned should be immediattij taken from the said Tabidas 10 en 39. or that otherwise the Nabol would Couse the werff and the houses of our Brokers to be besett with troups 100. these Companijs servants taken upon the street and put in arrest. 101. Iurain the Director advanced. 102. how strange it appeared to him that the Nabob should Middle in the particular disputes between Chiep of two Europian Notitions. 103. with whom his Excellency had never had anij thingto do. 104. and which possiblij were removed, as he had to thatid and his second to Mr. Prin. 105. this servant Misseris declared he has possitive ordres. not to stir from theme, before the said Sipaijs were remon 106. But was ordred with the people he had with him to re„ „main in the garden of the noble Nettierland Companij. 107. in the mean time he devided his people in the garden. 108. so that some posted themselves in the alleijs and is the aventes of the house. 109. and two armed with musquets had prssideren to the door of the Chamber in which the director slept. 110. where bij he plainlij saw that not onlij the Comparijs torutorij was beset but he aso deprited of his personne libertij. 111. and this Merelij from vidlenc without reason and alone to fore him into some particulars Ideas. 112. he colled before him the said Nabobs servant whwo had now for near two hours besett the garden 12 113. And told him to goback to the Nabol and tell hintho affaire mentioned articles. 102. 104. 105.
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89 10 114. Yet the other repeated his declaration of having positive orders not to go from thence without fresh orders, 115. adding this and other things as may be seen in the declaration given before Our Council of Justice No. 4. 116. The director sent this same evening about 10 o'clock his wakeel to Mr. Price 117. to be informed where he could attend a public assembly, 118. no answer being then given. 119. The next morning this desire was repeated and on the 25th September by a public commission your chief was informed of all the foregoing, 120. and we had already prepared a letter, when the Nabob, weighing the public violence and the injustice that was done us, 122. and the consequences which such proceedings might have in future, 123. thought proper to atone publicly for this public violence. 124. On the 9th October he sent his dewan and velli-allan 125. to the director, assisted by the members of our board Mr. van der Sleyden and Sontag, 126. and in the presence of the brokers and vakil of the noble Company 127. publicly made his excuses for the violence committed in the garden Attua, 128. accompanied with assurances that the same should never happen again and that the affairs of our Company in future should suffer no hindrance. 27. 129. Thus we doubt not in the least that by the foregoing relation it will appear to all the impartial world 130. how badly you gentlemen have been informed in your boasted inquiry, 131. how erroneous (reciprocally not to use any harsher terms) your conclusions from thence are, 132. and how inequitable your conduct is, which has this for its foundation. 133. We are assured that an exact perusal, if accompanied with due impartiality, 134. will make it evident to everyone 135. that the Nabob really besieged or blockaded the Company's garden Attua and held under arrest the person of our director, the chief representative of the whole Netherland nation in this place, 136. as everyone who is not purposely blind may clearly see, 137. that His Excellency has meddled with affairs entirely 138. private and out of his province, 139. and used this violence, 140. it being a perfect falsity 141. that the director ever treated with the Nabob about the return of Fabidas, 142. or that he entreated it of Mr. Price otherwise than in the quality of a good friend. 143. Now we challenge Mr. Price (save the regard we otherwise have for that gentleman) to produce a single obligation from our director given to him. 144. To further show, gentlemen, 145. that our second, Mr. Sluysken, is ready to take a solemn oath 146. that when Mr. Price undertook to use his power to the end that this Fabidas might come back 147. and required of our director under the seal of the Company a declaration 148. that this bankrupt should suffer no harm from us, 149. he (Mr. Sluysken) declared that this could not possibly be, 150. as we did not intend to dismiss this Fabidas from the Company's protection, 151. or to suffer that he should take any other, as he was indebted so large a sum to our Company. 152. And thus the director only engaged to write a letter to Fabidas which in the quality of a friend he trusted to Mr. Price, 153. in the meantime acknowledging the trouble that Mr. Price has been pleased to take in these affairs. 154. We can also not pass in silence what you gentlemen have been pleased to advance, 155. viz., that this Fabidas came back under the immediate protection of the Castle and town governor, 156. and that this authority was insured by giving sepoys to him when come back, 157. which proposition implies an absurdity 158. and shows plainly 159. how little regard in future is intended to be had for our privileges, 160. whereas they clearly indicate 161. that nobody shall undertake to assist the debtors of the Company, 162. and that the governors shall not suffer anybody to protect them but the Company (see No. 5). 163. But as hereafter (in article 350) we shall have occasion to discuss this point more particularly, 164. so we shall now only mention that it follows 165. that we must have been deprived of all knowledge 166. if we had ever wished to make an apology to your chief for an affair wherein we are maltreated in the utmost degree; 167. on the contrary, in the very beginning (as see art. 109) we requested his assistance against these violences, 168. and this and our further applications caused the Nabob to atone for the affront done us, 169. how much soever you gentlemen seem to feel an inward regret thereat, 170. and seek to misrepresent the case and to condemn us. 171. And herewith we shall pass over what you in your letter say further upon the subject as being mere ornamented insinuations, 172. without dwelling on the expressions of severity which would much better become the mouth of sovereigns. 173. Being well assured that, however you gentlemen seem to purpose justifying the city governor, to say nothing severer, 174. the impartial world, even your own superiors, are so far from approving proceedings 175. which only serve to render life disagreeable without reaping any other fruit from it.
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89 10 114. Yet the other repeased his declaration of having pa= sitive ordres not to go from thence without fretsord res„ 115. adding this and other things as maij be seen in the de „claration given before Our Council of Justin N=to 4. 116. the director send this same Evening about 10 oC Lock lus Wakeel to Mr Prie 17. to be informd wher he Could attent a publicq lomrij. 118. no answer beingthen given. 119. the next mooning this desire was repected and the 25:ten September bij a publick Commission jour chief was informed of all the afore going 120. and we had already prepared a letter. When the Nabol, weighing the publicq violemce and the injustice that was done us. 22. and the Consequeices which such proceeding might have in fortune 123. thaught propreto attent publicklij for this publice violeme 124. on the 9th october he sent his beuvan and velli-allan. 125. to the derector assisted bij the members of our bourd M=r van Der Sleijden, and Sontag. 126. and in the presence of the Broakers and vakral of the noble Companijtz publielij made his Excuses for the violence Cour „mitted in the garden attua. 128. accompanied with as suranices that the same should neven happen again and that the affairs of our Companij in future should sufter nohondrance. „sion. 27. the 129. this we doubt not in the Least that bij the fore „going relation it will appear to all the inopertial word „ 138. honbadlij you gentlemen hare breen informed in jour boas„ „ted enguirij. 1131. hon erroiious /:receprocallij not to use anij harstertorias Yjour Conclusions from thene are. - 132. and how inequitable your Conduit is, which has this for it foundation. 1133. we are assured that an exact perusal it accompamned witt due imparticalitij. 134. will make it evident toeverij one. 135. that the Nabol reallij beseiged or Clockaded the Companijs garden attua and held in arrest the person of our director the Chief representative of the whole Netherland nation in this place. „ 136. as everij one whois not purposelij blind maij de searer „137. that his Excelleniij has middeled witts affairs en tirelij 138. private and out of his province „ 139. and used this violene. 140. it being a perfeit falsitij. 140. that the director auar treated with the Nabol about the return of Fabidas. 142 or that he entreated it of Mr. Prine otherwise, thom in the qualitij of a good friend 143. norijwe Clallange m=r prie /:sowe the regard me other wise have for that gentlemen:) to prodeul a single obligation from our director given to him= 144. To farthere soon gentlemen. 145. thatour facond M:r sluijsken is readij to take a salemnorth. 4 1 191 146. that when M:r price undertooktouse his powerto the end that this Fabidas might comn back 147. and required of our director under the sale of the Compaij a declaration. 148. that this Bankmipt should suffer no from us. 149. Hte /:M=r sluijsken:/ declared that this could not possible be„ 150. aswe did not intend to dismiss this Fabidas from the Companijs protection. 151 or to suffer that he should take any other as he was ende bted so large a sumto our Compani. 152. And this the director onlij engaged to write a letter to Fabidas which in the qualitij of a friend he trusted to Mr. Prie 153 in the meantime acknowled ging the trouble as Mr. Price has been pleased to take in this affairs 154. we can also not passin silenie what you gentlemen hare been pleased to advance. 155. Vizt. that this Fabidas came back under the immediate protection of the Castle and town governour 156. and that this autoritij was insured bij the giving sipaijs to him when Come back. 157. wlinh proposition emplij an absurditij. 158. and Thows plainlij 159. how little regard in fortune is intended to be had for our priviledges. 160. where as theij Clearlij induate. 161. that no bodij shall undertake to as fist th dobbers of the Company. 162. and that the governors shall not suffer anij bodij to protest them but the Companij see N=o 5—. „ 163. Butas here after /in articule 350:/ we shall hare oua„ „ sion to discuss this point mone particullarlij. 164. 10 we shall now onlij mention that it follows. „165. that we most hare been deprived from all knoorledge 166. ifwe had never werd to make an oppologij to Gons Chief for an affair where in we are maltraited in the utmost deg ree„ „167. onthe Contrarij in the verij beginning /us see art: 109:/ na requested his assistance against there violences. 168. and this and our further applications caused that the Nabob altoned for the apfroirt dow us. 169. howmuit, so ever You gentzemen Seen to Ceel an inward request there at. 170. and see to misre present the Case and to Condannees. 171. and here with we shall passorer what youen your Letter saij further upon the Subject as being mone or namented insinuations. „172. without divelling at the expressions of sweratij which would musch Letter become in the month of Savereings. 173. Being well assured that, how ever you gentlemen seem to purpose Justifiing the City Governour to Taijnotting Severer. 174. the impartial word, even yjour own superiors 3o far from oppaaring proceedings. 175. whinhonlij serve to render lose desagreable without the reaping any other fruit from it.
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will be convinced of the wrong done us, and the oppression we suffer, and not let them remain without redress, much less when they shall examine according to the rules of justice the following vehement proceeding of the Nabob. Following therefore the tenor of your letter, we shall in the first place speak of the violence used by besetting a house of one of the Netherland Company's dependants with armed men, and carrying to prison and confining those their country servants being Cipaijs, as we informed you gentlemen by our letter of 11 & 12 December, requesting you would assist us as according to your engagements you are held to do, and concerning which affair we cannot comprehend how you gentlemen think proper to justify the Nabob, and that, as you gentlemen express it, after a strict enquiry into everything that before has happened on the like occasions. We may summon you gentlemen to show us an example of such violence committed. It is as certain as truth itself that from the very first that the Netherland Company settled here to trade, it has been a fixed and unvariable custom that we punished our own servants and dependants whenever they did amiss in our service, that is whenever they served us badly or carried away anything of ours or the Company's, without that anybody of the government ever troubled themselves about it, as every merchant and inhabitant of the town who know the ancient customs can testify, and was this strictly practised by us. For though we readily agree that the Nabob, by the power given him, has a right to punish all crimes of the inhabitants, yet it is no less sure that he never did nor ever should meddle with our domestic affairs, and in the affair in question even with less propriety, where a coolie who worked in the warehouses having found opportunity to gather from the ground and to collect some spices, chiefly dust and grains of cloves which he endeavoured to carry to his house, and being met in the way by this Parsi were taken from him and brought to the latter's house. It is therefore a certain truth that this Parsi did not steal them himself, but took them back from the porter who was about to carry them away, he having a little before his house was beset with the Nabob's sepoys given notice to our fiscal that he had in his house a small bag of spices which he took away from a porter who probably had stolen them at different times during the weighing. Let us however suppose for a moment this Parsi had himself stolen these goods out of our warehouse, and for it deserved an exemplary punishment, the Nabob was always obliged, should he have supposed himself a right to inflict this punishment, to demand him of our Director, he and his whole family and their parents having been in our service and living amongst us. In which case, supposing the theft was proved, we should not have delayed one moment to deliver him up to justice as a subject unworthy of our protection. Yet the Nabob never demanded him of us, but before the man was heard and without leaving him any defence, not only his house and goods were beset with armed men, but also the sepoys of the Noble Netherland Company, which were placed there to see that none of the effects of this Parsi as a dependant of the Company were plundered, and that the spices which were said to be stolen from us and therefore ought to go back to the Company were not carried away, were themselves forcibly carried to the Durbar and put in prison where they still remain: an action so cryingly unjust that nobody can produce such another instance, and that in case it happens again must oblige our Company either to withdraw from Surat or to take other measures with the Nabob, as no more safety then is left us. When the servants of the Company and their dependants are seized and kept under arrest, and we are to be hindered from settling such trivial matters amongst these same our servants according to equity whenever they do anything amiss, then we should not alone become, from a set of merchants as you obligingly are pleased to call us, less than the most insignificant Bania, but it would be impossible to trust the Company's vessels and effects nor our own to these servants, who then could deal with us according to their own good pleasure without fearing the least punishment from us: a thing which comprehends an absurdity in itself, which cannot be defended without committing great injustice, and which we think we need no further enlarge upon. For which all reasons we now hold ourselves assured that you gentlemen, instead of requiring us any more to make an apology to the Nabob, will not delay, in order to preserve us in our privileges, to oblige the Governor immediately to redress this affair.
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2 176. will be convinied of the wrong done us, and the oppression we suster. 77. and not Let them remain without redres. 78. munh Less: when they shall examine according to the rules of Justice the following verhement proceding of the Nabob. 79. following therefore the tenor of your Letter wo shall in the first place speak of 80. the violence used bij besetting a house of one of the Netherland Companijs dependants with armed men. 81. and Carrijing to prison and Confiming those their Countrij servants being Cipaijs. 82. aswe informed ijou gentlemen bij om Letter of 11: & 12: December. 183 requesting you would assist us as according to your engagements you are held to do. 184. and Conterning whinh affair we cannot Compretend. 185. how you gentlementhinks prepar to justifij the Nabob- 86. and thatas you gentlemen exprePit affair a Hris enquirij into everij things that (N3:/ before has happened in the Like occasions. 87. We maij Tumnens you gentlemen to Thowas an exam „ple of Such violeme & Committed. 188. Hisas Certain as buitt it self. 89. that from the verij first that the Netherland Company settled here to trade. 90. Ihas been a fixed and unvariable Custom. 193 „ 191. that me punished our own servants and depsendent 192. Whenever they did a miss in our service 1193. that is when ever theij served us badlij or cavied anag anij thing of ours or the Companijs. „194. without that anij bodij of the governementever trouble themselves about it. „195. as everij merchant and inhabitant of the town who Know the anuent Customs Cautestifij. o196. and was this thatly practised bij us. 197. for though we reedelij agree that the Nabol bij the power given him, has a right to punish all orimes of the inhabitants. 198: yet it is no lesssure that he never did nor ever should middle with our domestick affairs. 199. and in the affair in quistion ever with less proprietij where a Coolij wo worked in the ware houses haring found opportunitij to gether from the ground and to Collect some spices chriftij dust and Corns of clores which he endeavoured to carrij to his house, and being met in the waij bij this persee were taken, from hun and brought to the Latters house. 200. H is there fore a Certain truth that this persee did not steal them himself. 200. But took themback from the portor who was about to Carrij threm awaij 202. the having a Little before his house was besett with the Nabok Sipaijs 203. given notice to our fiscal that he had in his house 21 1 195 a small bagg of Spices which he took awaij foom a porter who probablij had stolen them in different times during the weigting 204. Letuspowever suppose for a moment this persee had himself stole these goods out of our ware house 205. and for it deserved an exemplori punissment. 206. The Nabob was alwaijs obligid. 207. Should he have supposed himself a right to influt this punissiment. 208. to demend him of our Director. 209. he and his whole famillij and their parents ha„ „ving been in our service and living amongst us. In whitease supposing these Theff was proved. We should not hare delay done moment to deliver Cum upto Justice. as a subsject unwortly of our protections Yet the Nabob never demanded him of us. 218. But before the men wat heard and without leaving huim anij defenie. 215. not onlij his house and goodswere besett with armd men„ 216. But also the Sipaijs of the Nobbe Netherland Comparij 217. whinch were plaied there to see that none of the Effect of this persee as a dependant of the Companij were plundred. And that the spices which were said to be stolen from us and therefore aught to go back to the Companij were not Carried awaij: 219. where, themselves foruiblij Cavried to the derbhard put in peison where theij stilb remain. „ 220. anaction so Cuijinglij in just. 221. that no bodij Can produce such another instance „222. and that in caise it happens again must oblige our Company either to with drow from Surat. 223. or to take other measures with the Nabob. 224. as no mone satefij then is left us. 225. When the servants of the Companij and their dopendt are serzed and kopt in arrest. 226. and we are to be hindred foom settling suit brivial matters amongst these same our servants according to Equity whenever theij do anij thing a Muss. 227. and thenwe should not alone become froma set of Merchants as you obliginglij are pleased to (all us/ Lesf than the most in Significant Banian. 228. Butitwould be impossible to trust the Companijs vessels and Effects nor our own to these servants who then Could deal with is according to their own good pleasure. 229. without fearing the Least punishment from us. 230. a thing which Comprehends and absurditij in itself 231. which Cannot be defended witt our Committing great„ „Injustue. 232. And which we think we need no further enlarge op on 233. for wich all reasons we now held ourselves assurd 234. that yjougentlemen in stead of requiring us any mor= to make an apologij to the Nabob. 235. will not decaij, en order to preserve us in our preveliges. 236. to oblige the Governour immediatly to redres this affair=
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as thereby it will appear that you gentlemen will fulfill faithfully the promises you so often made, and maintain us in the rights and privileges given us by the same power in whose name the city and castle is commanded, and thereby we shall not be under the pressing necessity to remind you so often of your engagements, which since the year 1762 has but too often been necessary. For how much soever, gentlemen, you are pleased to help us remind our present situation, which you are pleased to say is better than before, yet this very same letter of yours now before us shows that this is far to seek, and that in this manner we can never flatter ourselves with it, as since you are possessed of the Surat Castle you seem to have forgotten that we are a privileged Company, which is a power of itself in India, and which is not exalted when it is placed equal to yours, when you stamp us with the name of a set of merchants and would treat us on the footing of a common Banyan, towards whom one would seldom act in the manner that has been done lately towards us. And truly, gentlemen, it will excuse you very little with the impartial world that when the Nabob does any wrong, and you gentlemen not finding good to redress it, pretend an ignorance of our rights, which is impossible to be the case, considering it is beyond dispute that his Mogul Majesty, Alamgir the Second, when in the 6th year of his reign on the 10th day of the Muhammadan month Muharram in the year 1173, for the 2nd September 1759, he found good to give the command of the Surat Castle, which was before taken by your troops, to the Honorable English East India Company. He also at the same time gave you all the charters and grants that regarded the governments of the place, accompanied with views of all the privileges and farmans that his said Majesty or his illustrious predecessors had granted us and the other European nations. And this plainly appears to be the case when you gentlemen say you are so well informed of the Nabob's rights, and cannot therefore but make your request to have copies of our farmans give us an unfavorable idea of the intentions of you gentlemen, how much soever we hope for the contrary. We never can find other reasons for this request, that you gentlemen would see whether we had the farmans yet well preserved which the Mogul have given us, or if any of them are lost. To which reason you gentlemen will please not to take it amiss that we do not think we are obliged to produce all these our farmans, only as far as they may be necessary and as has been before done by us, because we cannot look on this request otherwise than a chicane to embroil the affairs as much as possible, considering it always has appeared that we never made a request that was not grounded on them, and some of which we often showed both to Mr. Price and in the time of Mr. Draper which we judged necessary and at their desire to save them the trouble of fetching theirs out of the Castle. And as for your conviction there are also some authentic abstracts of them added to this letter, being very sorry herein not to be able to comply with your request. We must still observe in a few words that in many cases we need no farmans, as constant custom makes in this country a law, and these customs are known to all the principal merchants in this town, without that we ought ever to introduce new ones, nor was it ever necessary, or to speak of particular favors (which however we never enjoyed of the Nabob) as of privileges. And pardon us, gentlemen, that we cannot comprehend how you gentlemen thus think proper to plead for the conduct of the Nabob, as you gentlemen are conscious how it has been to many and particularly to us, without its being necessary to enter into a further detail of it on the present occasion. And was this regulated as it ought to be, we should never have been necessitated daily to trouble you with applications to do us justice, as we should make volumes were we to describe all the hindrances, disagreeableness, and chicanes which daily we meet in our trade and business. Not to magnify this letter with the relation of affairs known to every one, we shall further follow the thread of what is contained in your letters, and which will convince you that there are people in this place who take a pleasure in continually creating disputes. When with regard to the complaint of the Nabob concerning a difference with Proetoesa, you will please, gentlemen, to take the following as a certain truth: when in the month of last July, Tapidas Nagerdas under the protection of our Noble Company failed and fled, leaving a debt among others to the Company of Rs. 39240-17, and that on the 7th August following we resolved in order to save from loss our honorable masters to take them in sequestration, our warehouse keeper Mr. Holmberg requested us to give him out of the warehouse of the said Tapidas.
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237. as there bij it will appear 238. that you gentlemen will fulfill faikfully the promises you hooften made. 239. and maintain us in the right and priveleges gevers us by the same power. 240. in whose name the bity and Cast leis Commanded. 241. and there bij we shall not be under the pressing necessity. 242. tore mund zon so often your engagements. 243. which Tinee the year 1762. has buttrooften been necessarij 244. forhon muut soever, gentlemen, you are pleased to help us remind our present Tituation. 245. which you are pleased to say: is better then before 246. Yet this verry same letter of Yours now before us Thoos that this is for to seck. 247. and that in this manner we Cannever f latter ourselves witt it 248. as sime you are possessed of the Swrat Castle You seems to have forgot. 249. that we are a priviliged Compani. 250. which is a power of Utself in India. 251. /and whinch is not exalted when it is placde qualto yours/ 252. When You Hampus with the name of a set of morchants. 253. and would treatus onthe footing of a Common Banian. 254. to wards whomone would seldem act in the manner. has been dowe Lateli towards us. 255. and truelij, Gentlemen, it will excuse youverij little with the impartial world. 256. that when the Nabol doeus anij Woongand you GGenthemer not finding good to redrepit. 1 257. pretend an ignovance of our rights which is um posses 13 to be the fase. „ 258. Considering it is begond dispute 259. that his Mogul Magestij, Alemgier the second when in the 6th. yjear of his reign on the 10th day of the Mahamidan Month movem in the year 1773 /for the 2e: September 1759. 260. he found good to give the Command of the Surat Castle 261. wlinh was before takin bij zourtroops. 262. to the Honble English Eastjndia Compani. 263. he also at the same time gave you all the Charters and grants that regardet the Governments of the place 264. accompanied with views of all the privileges and fir „mans that his said majesti or this illustrious prede= cessers had granted us and the other European nations 265 and this plainlij appears to be the Case when you gentte „men saij You are so well informed of the nabobs Eights 266. and: Cannot there fore but make your request to hare Copies of our Jirmans. 267. Give us an unfavorable idia of the intentions of Jougentlement. 268. howhuut soever we hope forthe Contrarij. 269. we never Can find other reasons for this request. 270. that you gentlemen would see wettier we had thit formans yet well preserved. 277. which the Mogul have given us, or it anyj of the Mare Lost. 272. to whit reason you gentlemen will please nat to take it a mits 273. that we do not think we are obliged to produse all thise our firmans, onlij as for as they maij be necessarij and as has been before done bij us. 214. because we Cannot Look on this request otherwise than a Chiane to embroil the affairs as much as possible. Considering it alwaijs has appeared. 176. that we never made â request that was not grouw. „ded onthem. 277. and some of which we often showed both to Mr. Price & in the time of Mr. Draper which we Judged necessari and at their desire to save them the trouble of Letching theirsout of the Cast Le And as for yjour Convution there are also some arthertik abstraits of them added to this Letter 79. beingverij sovrij here in notto be able te Comploy witt Yjour request. 280. We must Htill, ob serne in a few words that in mayj lases we need no firmans— 281. as Constant Customs makes in this Contrga lawand this Customs are knownto all the principal merchants in this town. 282. without that we ought ever to entroduce new ones, or was it ever necessarij. 283. or to Speak of particular Levours (:which how ever we never rejoijed of the nabol: / as of privileges. 284: and pardon us gentlementhatwe Cannot Comprekend. 285. How you Gentlemen this shink proper to plead for the Conduct of the nabol 15. 4 „286. as yougentten en are Consions howit has been to manij end particularlij to us „ 287. without its being necessarij to enter into of a further de„ „tail of it bij the present occasion. 288. and was this regulated as it ought to be we should never have been necessitated dailij to trouble ijou with appli„ „cations to dous Justice. 289. as we should make volumes, were we to describe all the hindrances, disagreablijness and chicanes which dailij me me et in our trade and business- 290. not to magnifij this Letter with the relation of affairs- known to everij one, we shall further follow the tread of what is Containcd in Your Letters: 291. And which will Convince you that there are people in this place who take a p Leasure in Continuallij Orcatien disputis. 292. when with regard to the Complaint of the Naboblor„ „Cerning a difference witt proetoesa you will please gentlemen to take the following as a Certain fruthris 293. when in the month of Laspjulij Tabidas nagerdan under the protection of our Noble Companij failed ard fled. 294. Leaving a debt among other to the Companij of r:s 39240 -17- 295. and that on the 7th. August following we resolved in order to Save from Lossour Honburable Mattersto take them in sequestration. 296. our warehousekeeper M=r Holmberg requestesf us 297. to give him out of the warehouse of the said Tabidas.
English
231 298. those 45 Cannasters of Sugar Candy which were still in being there, and which the warehousekeeper had particularly given out of the Company's warehouse to Tabidas, 299. to pay out of the produce thereof the Company's duties to the English and the Marattas, 300. and which request by us being granted, 301. in consideration that the sugar was given for the Company's duties and must also legally remain as a pledge for the same, 302. the duties for that year being left unpaid by the same Tabidas to an amount of r. o 5070, notwithstanding the goods were delivered to him and he made away with them, 303. after the said warehousekeeper had legally attested 304. that those 45 Cannasters of Sugar were the same which had been given by him to Tabidas to satisfy the customs with, 305. as will appear by an extract of our resolution of the 7th August, see No 6, 306. so after this Saa Kettinjie Gokel, Banian merchant, applied to our board 307. by petition on the 15th of that month, see the copy No. 7, 308. requesting the 45 Cannasters of sugar might be delivered to him, 309. because he had advanced money to the said Tabidas thereon and upon some spices, 310. and that these goods were pawned to him by Tabidas for the amount he lent him, 311. and therefore by the flight of Tabidas they should become his property; 312. which petition in consequence, at the closing of our council, No. 8, was given to our warehousekeeper Mr Holmberg, 313. with an order to write in his answer thereunto; 314. and this being done the 18th of the said month, see No. 9, 315. whence it clearly appeared to us 316. that this contract which this Banian had produced, see No. 10, 317. was not of the requisite validity, but had every mark of being made after the flight of Tabidas, 318. likewise that it was not made by Tabidas the contractor, but was signed by his brother Suwidas, with whom he had not traded in company for the space of two years, 319. and this being done, according to this same Gokel's own confession, near a month after Tabidas was out of the city and fled; 320. secondly, that this sugar was found in the warehouse of Tabidas and of no other, 321. and thirdly, that this paper does not in the least mention that that sugar was sold, 322. but solely pawned, with a commission to sell them for him, 323. Tabidas thereby declaring that the goods had been given to Saa Kettinjie Gokel to sell for him, and that he had received a sum of r:os 8490 at ¾ pr Cto. per month of that Banian, and for which he left the goods in pawn, 324. which by no means could be valid, 325. because Tabidas was in nowise authorised to pawn the Company's goods given into his hands to pay the duties of the country with, 326. and this Gokel also was not ignorant that these goods did not belong to Tabidas, but were given him to satisfy the customs with. 327. For all these reasons, the same day according to our resolutions, No. 11, 328. the warehousekeeper having duly and legally attested to articles 303 and 304, viz. that this was the same sugar candy which he had given for the customs, 329. we thought it equitable to persist in our resolution of the 7th August, mentioned before in art: 305, 330. and consequently to let the said 45 Cannasters of Sugar Candy be delivered to the said our warehousekeeper. 331. From all which we rest assured, gentlemen, you will be convinced 332. that according to the rules of equity we have administered the strictest justice, 333. and that the city governor, to scrape all together as much as possible and give us trouble, 334. made to you, gentlemen, a very groundless complaint, 335. whereas he ought, had this merchant complained to him, to have sent him away. 336. Yet not alone, gentlemen, did he make to you groundless complaints, 337. to the end that, if possible, he might out of private resentment animate the whole world against us, 338. but he has done his very utmost to set 339. in a false light circumstances which give us the justest reason to complain, 340. and so to represent the case as if the Company's servants were in the highest degree in the wrong; 341. and this the pretended complaint against the broker Mantchergie shows in clear point of view, 342. as if he had committed several violences and insults 343. to—NB—the subjects of the Nabob, as if now the city was all become the property of his Excellency, and as none belonged to the Great Mogol, 344. as it is certain, and if necessary can be proved, 345. that when our brokers, according to a custom among all the merchants of Surat, 346. sent two sepoys, which were given them by the Netherland Company, 347. to a certain coppersmith in Surat, who it was said was protected by your broker Dansieshan, 348. to demand of him payment of his debt to them, 349. and with orders to remain there till the payment at least of a part, 350. the said city governor sent people 351. who drove away by force the aforementioned sepoys from the house of this coppersmith, 352. with threats that should they come again the Nabob would cut off their hands and feet; 353. a deportment, gentlemen, not only so outrageous, and of such distant prospects that it would make our longer abode at Surat impossible.
Dutch transcription
231 298. those 45 Cannasters of Sugar Candij wlinck were stild in being, there and wlint (: the warehousekeeper had particularlen given out of the Companijs warehouze to Tabidas. 299. to paij. out of the produce there of, the Companijs duties to the English and the Marattes. 300. and which request bij us being granted. 301. in Consideration that the sugar was given for the Companijs duties and must also legallij remai as a pledge for the same. 302. the duties for that year being Lett ure paid bij the Janu Tabidas to an amount of r. o 5070, not witt Htanding the goods were delivered to him and he made Away with them. 303. after the said ourwarehouse Keeper had legallij attestid„ 304. that those 45 Cannasters of Tugar were the same which had been given bij him to Tabidas to satisfij the Customs witt. 305. as will appear bij an extract of our resolution of the 7th August See No 6. 306. so after thus Iaa rettenjie Gokel Banian merchant applijed to our board. 307. Bij petition on the 15th of that month See the Copij No. 7. 308. requesting the 45 Cannasters of sugar might delivered to hin. 309. Because that he had advanced moneij to the said Tabidas thereon and wpon some Spiies. 310. and that these goods were pawned to him bij Tabidassor the amount he lent him. : 311. and there fire bij the flight of Fabid as theij should become lis propertij. 312. which petition in Consequence at the closing of our Couniil /: N:o 8:/ was given to our warehous kee„ „per M=r Holmberg. 313. withan order to weight in his answer there unto. 314. and this being done the 18th of the said Mounth Ser N. . 9. 315. wheme it CLearlij appeared to us. 316. that this Contract whinh thus Banian had: producw sen N:o 10. 317. was not of the requisitralidity but had everij mark of being made after the flight of Tabidas. 318. Like wise that is w as not made bij Tabidas the Con„ „tractor but was signed bij his brother Suwidas with whom he had not traded in Companij for the span of two jears. 319. and this being done according to thussame gokels our Confession, near a month after Fabidas was out of the Citij and fled. 320. Secondlij that this sugar was found in the warehouse of Fabidas and of no other. and thirdlij that this paper does not in the Least men „tion that that sugar was sold. 322. But solelij paconed with a commission to sell them for 323. Tabidas therebij declaring that the goods had being given to saa Kettinjie Gokel to see for him, and that he had 33 receiving a Sum of r:os 8490 at ¾ pr Cto. per month of that Banian and for with he lift the goods inpacon. 33 321 hin 324 wlich bij no means Could bevalid. 325. Because Fabidas was in nowise authorised to pacon the Companijs goods given into his hands to paij the du„ „ties of the Countrij witt-. 326. and this gokel also was not ignorant that this goods did not belong to Tabidas, but were given hin to Jaloij, fij the Customs with 327. to Forall these reasons the same dai according to our resolutions / No. 11:/ 328. the Warehousekeeper having duellij and legallij attestid to the artr 303 & 304. Virz. that this was the same sugar Candij which he had given for the Customs. 329. we thaught it equitable to persist in our resolution of the 7th. August mentioned before in art: 305. 330. and Consequentlij to Let the said 45 Cannasters of Jugas Candij be delivered to the said our Warehousekeeper. 331. Fromall wluit we rest assured gentlemen rjou will be convinced. 332: that according to the rules of equitij we hare administerd the Htrutest Justice. 333. and that the City fovernor to scrape all to gether as muit as possible, and give us trouble. for 334. made to you gentlemen averij ground Less Complaint. 335. where as he ought, had this merchant Complained to him to have sent him away. 336. yet not alone gentlemen, did he make to ijou ground„ „Less Complaints. 337. to the end that it possible he might out of private resentment aninate the whole woold against us. en 203 had 338. Buthe has done his verij utmost to set in. 339. a false light Circumstances which give as the Justest reason to Complain. 340. And so to represent the Case as if the Companis servants were in the highest degree in the Wrong. 340. and this the pretended Complain against the Broker Mantchergie Thows in Clear point of vier. 342. asif he had Committed several veolenies and insults 343. to NB: the Subjact of the Nabob as if now the City was all become the propertij of his Excellencij, and as none belonged to the great Mogoz. 344. asitis Certain and it / necessarij Canbe proved. 345. that when our Brokers according to a Custoi among all the Marchants of Swrat. 346. sent two seapaijs, which where given them bij the Nether. „land Companij 347. to a certain Copersmith in surat /whoit was said was protected bij jjour Broker Dansieshan/ 348. to demand of him paijment of his debt to t hem. 349. and with order to remain there till the paijment at Least of a part. 350. the said Citij Governour send people. 351. who drive awaij bij force the afore mentioned sipaijs from the house of this Copper smith 352. with threats that should theij come again the Nabol would Cutt of their hands and fect. 353. a depotment, gentlemen not onlij so outragous and of 866 such distant prospects tha it would make our Con„ „ger alode at surat impossible. 35 36
English
269 354. as thereby our brokers are prevented from getting their outstanding debts, and consequently from paying our Company. 355. But it is also totally contrary to our privileges. 356. as the copies hereby annexed No. 5 out of the firmans given to us by the Mogul, referred to before in article 162, 357. will convince you that the respective governors of Surat 358. are obliged to give us help and assistance in the recovering of our outstanding debts when we apply for it, 359. without anybody being able, be he who he will, to screen or protect our debtors. 360. To which end we earnestly desire, gentlemen, you will oblige the Nabob to withdraw such orders and leave the brokers peaceably and unmeddled with to collect their debts, 361. as His Excellency on the 6th December 1772, when public complaint was made to him about this uncommon behaviour, engaged to do, 362. though these promises were again trodden by him under foot. 363. We must further entreat you, gentlemen, that the Nabob be obliged not to refuse audience to the brokers of the Honourable Company, 364. as often as they are sent by our Director to His Excellency with public commission for the service of the Noble Netherlands Company, 365. as the Nabob thought fit to do on the 20th and 21st August, 366. for the reason that Mancherji gave such a bad name to Dans Jeeshan. 367. Herewith we think we have fully answered your agreeable favour of the 29th December for the present, 368. having already on the 2nd January last had the honour of sending you our answer on the affair of Deannat. 369. that in the shapes and form expectations, 370. that you gentlemen are fully persuaded 371. that we have acted with all propriety with the Nabob about the liquidation of his debt to the Company, see articles 32 to 44; 372. that His Excellency truly on the 21st September 1772 did make a blockade or beset the garden of the Noble Netherlands Company and the person of our Director; 373. and that for which he made a public excuse on the 9th October, see articles 61 to 168; 374. that the besetting of the house of our servants and dependents of the Company, 375. with the throwing into prison and detaining there of the Company's hired servants, 376. is an act of outrage and injustice, see articles 179 to 240; 377. that we in the case of the banian Saa Rettenjee Gokel, whom you gentlemen call Boesoesa, have acted with the very strictest justice; 378. that finally the Nabob has despised and trodden under foot our privileges when he prevented our brokers from collecting as usual their debts and denying them audience themselves; 379. and that in consequence you gentlemen will now no more delay to oblige the Nabob 201 380. to amend the outrages and injustice done to us, 381. and let us in future enjoy peaceably and unmolested the privileges and rights ceded to us by the sovereign lord of the land, 382. and due to us likewise from the ancient and constant customs. 383. And thus concluding for the present occasion, we have the honour to remain with much esteem, Surat, Worshipful Sirs etc., Your most humble and obedient servants. For the translation: Govert Junior 24 February 1773. 39 209 Bombay. To the Right Honourable William Hornby, Esquire, President on behalf of the Honourable English Company and Governor of His Britannic Majesty's Castle there, together with the Council. Right Honourable Sir and Gentlemen, Pursuant to what we had the honour to communicate to your Honours in our dispatch of the 9th of January last, we deputed on the 13th following the members of our council, Messrs. Sluijsken and Holmberg, to your Honour on a public commission with such instructions as they should have the honour to bring to your Honours' notice. However, since this deputation upon its arrival there found the Governor so indisposed that it was impossible for them properly to discharge their instructions, and we have since, for reasons, resolved to recall Mr. Holmberg, we therefore address this letter to your Honours to request No. 6. Right Honourable Sir and Gentlemen. Below: Your Right Honourable and Worshipfuls' obedient servants. Was signed: M. J. Bosman, I. van der Sleijder, F. B. Zimmerman, R. C. de Valffy, W. L. Sontag, J. J. Bocquet, and B. N. Wiarda. In the margin: Surat, the 4th of March 1773. Agreed: Goverts Junior Page 89 to be pleased to give credit to all such representations as he shall make, and to hold valid all that [illegible] 211 The Honourable William Hornby, Esq., President for affairs of the Honourable English East India Company and Governor of His Britannic Majesty's Castle, and the Council at Bombay. Honourable Sir and Sirs, In consequence of what we had the honour to mention in our letter of the 9th of January last, we on the 13th following have committed to the members of our board, Messrs. Sluijsken and Holmberg, with all such charge as they should have the honour of bringing to your knowledge. As these gentlemen upon their arrival have not been able, on account of the Honourable the Governor's indisposition, to fulfil their commission, and as we have afterwards resolved to recall Mr. Holmberg Translation No. 6. To on account of the service, we now embrace the opportunity to request that you will be pleased, Honourable Sir and Sirs, to give credit to all such representations which Mr. Sluijsken, now remaining in Bombay, will have the honour to make, all of which transacted by him in our name shall be held of value. We have the honour to remain with high esteem, Honourable Sir and Sirs, Your Honours' most obedient and most humble servant. For the translation: Govert Junior Surat, 4th March 1773. P. B.
Dutch transcription
269 354. as there bij our brokers are presented getting their outs handing debts, and Consequenten of paijing our Companij. §55. But is also totallij Contrarij to our privileges. 156 as the Copies here bij anexed No. 5 out of the firmans given is bij the mogut, referred to before in the art: 162: 57. will Convence ijou that the respective governors of Swrat 158. are obliged te given in help and assistance in the reavering of our outstanding debts when me applij for it. 859. without anij bodijs being able (:behe who he will:/ to scheenor protectour debtors. 860. to which end we carnestlij desire gentlemen ijou will oblige the Nabol to with draw such ordres and leane the Brokers peaceablij and immiddledwith to Collect their debts. 361. as his Excellency on the 6:th December 1712 when publick Complaint was made to him about this encommon behaviour engaged to do. 362. though these promises where again tread bij him inder fort„ 363. we must further entreat you gentlemen that the Nabob be obliged not to refuse audience to the Broakers of the Honble Companij. 364. as ofter as theij are sent bij our director to his Excellenug. with publick Commission for the service of the Noble Noble Nettherland Companij. 865. as the Nabob found good to do the 20th & 21: august. 366. for reason that Mantchergie gane such abad nome to dans Jeeshan. 3367. here with we think me hane fublij answered your agreable favour of the 29th. december for the present. 368. having alreadyj on the 2th Junnyj last had the Honour of sending iou our answer on the affair of deannat. 3. 369. that in the Chapes and form expections. 3.370. that ijou Gentlemen are fullij persuaded. 371. that we have acted with all proprietij with the Nabol about the liquidation of his debt to the Companij See art: 32244. 372: that his Excellemni truelij on the 21th. Sept=r 1772 did make a blockade or beset the Garden of the Noble Netherland Companij and the person of our director: 3373. And that for which he made a publick excuse the 9th: octr: See art: 61. to 168. 3374. that the besetting of the house of our servants and dependents of the Companij. 3375: with the throwing in prison and detaining there of the Companijshired servants. 3376. is quait of outrage and in Justice Seeart: 179. to 240. 3377. that we in the case of the Banian saa rettenjee gokel (who ijou gentlemen. Call Boesoesa :/ hare acted with the verij strutest Justice. 378. that finallij the Nabol has dispeased and treas under foot our privileges whem he priventedour Broaker to Collect as usual their Aebts and de¬ „nijing them audience of themselves. 1379. and that in Consequence yougentzemen will non no more debaij to oblige the Nabob. 3. 3„ 3 3 G 2 201 380. to amend the outrages and injustice done us. 381. And letus in future enjoij peasiblej and immolested the privileges and rights Ceded us bij the sovereign lood of the Land. 382: And due to us likewise from the ancient and Constant Costums. 383. and thus Concluding for the present occasion we have the honour to remain with Munt Esteem. Surart Wm. Sirx sirs. &c. Your most humble& Obedient servants for the Translation Govert Junior 24 Februarij 1773; 39 209 Bombaij Aan Den WelEdelen Groot Agtbararen Heer Willem Hornbij schildknaep president van wegens de Honorable Engelsche Compagnie en Gouverneur, van zijn Groot Brittanisse Majesteijts Casteel aldaar Benevens Den Raad. Wel Edele Groot Agtbaare Heer En Heeren in gevolge van het geen wij d' Eer hadden uwel Ed:s te bedeelen bij onse missive van den 9. Jannij laast Leeden hebben wij den 13. daaraan volgende de leeden onser vergade „ding De Heeren Sluijsken en Holmberg aan Uwel Edele in een publicque Commissie afgevaardigd met al ulken Last als zij lieden d'Eer zouden hebben uwel Ed:s ter kennisse te brengen: Dan vermits deeze Commissie bij Waar arrivement â Costij den Heere Gouverneur, dermaelen onpasselijk gevonden heeft dat het haar ondoenlik is geweest tig te kwijten van haeren Last, en wij sedert, om redenen hebben beslooten om den Heer Wolmberg dit heen te rug te roepen, soo doen wij deesen dienen om uwelEd: te versoeken van No 6. Wel Edele Groot Agtbaare Heer en Heeren. /lager:/) uwel Edele Groot Agtbaares en WelEdelens Ge „hoorsaeme Dienaaren /was getekend:/ M: J:n Bosman I. v„n d:r Sleijder, - - - - - , F. B. Zemmerman R: C: de Valfij, W. L. Sontag, J. J: Bocquet en b. N: Wiarde. /in margine:/: Couratta den 4. maart 1773: - Accordeerd Goverts Junior p. 89 van gelooff te willen, geeven aen alle voorstellingen wedel den doen zal; sean liten van „ aleer houden alles dat d tel. bet hebben denzelven haer Gortbeij de Huijsheir dat en welke den Wee is 211 The Honourable William Hornbay Esqr President for affairs of the Hut le Englisch East India Company and Governour of hus Great Britanck Majestys Cast Le &c: Council at Bombay. Honourable Sir: & sirs In Consequemce of what we had the honour to mention in our Letter of 9th January last, we an the 13th folloving have Committed the min bers of our Roard, Messrs. Hluyske & Holmberg with all TuchCharge as they should have the honour bringing te Your knowledge as these gentlemen now in their arrivalhas not been able an avount of the Honowrable the Gouvernours in disposition to full fill their Com¬ mission, & that afterwards we have resolved to reeall Mesrs. Holmberg Translation N=o 6. „an. To an account of the service, so we now embrace the opportunity to re„ gaest that you will be pleased Honourable fir & first to give Credit to all such representations which M. r Sluysken non remai„ „ning in Combay will hane the honour to do, which all shall be held of valen what is by hum trans„ „aited in our name We have the honour to remain with High Esteem. Honourable Sir: & sirs Your Honours most bedient & most humbe „Servant for the Translation Govert Junior surat. 4te March 1773. P. B
English
27 2 213 Surat. To the Right Honorable Worshipful Willem Andries Price, Esquire, Chief on behalf of the affairs of the Honorable English East India Company and Governor of the Mogul's Castle and Fleet, and the Council. Right Honorable Sir and Gentlemen, Having been honored yesterday with your Honors' esteemed missive of the 2nd of this month, two matters of great importance have appeared to us from it to our particular regret: first, that your Honors state to have found our recently dispatched missive, along with the accompanying charters and proofs, insufficient to depart from your Honors' earlier opinions, contained in a missive of the 29th of December 1772; while your Honors rely solely on a further declaration that is to be sent to us upon the reinstatement of your Honors' Chief; secondly, that your Honors again wish to force us, as if by violence, to recognize your Honors, my Lords, as mediators and protectors in disputes that we have with the Government, and which we must frankly declare we never Besides. To to No. 7. E. would have had, had your Honors not been inclined to protect the Nabob against us in an unfair manner, to use no stronger expression, in the greatest disputes and private differences as a pretext to oppress the General Dutch Chartered East India Company and to try to rob it, as far as possible, of its freedoms. This is the present case between us and your Honors, my Lords, and so clear that every mortal having knowledge of the affairs of Surat will find upon examination that we have not deviated in this a single dot from the path of truth; and we remain fully assured that a provident Almighty, who will ultimately thwart all unlawful designs however cautiously they may be arranged according to the evil understanding of men, the whole impartial world, indeed your Honors' own High Superiors, my Lords, will ultimately, whenever we might be forced to present to their Honors all our lawful complaints, decide in our favor and will never be able to approve your Honors' conduct, which your Honors attempt to clothe in fair-seeming friendliness, when all the sequences of events shall be analyzed. We also testify to your Honors that all these unpleasantries cause us inward grief, and that we wish for nothing more than to be able to settle them in a proper and consistent manner; but how will that be possible, my Lords, when your Honors entertain such a high opinion of yourselves, and the General Dutch 1 [illegible] — 215 Chartered East India Company, which we directly represent in these regions, you seek to treat as conquered subjects or, at best, as vassals who come prostrating themselves to implore their rulers' goodwill and clemency. Indeed, we have not yet petitioned your Honors in these matters as anything other than mediators or protectors. It is true that Mr. Hodges in the year 1762, taking advantage of an old and valetudinarian ruler who was oppressed by the burden of years, forced the same to accept his mediation, but the memory thereof is stamped with such vivid colors in our hearts that we would much rather see our blood shed one by one than, by our voluntary request, provide an opportunity to have such a service rendered to us again. Please accept our candidness, my Lords; your Honors' offered mediation and protection requires nothing less from our duty as free Netherlanders, who, as well as free Britons, have a natural abhorrence for everything that smacks of tyranny and domination. We can therefore, my Lords, recognize your Honors as no mediators, but must demand from your Honors, as possessors of the Castle, that your Honors, pursuant to the repeated promises made to us and according to the tenor of the guarantee of our our privileges, as well by your Honors yourselves as by the Right Honorable President and Council at Bombay, shall oblige the Nabob to do us justice regarding all such articles as we have complained of or clarified to your Honors in our recent missive of the 24th of February last, and above all to withdraw a general stoppage of our trade and cloth collection that has occurred since that time; and to let us peacefully continue our trade and dealings in a reputable manner, since the Company's vessels have lain unloaded for almost 3 weeks with textiles from outside; and thereby the dispatch of our returns has been made almost impossible, which we consequently will also be able to attribute to no other causes than those aforementioned; without your Honors being pleased to insist any longer on the production of our firman, which we must still decline as before, for reasons mentioned in our last missive, and because we are not capable of taking such a step without the foreknowledge of our High Masters, who must necessarily direct our conduct in this case. And all this has been placed before your Honors' eyes so often that we are assured, in case your Honors had been pleased to have the kindness either not to invent this pretext at all, or to present the same properly to your own High Superiors, they would never, in our opinion,
Dutch transcription
27 2 213 Souratta. Den Wel Edelen Agtb: Heer Willem Andries Puice schildknaep opperhoofd wegens de zaken den Edele Engelsche Oostjndische Compagnie en Gouverneur van Smogols Casteel en vloot Den Raad. Ar Heer en Heeken Ons op gisteren vereerd gevonden, hebbende met uwelEd:s Gagte missive van den 2. =den huijes, is ons daar uijt tot een bijsonder leetwesen twee zaken van veel opleblend „heijd voorgekomen, het eerste dat uwe EEd. onse Jongst afgevaerdigde missive met de daarbij versellende Chartres en bewijsen zeggen onvoldoende te hebben bevon„ „den, om van uwelEd: vroegere gevoelens en in Eene missive van den 29. December 1772: vervat, te kunnen afgaan; Terwijl uwelEd: allenig appuijeren op ene nadere verklaringe die ons bij herstellinge van uwelEd. opperhoofd stuat toegesonden te werden; binsen Tweders, dat uwel Ed: weder als met geweld ons willen dwinger, om uwel Ed. mijne Heren te erkennen voor middelaren en Beschermers, in verschillen die wij met de Regeering hebben, en die wij rond uijt moeten verklaaren nimmer Benevens. Aan te N:o 7. E . te zullen hebben gehad, waren uwelEd: niet genegen geweest den nabab tegens ons op eene obillijke wijze te protegeren om gene significatee Expressie te gebruijken:) ^ in de grootste beukelisigen en parlicaliere verschillen tot een grondsloff de generaald Nederlandsche Geoctroijeerde Oostjndische Comp: te verdrukken, en van hare vrijheden wat het mogelijk te tragten te berooven. Dit is het geval tegenwoordig tusschen ons en Uwel Ed:e mij deeken en zoo klaar dat ider sterveling A ken „nisse van de Coiratsche zaken hebbende, bij ondersoek bevonden zal; dat wij in desen geen enkeld stipje van de weg der waarheijd afgeweeken zijn; En wij houden ons volkomen verzekerd: dat ene voorsienige almagt. die alle onregtmatige aanslager dewelke hoe voorsigtig ook volgens de boose kennisse van menschen aangelegd werden mogen, de heele onprulijdige waereld Sa. uwEd:s eijne Hoge superieuren mijne Heeren ons eijndelijk dvan„ „neer wij genoodzaakt werden mogte Haar Ed:s alle onse regtmalige klagten voortedragen, sullen stellen in het gelijk en uwEd:s gedrag het welk uw Ed: met schoon schijnende vriendelijkheeden tragten te bekleeden nimmer zullen kunnen goed keuren, wanneer alle aaneen heeden „schakelingen van gebeurtenissen zullen ontleed. — Wij betuijgen uwelEd: teffens dat onse alle deze onaan— „genaamheden, in onse smiele smerten, en dat wij niets liever wenschten als dezelve op ene betaamelijke en bestaanbake wijze te kunnen vereffenen, maar hoe zal zulx mogelijk zijn kunnen Mijne Heeren, als UwelEd. van zig zelven zulken hoije openie voeden, en de Generaale Nederlandsche 1 „ ƒ — 215 Nederlandsche G'octroijeerde Oostjndisch Compagnie dewelke wij direct en dese gewesten gerepresenteerd; als overwonnene onderdanne zoeken te behandelen of op zijn best genomen, als vasallen die 't voetvallende hare gebieders goedwilligheijd en Clementie komen imploreren. Jmmers hebben wij uwelEd: in deze zaken nog geene andere als Middelaars of Beschermers gesuppliceerd. Wel is waar dat m:r Hodges in A:o 1762: voordeel makende met een oud en valesudinair Gebieder die door den last de Iaaren gedrukt wierd, en denzelven genood„ „zaakt heeft desselfs mediatie aan te neemen maar het geheugen daarvan is met zulke levendige verwer in onse haarten gedrukt dat wij veel Liever een voor een ons bloed wilden zien vergieten dan door ons vrijwillig aansoek gelegendheijd verschaffen, ons weder dierege„ „lijken dienst te bewijsen. Geleeft ons opeschantigheijd te agreeren Mijne tteeren, uwelEd: aangebodene middelaarschap en Bescherminge vorderd niets minder van onse pligt als vrije Nederlanders, die zoo wel als vrije Buitten een natuurlijke afschuuw hebben voor alles wat smakende is na dwing„ „landije en overheerschen ge Wij kunnen dierhalven Mijne Heeren uwelEd. als gene mediateurs er kennen maar moeten van uw Ed:s als bezitters van het Casteel Eijsschen, dat uwelEd. ingevolge derzelver herhaalde be„ toften aan ons Gedaan en na luijd de guarantie onzer onser voorregten zoo wel door uwelEd: zelven, als door den WelEdelen Heer president en Raad te Bombaij den Nabab verpligten zullen ons regt te doen omtrend alle zodanige articulen als waare wij bij onse Jongste missive van den 24. feb: J:o leeden hebben gedo „leerd, of aan uwelEd. opgehelderd, en voor al eene zederd die tijd voorgevallene Generaale Stremming van onse Negotie en Lijwaat Insaam te willen intrekken; en ons vreedig onsen Handel en wandel opene repu„ „table wijze te willen laten voortzetten, alsoo 'sEs Comp:s vaartuijgen zedert bij na 3. weeken met Lijwaaten van buijten ongelost gelegen hebben; En daar door de versending onser Retouren bijna onmogelijk gemaakt werd, het welk wij dan gevolgelijk ook aan gene andere oorsaken als de voorwaards „gemelde zullen kunnen toeschrijven:) zonder dat het uwel Ed. behage langer op de productie onser firman, te insesteren, het welk wij als nog moeten declineeren gelijk bevoorens, om redenen als in onse laaste missive vermeld, en dewijl wij zulken stap niet vermogens zijn te doen buijten voorweten onser hooge Gebiederen, die ons gedaag in dit geval nood „wendig moeten bestieren. 66 En dit een en ander is uwel Ed: zoo dikwijls voor oogen Gehou„ „den, dat wij versekerd zijn ingevalle uwelEd. de vriendelijkheijd hadde gelieven te hebben of om deze uijtvlugt in t: geheel niet uijt te vinden, dan wel dezelve, behoorlijk aan uwe eijgene hoge supperieuren voor te dragen, nooijt zouden na onse gedagten
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thoughts Your Honors have found opportunity to cover with this pretense. Speaking of our privileges, Gentlemen, we can once again perceive no good intentions in your demanding them, nor can our lawful refusal, which in all sound statesmanship cannot be disapproved in the least, serve to give a good cause a bad appearance, as Your Honors are pleased to say. Rather, this demand of Your Honors demonstrates that Your Honors persist in pressing a matter which Your Honors know to be impossible for us, and present it to Your Honors' superiors as very necessary, expressly in order to find thereby some pretext of reason to obstruct our trade, as has now occurred, and to force us, to the ruin of private individuals, to satisfy unjust demands. Indeed, Gentlemen, we must ask Your Honors a heartfelt question: How could Mr. Spencer and his successors, and moreover your High Council, before and after the capture of the Castle, guarantee all our privileges in the event that they had been ignorant of those very privileges? Furthermore, in these present matters no firman is in the least necessary, for we have demanded no novelty. In the case of the peas, which in itself might be regarded from the side of the government as a so-called querelle d'allemagne, the Director, by placing sepoys near goods that were acknowledged to belong to the Company, showed no disrespect whatsoever to the Nabob, as His Excellency has inferred either of his own accord or at the instigation of others; for how could his authority be impaired because our Company guards its own property? And how can Your Honors, Gentlemen, be said to infringe upon the Nabob's jurisdiction when Your Honors, according to your obligation, convince the Nabob of his error in so lawful a case, and consequently oblige him to give us satisfaction? We have never intended, and we solemnly declare it, to offend the Nabob or anyone of the Government here, nor to meddle in the least with any of their affairs; but on the other hand, Your Honors will also readily understand that we cannot pass over injuries and insults, both with respect to our Company and its dependents, with indifference. The request that we have made to Your Honors, and which we once again most earnestly urge, to the end that the Honorable Company's trade and business may be relieved of all absolute obstruction under which it has now suffered for nearly three weeks, we make to Your Honors as friends, allies, and coreligionists, and as possessors of the Surat Castle, who have solemnly bound themselves to maintain our privileges inviolably; whereto Your Honors are moreover bound, according to the intention of the Great Mughal, always to preserve commerce, which is the reason that was taken for Your Honors' present influence in Surat. We urge Your Honors moreover, Gentlemen, with sincere hearts to turn back from all preconceptions and to be willing to cooperate with good intentions toward the redress of the wrongs we have suffered, and to ensure that in the future nothing of the kind may happen again. By fulfilling this, Your Honors will give to everyone proof of the purity of your sentiments, which we wish to be able to unite with our sincere inclinations. And it is in that pleasant hope that we have the honor to call ourselves with much respect, below stood, Sir and Gentlemen, lower, Your Honors' very humble and obedient servants, was signed, M. J. van der Sleijden, N. Holmberg Bolman, F. B. Zimmerman, R. C. de Vassij, W. L. Pontag, J. J. Bocquet, and E. N. Wiardi, in the margin, The 7 March 1773, Surat. Agreed, Goverts Junior, p. 69. To Mr. William Andrew Price, Esq., Chief for the affairs of the Honorable English East India Company and Governor of the Castle and Fleet of the Mughal, and his Council at Surat. Sir and Gentlemen, Having received yesterday the honor of yours of the 2nd of this month, we were very sensible to find therein two points that merit quite particular attention. The first is that you say that the last letter which we had the honor to send you, accompanied by the charters and proofs required therein, did not appear to you sufficient to change the sentiments contained in one of your previous letters of December 29, 1772, while you rely solely upon a fuller explanation which was to reach us upon the recovery of your Chief. And in the second place, that you wish therein to oblige us again to acknowledge you as mediators and protectors in the disputes that we have with the Governor, which we are obliged to declare plainly could never have taken place if you had not been inclined to protect the Nabob in an inequitable manner, to spare more expressive terms, against us in the most trivial things, and to take private disputes as a foundation in order to oppress the General and Chartered Dutch East India Company and endeavor to deprive it as soon as possible of its liberties and immunities. Behold the present case between you and us, Gentlemen, so clear that any individual having the slightest knowledge of the affairs of Surat would find upon examination that in this
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217 gedagten uwe EEd:s gelegentheijd gevonden hebben met deeze schijn te dekken. Van onse, voorregten spreekende Mijne Heere is kunnen wij nogmaals gene Goede voornemens bespeuren in derselver opeijsschinge, nog kan onse regtmatige weifge „ringe en die in alle goede staat kunde niet kan werden afgekeurd in het minste strekken om gelijk uwelEd: ge lieven te zeggen eene goede zaak, een quade aanschouw te geeven; maar veel meer toond, deze uwelEd. vorde„ „ringe aan dat uwelEd. ene zaak die uweEEd. weeten voor ons onmogelijk te zijn blijven aandringen en bij uwelE. supperieuren als zeer noodzakelijk voordragen om expres daar door eenige schijn van reden te kunnen vinden van onse handel te stremmen gelijk nu gebeurd is en ons te dwingen tot de ruine van par„ „ticulieren, om onbillijke voorderingen te voldoen. In derdaad Mijne Heren wij moeten uwel Edele ene hartelijke vraag doen; Hoe kan de Heer Spencer en zijne opvolgeren, en daaren boven uwen Hogen Raad voor en na het innemen van het Casteel onse alle voorregten guaranderen ingevalle zij die zelve voorregten hadden geignoreerd.— Verders is in deze tegenwoordige zaken gene firman in 't minste nodig, want wij hebben geen nieuwigheijd g'eijscht. In het geval van de peasie dat in zig zelfs van de zijde der regeringe als een zoo genaamde quevelle d' alle magne weg aan „gemrkt werden; heeft den Directeur door het plaatsen plaatsen van Sipaijs bij goed dat de Compagnie toegekend, wierd, nimmers geen klein agting aan de Nabab betoond, als die zijn Excellentie of uijt zig zelfs of op aannading van anderen, daar uijt ge „trokken heeft want hoe konde zijn authoriteijt be „swelkd worden, om dat onse Compagnie haar eijgen goed bewaekt. En hoe kunnen uwelEd:s mijne Heeren gesegd werden 's Nababs Jurisdictie te verkrerken, wan„ „neer uwelEd. volgens derselver gehoudenisse den Nabab van zijn ongelijk in zoo een wettig geval overtuijgen, en hem dienvolgende noodzaaken ons satisfactie te geeven. Wij hebben nimmer gedagten gehad, wij betuijgen het plegtig de Nabab nog niemand der Regeringe alhier te beleedigen nog ons met eenige van derselver zaken in 't minste te bemoeijen, maar aan de andere kant bezesten dewelEd. ook ligt dat wij verongelijkingen en beschempingen zoo ten opsigte van onse Compagnie als hare onderhorigen ongevoelig niet kunnen „passeeren. Het versoek dat wij uw Ed: gedaan hebben en het welk nogmaals op het kragtigste aanbinden, ten eijnde 'S E. Comp:s Handel en ommeslag van alle votstrekte belemmeninge, waar onder dezelve nu zederd bij na drie weeken gelaboreert heeft mag werden ontslagen doe n wij uwEd: als vrienden Bond- en Geloofs Genoten, en als bezitters van het soeratsche Casteel, die zig plegtigen hebben verbonden om onze voorregten onschend baar te handhaven, waar - 219 waar toe uwelEd:s nog daarenboven volgens de inten„ „tie van den Grooten mogol gehouden zijn altoos de preservatie van den koophandel, de reden is die men genomen heeft tot UwelEd: tegenwoordige influestie in Souratta. Wij insteeren uweEEd: daaren boven mijne Heren met opregte harten van alle voor„ „ingenomenheden te rug te keren en met goede voor„ „nemens te willen meede werken, tot herstelling van de verongelijkingen die wij hebben geleden; en het zorgen dat in het toekomende niets diergelijx weder Gebuoren moge. Hieraan voldoende zullen uwEd:s een iegelijk blijken geven van de zuijverheijd uwer gevoelens; die wij met onse opregte neijgingen wenschen te kunnen verenigen. En het is in die aangename hope dat wij de Eere hebben ons met veel agting te noemen . /onderstond/ A:n Heer en Heeren. /lager/ UwelEd: zeer Ootmoedige en Gehoorsame Dienaaen /was getekend:/ M: I : I. v:n d:r Sleijden, N. Holmberg Bolman F. B. Zimmerman, R. C: de Vassij, W. L. Pontag, J. J. Bocquet, en E: N: Wiardi /:in margine:/ Den 7. Maart 1773:— Souratta Accordeerd 9 Goverts Junior p. 69 2 24 Chef pour les affaires de lhonnable Compagnie An„ gloisé des Jndes Orientates et Gouverneur du chateau et de la stotle du mogol AMensieur Guillaume Andre Dricet esq Er son Conseil a Suralte Monsieur et Messieurs Aijant recu hier thonneur de la votre du 2me de ce mois nous avons elés fort sensible d'ij trouver deux points qui meritent une attention toute particuliere le premier ést, que vous dites que la derniere lettre que nous avons eu lhonneur de vous envoyer accompagné des chartres et preuves ij riquiert ne vous ont pas paru suffisante pour Changer des sentiments Contenu dans une No 7 ƒ - gene une de Vos precedentes du 29„ne December 1772. tandis que Vous appaijez seulement sur un plus ample eclaircissement qui etoit nous parvenir au retablissement de votre Chef E en seconc lieu quue vous nous ij voulez dezechef comme obligez de vous reconnoitre pour mediateurs et protecteurs; dans des ctif¬ „ferents que nous avons avec le Gouverneur les quels nous sommes obligé de declarers „nettement n'avoir jamais pu avoir lieu sé vous n'aviez pas etez porté a proteger le nabab d'une maniere inequitable pour menager des termes plus expressif contre „dans nous des Choses les plus triviales et de prendré des differents particuliers pour fon„ dament afin d'opprimer la Compagnie ge„ „nerale et Octroije des Jndes Orientales hollandoise et tacher de la priver par la so etoct possible de ses Libertes immunites Voila le cas present entre vous et nous messieurs si clair que tout individe ayant la moindre Connoissance des affaires de suratte trouveroit par Examen qu'en celt
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in this we have not deviated in the slightest degree from the path of truth, and we are fully persuaded that among all unjust enterprises, however they may be conducted with all the prudence and all the wit of which human frailty is capable, all the impartial world and, Gentlemen, your own high superiors, will finally render us justice in case we are obliged to present our just grievances to them, and they can never approve your conduct, which you attempt to cover under the veil of a supposed friendship, when the chain of events will have been detailed to them. We also declare to you that all these unpleasantries pierce us to the very depths of our souls, and that we desire nothing more ardently than to be able to end them in an honorable and consistent manner. But how will that be possible, Gentlemen, if you have so grand an opinion of yourselves, and if you strive to treat to treat the Chartered General Dutch East India Company, which we represent in these regions, like vanquished subjects or at least like vassals who implore at the feet of their superiors their goodwill and their clemency. Certainly we have not yet entreated you in these affairs nor in any other in the quality of mediators and protectors. We acknowledge that in the year 1762 Mr. Hodges, taking advantage of the age and infirmity of one who, being overwhelmed by the weight of years, was constrained to accept his mediation; but that memory is still so deeply engraved and represented in such vivid colors in our hearts that we would all rather choose to see the last drop of our blood shed than give occasion by our own admission for such a service ever to be rendered to us again. We beseech you, Gentlemen, to be pleased to accept our sincerity. The offer of your mediation and protection demands no less candor from our duty as free Dutchmen, who, just as any free-born Briton, possess a natural repugnance to everything that approaches violence and despotism. Consequently, Gentlemen, we cannot recognize you at all in the quality of mediators, but we are obliged to demand of you, as possessor of the Castle, that according to the reiterated promises that you have made to us, and in consequence of the guarantee of our privileges made as well by yourselves as by the honorable President and the Council of Bombay, you will compel the Nawab to render us justice on all the articles about which we have complained or which we explained to you in our last letter of the 24th of February, and above all to put an end to to put an end to a general hindrance that has taken place since then in our trade and collection of piece-goods, and to allow us to pursue our trade and our occupations peacefully and honorably, since the Company's sloops have already been here for about three weeks loaded with piece-goods coming from outside without having been able to be unloaded up to the present, and thereby their dispatch is rendered almost impossible, which delay we can consequently attribute only to the reasons alleged above. We hope that you will not insist any further on the production of our firmans, since you must have seen, from the reasons that we gave you in our last letter and which we confirm once again in this one, that it is out of our power to take such a step. And we protest to you by the present that this is not at all possible for us without the express consent of our high superiors, who must necessarily necessarily govern our conduct in the present case. All this, Gentlemen, has been represented to you so often that we are fully convinced that if you had not devised this evasion, or rather if you had without disguise set forth our reasons to your own high superiors, you would now have no pretext to oppose against us to justify your conduct toward us. Furthermore, Gentlemen, the reiterated demand that you make of us for our privileges bodes no good for us whatsoever, and whatever you may say about it, we do not think that in good policy our refusal to produce them to you can—and even as you wish to make us feel—in the slightest degree alter the goodness of our cause. But this pretension on your part proves rather that you persist in the demand you make of us for an article which you know to be impossible for us, and and which you represent to your high superiors as very necessary, only in order to find thereby the means to place hindrances in affairs as the case now stands, and to reduce us at the same time to the sad necessity of being ourselves the agents of the ruin of some private individuals among us, who would thereby become the victims of the most unjust and frivolous pretensions. We have in truth, Gentlemen, a very simple question to ask you: how could Mr. Spencer and his successors, and moreover the gentlemen of your High Council, have engaged themselves to guarantee our privileges if they did not know them, and would you not agree that this guarantee on the part of several chiefs and of an entire Council, before and after the capture of the Castle, demonstrates in the clearest and most evident manner the existence of those very privileges which you affect not to know today? For the rest, the present cases in no way require firmans, for
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282 223 ceci nous ne nous sommes en la plus moin„ „dre chose ecarté du chemin de la verité et nous sommes pleinement persuadé quen elre toutes les entrepises injustes quoi quelles soyent traines avec toute la praidence et tout l'esprit dans la fragilité humaine est suceptiblé fet tout le monde imparial Om messieurs vos propres houts superieurs nous rendrons enfin Justice au cas que nous soyons obligez de leurs produires nos justes griets, A ne pouvant jamais diprou. „ver votre conduite / La quelle vous tachez de couvrir par le voile dune Amitié sup„ posé, florsqu'on leur aura detaillé l'en„ chainement des Evenements, nous vous declarons aussi que lous ces desagrements nous penetrent jusqu'au fond de nos ames et que nous ne souhaitons rien plus arde„ „ment que de les pouvoir terminer d'uné maniere honnétte et consiste, mais Comme cela sera til possible messieurs si vous avez une si auguste opinion de vous memes et que vous vous efforiez de tacher tescher la Compagnie genenale el Octrogé des Indes orientales hollandoise laquelle. nous representons dans ces contréés Comme des sujets Vaincus ou au moins Comme des vasseaux qui emplosent au pied de leurs superieurs leurs bonne Vlonte et leur clemence. – Certainement nous ne vous avons point encore suplie dans ces affaires ni dans aucune autre en qualité de mediateurs el protecteurs Nous avouons qu'en l'annéé 1762: Mr. Hodges profitant de lage & de linfor„ mité d'un qui étant accablé par le poids des années fut Contraint d'accep „ter sa medeation, mais se souvenir en est encore si prosondement gravé et represented avec des couleurs si vives dans nos coeurs que nous preferions tous, de voir plulot apondre la derniere goute de notre sang que de donner occasion par notre propres aveu quil frous fut rendre jamais un pareil service — Noas 6 22 Nous vous supplions Messieurs vousoir bien agreér notre sincerité -loffres de votre mediation et protection nexgise pas une moindre candeur de notre devoir en qualité dhollandois libres, qui aussi bien que tout libre possede Breton uine repugnance naturelle de tout ce qui ap „proche de la violence et du despotismé Par consequent messeeurs nous ne pouvons point vous reconnoitre en qualité de mediateurs mais nous Sommes oblige de demander de vous Comme possesseur du Chateau que selon les promesses rêilerés que vous vous avez faites et en Conse„ „quence de la garantie de nos privileges aussi bien faites par vous mêmes que par lhonnerable monsieur le President et le Conseil de Bombaij vous obligerez le nabab de nous rendre Justice sur tous les articles dont nous nous sommes plaints ou que nous Vous avons eclairei dans notre derniere lettre du 24me fevrier et sur tout de faire cesser cesser une empechement general qui a eu lieu depuis dans notre commerce el recolte de toiles, et de nous laisser pour suivre paisiblement et honnorablement notre Com„ merce et nos occupations nuisque les chaloupes de la Compagnie ont dijaêté ici aux environs de trois semaines char„ „gé de toiles venant du dehoos sans avoir pu etre decharger jusqua present et par la lon rend pres quimpossible l'éxpedition dicelles le quel retardement nous ne pourront par consequent attribuer qu'au raison alleque ci=devant. Nous Esperons que vous n'insisterés pas d'avantage sur les productions de nos firmans puisque vous avez duvoir par las raisons que nous vous avons donnés dans notre derniere lettre et que nous con„ „firmons encore dans celle eij, quil ett hors de notre pouvoir de faire une telle demar„ „che, Et nous vous protestons par la presente que cela ne nous est point possible sans un Consentement exprés de Nos hauts superieurs que doivent necessairement 227 necessairement regter notre conduite dans le cas present tout ceci messieurs vous a dlé representé si souvent que nous sommes plainement convaincu que si vous n'aviez imaginés ce faux fuyjant ou plutol si vous eussiez sans dequisement exposé nos raisons a vos propres hauts superieurs vous nauriez aucune pretexte maintenant a nous opposer pour vous justifier de votre conduite vis à vis de nous. Au surplus messieurs lademande réiteréé que vous nous faites de nos privile„ „ges ne nous est nullement de bonne augure et quoique Vous en puissiez dire nous ne pensons pas qu'en bonne politique le refus que nous vous faisons de vous les produire, et quencore comme Vous voulez nous le faire sentir el puisse alterer moin„ „drement a la bonté de notre cause mais cette pretention de votre part prouve pluetot que vous ne persistes dans la demandé que vous nous faites dun article qui vous est Connu Nous être impossible et et: que vous representes a vos hauts superieurs commé fort nécessaire, qu'afin de trouver par lé moyen de mettre des empechements dans assaires comme le las existe àpresent et nous reduire en même têms à la triste nécessisté détre nous mêmes les agents de la ruine de quelqaes particuliers parmi nous qui devien„ droient par la les Victimes des pretentions les plues injustes et les plus frivoles: Nous avons enverité messieurs une question bien semple a vous faire, comment monsieur spencer et ses successeurs et de plus messieurs de votre haul con„ seil ont il pu singager de garantin nos privileges sils ne les ont pas Connu etne convrendris vous pas que cette garantie de la part de plusieurs chefs et de tout un Conseil avant et aprés la prise du de la maniére la plus claire chateau et plus Evidente lexistence de cemmes pri viliges que vous affectis de ne pas connoi tre aujourdhuij. au reste les eas presents n'erigent en aucune maniere des firmans Car„
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79 229 for we ask nothing new. In the affair of the Persian, which may be regarded on the part of the government as a quarrel created without any reasonable motive, the Director certainly showed no disrespect to the Nawab by posting sepoys to guard the goods that were recognized as belonging to the Company. Thus, whether the Nawab was truly moved of his own accord or at the instigation of other persons to think that his authority was meant to be tarnished on this occasion, it is easy, gentlemen, to remove this objection. You will yourselves prove with the greatest ease that you have no desire to attempt any infringement on his jurisdiction, if you will kindly point out to His Excellency that our Company has the right to guard its own goods, a right which it has always possessed. Accordingly, gentlemen, we ask you to oblige him to give us suitable satisfaction. We We solemnly declare that we never had the least intention of showing disrespect to the Nawab nor to anyone belonging to the government, nor ever to meddle in any way in their affairs. But on the other hand, you understand well, gentlemen, that we cannot pass over in silence nor see without sensitivity the affronts that have been made both to the Company itself and to its dependents. We have already begged you above, gentlemen, to put an end to all the obstacles that have for nearly three weeks prevented the trade and affairs of the Company from taking their ordinary course. We make the same request to you again in this place with the greatest emphasis, as to our friends and allies professing the same religion, and also as the possessors of the Castle of Surat, in which capacity you have solemnly engaged to maintain inviolably 231 inviolably our privileges. You know, as we do, that these are also the intentions of the Grand Mughal, since it is the preservation of commerce that was taken as the reason for your present influence at Surat. We pray you further, gentlemen, with sincere hearts, to abandon all sorts of prejudices and to bring the best goodwill so that we may obtain redress for all the outrages we have suffered, and to take particular care that in the future nothing of a similar nature happens to us. In doing this, you will prove to everyone the purity of your sentiments, which we ardently wish to see reconciled with our sincere inclinations. And it is in this agreeable hope that we have the honor to be, with all sorts of esteem, below: Sir and Gentlemen! further below: Your most humble and most obedient servants. For the translation, signed: signed: J. Goverts Junior, in the margin: Surat, this 7th of March 1773. Agreed Govert Junior No. 8. 973 233 Bombay To the Right Honorable William Hornby, Esquire, President on behalf of the Honorable English Company and Governor of His Britannic Majesty's Castle there, together with the Council. Right Honorable Sir and Gentlemen. The gentlemen of the English factory here addressed us on the 17th of December 1771 regarding claims made against some of our gentlemen by a merchant under the protection of the Honorable East India Company of England named Deanaat Raamdat. This man, after the bankruptcy of one of our Banyan merchants to whom he was said to have lost money, considered it a good means to satisfy himself by addressing our Nation concerning losses he supposedly suffered through his bankrupt debtor. We have, in a letter of the 2nd of January, clearly demonstrated to the gentlemen of your factory, who desired desired to be informed concerning this matter, the groundlessness of that man's claim insofar as it concerned the Honorable Company's goods sold to him. With regard to what he claimed against a private gentleman, we referred him to the Honorable Court of Justice of this office, or indeed to that of Batavia, as being a matter of meum et tuum, which we were not empowered to decide, with a further offer to assign him a competent man to attend to his interests. Since we have not had a single word in reply to this letter of ours up to this hour, we thought nothing other than that these gentlemen had been satisfied with it. But to our utmost astonishment we have found that, in some disputes which we happen to have with this city's government, the Nawab, among other frivolous pretexts having nothing but private, worthless causes as a foundation, had taken the aforesaid groundless claims of the aforementioned merchant Deanaat, who is under English protection, as a principal reason to bring about a general obstruction of all the Honorable Company's affairs in this city. Unable to comprehend the connection of this, we made some further inquiries here, and we were told that
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79 229 car nous ne demandons run de nouveaux Dans laffaire du Persie que l'on peut re „garder de la part due gouvernement comme une querelle faite, sans aucun motif rai„ sonnable :/ le Directeur n'a surement point fait paroitre aucun mepris pour le nabab en placant des cipaijs pour la garder des Effets que l'on a reconny appartenir a la compagnie, ainsi soit que le Nabal ait été reellement porté de son propre mou„ vemant ou à l'instigatjon dautres personnes a penser que l'on a voulie ternirs en cette accasion son autorité il est aisé messrs. de lever cette objection, et vous prouverez vous mêmes avec la plus grande facilité que vous navez aucune envie de penser attente a sa jurisdiction, si vous voules faire Observer a son Excellence que notre Compagnie a le droit de garder Les propres Effets, droit quelle a ex de tout tems, et d'aprés cela messieurs nous vous demandons de l'obliger a nous donner une satisfaction Convenable. Nous Nous declarons Solemnellement n'avoir jamais et le moindre intertion de montrer du mepris pour le Nabab né pour qui que ce soit du Gouvernement comme aussi de ne vouloir jamais nous meller en aucune maniere de leurs affaires; mais d'un autre coté vous comprenez bun Messieurs que nous ne pouvant point passer sous silen¬ „ce ni voir sans sensibilité les affronts qui Ont été fait tant a la Compagnie elle même qu'a ses dependents. Nous Vous avons deja privé ce dessus messieurs de faire cesser tous les obstactes qui ont empeché depuis pres de 3. - semaines le Commerce et les affaires de la Compagnie davoir leurs cours ordinaire nous vous faisons incore en cet endroit la mime priere avec la plus grande Emphese comme a nov amis Allies et professant la memé Religion; Et encore comme etant possesseurs du Chateau de Limate dans la quelle qualité vous vous etes engagé Solemnellement de maintener inviolablement 231 inviobblement nos Vivileges vous savez comme nous que ce sont la aussi les „intentions du grand mogol puisque cêst la preservation du commerce, qu'on a pris pour une raison de votre influence presente à suratte, Nous vous prions encore au de la messieurs avec des caurs sincires, de revenu de toutes sorles de preventions et que vous apporteres la meilleure volonté afin que nous ayons reparations le tous les outra„ ges que nous avons soufferts et d'avoir un soin particulier qu en futur rien de pareille nature ne nous arrive. En faisant ceci vous prouverés a un Chaguun la purelé de vos sentiments lesquels nous souhaitons ardement de voir reconcilies a nos inclina¬ „tions sinceres. - Et cest dans cette agreable esperance que nous avons shonneur d'être avec toute sorte D'estime /:au bas:/ monsieur et Messieurs ! Jplus bas:/ vos tres humbles ettres obeissants serviteurs / pour La Translation /:Signée:/ ent signe:/ J: Goverts Junior /en marge:/ Suratte ce 7„e Mart 1773. — Accordeerd Govert Junior p ƒ ƒ No. 8. 973 233 Bombaij Aan Den wel Edelen Groot Agtb: Heer Willem Hornbij schildknaep president van wegens de Honorable Engelsche Compagnie en Gouverneur van zijn Groot Brittanise Majesteijts Casteel aldaar Benevens. en Raad. Wel Edele Groot Agtbaere Heer Een Heeren. De Heeren van de Engelsche factorij alhier, hebben zig op den 17. xber: 1771: aan ons geaddresseerd, wegens pretentien die op enige onser Heeren gemaakt wierd door een koopman onder de bescherming der Eegse oost- „Jndische Compagnie van Engeland in name Deanaat Raamdat, welken man na de banqueroute van een onser Benjaansche kooplieden bij wien hij geld te kort zoude komen als een goed middel heeft aangesien om zig te voldoen, dat hij onse Natie aansprak over verliesen dewelke hij bij zijn gefailleerde Debiteur zoude hebbe geleden. Wij hebben de Heeren van Uwld. Taclorij dewelke begeerden begeerden hier omtrend onderregt te worden, bij ene missive van den 2. Ianuarij duijdelijk vertoond de ongeguondheijd van Smans vorderinge zoo verre het aan hem verkogte 's E Comp:s goed aanging, en hem ten opsigte van het geen hij op een particulier Heer pretendeerde aan den Agtb: Raad van Justitie deses Comptoias, of wel die van Batavia overgewesen, als zijnde een affaire van het nieuw et tuum, het welk wij niet vermogens waren te beslussen met verdere aanbieding om hem een be„ „quaam man toe te voegen tot het waarneemen zijner belangens. Nadien wij nu tot dezer ure op deze onse brief geen enkeld better, in antwoord hebben gehad, dagten wij ook niet anders of deze Heeren hadde daarmeede genoegen genomen, maar tot onse uijterste ver„ „wondering hebben wij ondervonden, dat en enige verschillen die wij gevallig met deeze stads Regering hebben, de Nabab onder meer andere faivole pretexten en die niets als particuliere niets waardige oorsaken voor een Grondslag hebben tot een voorname reden genomen hadde om eene Generale verhindering aan alle 'S E. Comp:s affaires in deze stad, toelebrengen, voorsz: ongegaonde vorderingen van de voornoemde onder Engelsche protectie staande „mo koopman Deanaat; Dan hier van on„gelijk de zamenhang kunnende begrijpen, hebben wij hier ons op wat nader Geinformeerd, en ons is gesegd dat
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that at the request of the English gentlemen here, who were willing to protect this Dianat absolutely, Your Honours had sent an order to let this matter be settled by the Nabob. We remain assured, Right Honourable Sir and Gentlemen, that it may be possible, through a particular presentation, that Your Honours may not have been given a correct understanding of this matter as well as many others, but we are at the same time too well convinced of Your Honours' strict justice and generosity to doubt for a moment Your Honours' good disposition not to immediately order the Nabob not to interfere in this, as, in whatever manner the Surat gentlemen may present this, this matter does not in any way belong to the department of the city governor. We furthermore request Your Honours to take into favorable consideration how very hard it would be for Mr. Helmbercq, as a subject of Their High Mightinesses the States General of the United Netherlands, to be deprived of his competent rights. While Your Honours' gentlemen here have urged with all their might that a parallel case would be decided in English courts of justice whenever the Noble Dutch East India Company had a claim against a protégé, and subsequently, in the case of inheritance, upon a subject of His Majesty the King of Great Britain. Not to mention what reflection it must cause upon the gentlemen of your factory in Surat, that they seek to hand over a matter that they themselves cannot legally protect to the decision of an Asiatic ruler, who, as Your Honours well know, employs what means to terminate such disputes, since he himself is so much interested therein, as the government here usually enjoys a fourth part of the sum in question. We therefore request most kindly, Right Honourable Sir and Gentlemen, that Your Honours please order the Nabob for this reason by no means to meddle with this affair, nor on that account to cause us any trouble; and assure the same on the other hand that upon the return of the Banyan Tabidas, whom we expect back daily and without whose presence no investigation into this matter can be instituted, we will ensure that the purest justice due to him shall be done to the said Banyan, as is fitting for men of honour holding a public character. For the rest, we refer regarding this matter to whatever will be further presented on Your Honours' part by our Commissioner at the factory, Mr. Sluijsken, and have the honour, wishing all desirable blessings upon Your Honours' esteemed person and interests, to be with the greatest respect, Right Honourable Sir and Gentlemen, Your Honours' very humble and obedient servants. Signed: M. I. Bosman, J. van der Sleijden, N. Holmberg, F. B. Zimmerman, B. C. de Vassij, W. L. Sontag, J. J. Bocquet, and E. N. Wiarda. In the margin: Surat, 19 March Anno 1773. Agreed: Goverts Junior, P. E. G. Clercq. Translation Number 8. To the Honourable William Hornby Esquire, President for affairs of the Honourable English East India Company and Governor of His Britannic Majesty's Castle and Council at Bombay. Honourable Sir and Sirs, The gentlemen of the English factory here having addressed themselves to us by a letter of 17 December 1772 respecting pretensions made upon some of our gentlemen by a merchant under the protection of the Honourable East India Company of England named Deanat Ramdat, which person, after the bankruptcy of one of our Banyan merchants with whom he is said to have lost some money, thought it a good means to satisfy himself by forming pretensions upon our nation on account of losses which he allegedly suffered by the aforementioned failed debtor. We have already clearly demonstrated to your gentlemen who desired an explanation hereabout, by a letter of 2 January last, how ill-grounded the pretensions of this man were as far as respected the goods sold to him by the Noble Netherlands East India Company, and have referred him to the Worshipful Council of Justice, either here or at Batavia, with his demands upon a private gentleman amongst us, as an affair regarding meum and tuum which is not in our power to terminate, with the further offer of a proper and capable person to manage his interest. Until this day now, we have not had a single line in answer to this our aforementioned letter, so we could not imagine but that these gentlemen had been satisfied therewith. But to our utmost concern we have experienced that in some differences we evidently now have met with from the Governor of this town, or the Nabob, amongst other frivolous pretenses, he has taken for a principal reason of putting a general stop to the carrying on of any of the Honourable Company's business the aforementioned ill-grounded demands of the aforesaid merchant Ramdat, being under English protection. As we could not possibly comprehend the coherence of this, we have more particularly informed ourselves hereabout, and we have been apprised that at the request of the English gentlemen here who are determined to support Dianat, you have been pleased to issue an order for having this affair settled by the Nabob. We hold ourselves persuaded that it can be possible by peculiar representations you may not have a true idea of this dispute, but at the same time we are too much convinced of your strict principles of justice and generosity than that we should doubt for a moment but that now you will, from a kind disposition, be pleased to order immediately the Nabob not to interfere in this.
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225 5 dat op het versoek der Engelsche Weren alhier, dewelke willens waren deze Deanaat absoluit voor te staan, hadden uw Ed:s ene ordre afgesonden om deze zaak door de Nabal te laten afmaken. Wij houden ons versekerd Wel Edele Groot Agtbaare Heer en Heeren, dat het mogelijk zijn kan, dat men door ene bijsondere voordragt uwel Ed. geen regt begrip van deze zaak zoo wel als vele anderen kan hebben geliefs, „peditierd, maar wij zijn teffens te wel overtuijgd van uwEd. strecte regtvaardig- en- Edelmoedigheijd, dan een ogenblik te Twijffelen, aan uwelEd: goede Genegentheijd om nu de Nabab niet onmiddelijk te ordonneeren van zig hier mede niet te bemoezen, als op welke wijze ook de soeratse teren zulx mogen voorstellen deze zaak in genen dele tot het departement aan den stads Gouverneur is behorende. Wij versoeken uwel Ed:s daaren boven in eene gunstige aanmerking te willen nemen, hoe zeer hand het voor den Heer Helmbercq wezen zoude als een onderdaan van Haar Hoog Mogende de Heeren Platen Generaal der vereenigde Nederlanden, om onttrekken te worden van zijnen Competenten Regten. Terwijl uwelEd: Heeren alhier met alle magt hebben geturgeerd, dat een parallel geval in Engelsche geregts „hoven zoude werden beslist, wanneer de Edele Nederlandsche oost Jndische Comp: een pretentie heeft gehad ten Laste van een geprotigeerde en nadien in Cas van brffenisse op een onderdaan c onderdaan van zijn Majesteijt de Koning van Groot Brittannien. Ongerekend welken reflectie zulx op de Heeren uwer Tactorije in Poeratte veroorsaken moet, dat ze een zaak die ze zelven met regt niet kunnen protegeren aan de beslissing van een asiatisch Regent Cragten, over te geven, dewelke uwEd. zelve wel weeten wat middelen hij in 't werk steld om diergelijke questien te termineeren, daar hij zelfs zoo veel bij is Gein„ „terresseerd, als genietende de Regering, alhier ge„ „meenlijk een quart van het Casteel in questie. Wij versoeken overzulx op het aller belieftste wel Edele Groot Agtbaare Heer en Heeren, dat uwel Edeles den Nabab gelieven de gelasten van zig om deze reden met deze affaire geensints te bemoeijen nog ons uijt dien hoofde eenige overlast aan te doen; en verseekeren dezelve daaren tegen dat wij bij te rug komst van den benjaan Tabidas die wij dagelijx wederom verwagten en zonder wiens presentie nopens deze zaak geen ondersoek kan werden aangesteld wij zorgen zullen dat aan gem: benjaan het aller zuijverste Regt dat hem toekomt werde gedaan, gelijk betamelijk aan mannen van Eer en bekledende een publicque Caracter Voor 't overige gedragen wij ons nog nopens deze materie om het geen uwelEd: ontentwegen door onsen Commissiant â Cottij de Heer Sluijsken verders zal werden voorgedraegen, en hebben de 92 237 de Eere met toewensching van alle Residerable zegeningen over uwelde G'agte persoon en belangens met het meest Respect te zijn /:onderstond:/ WelEdele Groot Agtb: Heer en Heeren /laeger:/ uwel Edele Groot Agtbaare en welEdelens zeer ootmoedige en Gehoorsame Dienaaren J. v:n d:r /was getekend:/ M. I. Bosman. . . . Sleijden, N. Wolmberg, F. B. Zimmerman, B. C. de Vassij, W. L. sontag, J. J. Bocquet en E. N. Wiarde /:in margine:/ Souratta Den 19. Maart A=o 1773: Accordeerd Goverts Junior P: E G Cleecq 239 Translation N. o 8. The Honourable William Hornby Eeqr. President for affairs of the Honoura¬ „ble Englist last India Companj„ & Gouvernour of his great Brittink Majestijs Castle. & Couneil. a Bombay. Vol Honourable fir. & sirs. The gentlemen of the English factoriy here having addresd them selve sto us bij a Letter of 17th Dber 1772: respecting pretensions made upon some of our gentlemen, by a marchant under the protection of the Monourable East India Companij of Engeland named Deanat Ramdat which person after the bankerupzy of one of our Benjan Marchant, with whom he is said to Loose Some Money¬ thougt it a good man, to satisfy him „self, bij forming pretentionsupon our nation, an account of Losses, 4 which he should have sufferd by fore mentioned failed Debtor. „we hane H. Wehane alreadij Clearlij demon¬ „strated to Your gentlemen who desired an eclairsissement here alout, bij a Letter of 2:te Januarij last. how ill grounded the pretentions of this man where, as faras respec„ ted the goods sold to him bij the Noble Nettierland East India Companij and have referrd him to the Right worship face Council of Justice oither here, or at Batavia with his demands upon a prevate gentzemen amongstus, a sanafsair regarding Meun A tium which is not in our power lo terminate, witt fur„ ther offer of a proper and Capable per sonto manage his interest. astill this daij now we have had not a sing le line in answer to this our forementioned Letter, sowe Could not magine but these gentlemen had Eeen Satisfijd there with, Buttoour utmost Coniernwe hane experiened, that in some differences we auidently now have met with from the Gouvern=r of this Town or the Nabol among st other frivolous pieter the has taken fova„ principal 241 „principal reason of putting a ge„ „neral stop to the Carrijing on of anij of anij of the Honourable Companijs Russiness before mentiondill grouwn did Demands of the foresaid Merchant Ramnat, Ramdat, being under the English protection. aswe impossiblij could compre„ hend the Coherence of this, we have more particularlij informedour „selves here about, andwe hare been ap„ prised that at the request of the En„ „glish Gentzenen here wlichare de„ „termed to support Dianat, ijou hare been pleased to issue an ordre for having this affaire settled bij the Nabob. 6 We hold ourselves persuaded that it Canbe possible bij peculear i presen„ „tations zou maij not hare atrueiderle of this dispute, but at the same time we are to much Convinced of Your streit primiples of Justite & generalen then that we schould doubt fora mo„ „ment or non yjou will from a kind disposition be pleasedto ordre imme„ „diattij the Nabol notto interfere in„ „these Ce
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these matters, since however the Surat gentlemen may please to represent these affairs, it is a business in no ways belonging to the Nabob's province. We request moreover, Honourable Sir and Sirs, first that you will be pleased to take into favourable consideration how extremely hard it would be upon Mr. Holmberg as a subject of their High Mightinesses the States General of the United Provinces to be withheld from his competent judge, whereas your gentlemen here in a similar case before urged most strongly that it should be decided in English courts, when the Noble Netherlands East India Company had a pretension upon a protected and afterwards in case of inheritance upon a subject of His Royal Majesty of Great Britain, not to mention the reflection it will be upon your gentlemen in Surat that they endeavour to get an affair which they themselves cannot support with any justice to be transferred to an Asiatic government. We doubt not, Honourable Sir and Sirs, you know which measures will be taken for terminating questions of this nature by which self-interest is so much concerned, as the government here commonly receives a fourth of the principal sum in dispute. We therefore do request you, Honourable Sir and Sirs, in the most civil manner that you will be pleased to order the Nabob not to meddle himself at all with this affair, or to give us any trouble whatsoever hereabout, and we likewise do assure you that upon the return of the Banyan merchant Tabitas Hagerdas, which we daily do expect, and without whose presence no enquiry can be made in these affairs, we will cause your before-mentioned merchant to have the most strictest justice done to him as becoming men of honour and a public character. We do refer ourselves to what shall be further represented to you upon this subject by our commissary. No 9. To the Well Noble and Worshipful Mr. Willem Andries Price, Esquire, Chief on behalf of the affairs of the Noble English East India Company and Governor of the Mughal's Castle and Fleet, together with the Council, Surat. Right Honourable Sir and Sirs, We have received your Honours' letter of the 22nd of this month. It grieves us, Gentlemen, that we are unable to satisfy your Honours in any other manner with respect to the demanded inspection of our farmans, than the middle course which we shall propose to your Honours by this letter, which we hope your Honours will readily be able to accept, since we have had the opportunity, since the receipt of your Honours' letter of the 10th of this month, to settle our dispute with the Nabob concerning the affair of the Persian, and to such an extent that His Excellency has already completely withdrawn his guard from the house of the aforementioned Persian 10 days ago; and therefore concerning this no production of any farmans can be necessary any longer; while in any other case for the present we truly cannot see to what end they should be required. We shall then, Gentlemen, upon the departure of our ship, which is to take place within a few days, request permission from our High Superiors to be allowed in the future, upon the occurrence of any disputes with this government wherein we appeal to any particular privilege, to produce such farman as contains the same privilege, with which we hope your Honours will be satisfied for the present, and not demand more of us, as we must follow the rules of our service just as your Honours must observe those of your superiors. And since we now flatter ourselves that your Honours will consider this proposal equitable, we repeatedly request your Honours to immediately compel the Nabob to withdraw the stoppage that he has imposed on our collection and sale for six weeks now, and through which we already foresee we are no longer able to dispatch our returns properly, nor possibly dispatch the ship with the required cash. Furthermore we make known to your Honours that the Nabob on the 16th of the current month gave us permission to unload our vessels with raw dhooties which were to be dyed blue, whereupon on the 17th or the day thereafter the consent of the Nabob also followed, but this following 22nd His Honour had it forbidden to all our workmen to make any progress with the work of the collection, which until now had always remained unhindered; thus he had the vessels unloaded on the 16th, only to play us false afterwards. While we further bring to your knowledge that since the 2nd of this month we have already proposed to the Nabob to let the matter of Botesa be decided by 4 good men to the satisfaction of the contesting parties and without interference of anyone else in a neutral place; to which the Nabob after many and endless debates finally consented; but that the outcome has also shown how little reliance can be placed on promises in this matter. For when our good men arrived at the conference place, they found instead of 2 private good men an assembly of 12 prominent merchants who one by one had been ordered the day before by the Nabob's stick-bearer to appear there for and on behalf of Botesa, while these attorneys of the Nabob or Botesa were also supported by all the apparatus of a darbar, as
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„these matters, since how the surat gentzemen maij please to represent this affaires it is a Bussiness no waijs belonging to the Nabob spro„ „vince. We request mone over Honourable firz first You will be pleased to take ena favourable Consideration hon extremelij hard it would be opan Mr. Holmberg as a subject of their Highmightness the States Gene„ ral of the united Provinces to be witheld fromhis Competent Judge„ where as Your gentlemen her in a Similar Case before wiged most Aronglij that it should be decided in English Courts, when the Noble Ne„ „therland East India Companij had a pretention upon a sprotected and afterwards in case of inheritance upon a Subject of his Roijal Majestij of great Brittain not to mention the reflection, it will be upon Your gentlemen in Iurat that theij endea„ „vour to got an affair which theij them, „selves cannot support with anij Justia to be transferd to an Asiatie Govern„ „ment. 27 „ment we about Youknon Honoura„ ble sir & firs which measwres will betaken forterminating ques„ tions of this nature by which self interest is so much Consernd, as the Government here Comonly recures a fourth of the principal sum in dispute. we there for do request you Honourn ble fir & sirs. in the most civil manner yjouwill be pleased to ordre the Nabob not to middle himself as all with this affair, or to give us anij trouble whatsorser here about, and we likewise do assure You that upon the return of the Benjan Marchant Tabitas Hagerdas, which we daijlaij do expect, & without whose presence no enquirij can be made in these affairs, me will cause Your before mentiond Merchant to have the most Htrutest Justice din to him as becoming mens of Henour & a publie Caractor We do refer ourselves to what shall be further represented to you upon this subject bij our Commissarij„ „ in 2 ls 295 No 9. Den wel Edelen Agtb: Heer Willem Andries Price Schildknaese Opperhoofd wegens de zaaken der Edele Engelsche Oost Jndische Compagnie en Gouverneur van Smoegols Casteel en Vloot Benevens. Den Raad: Souratta. A:r Heer en Heeren. Wij hebben ontfangen uw Ed:s missive van den 22. dezer Het smert ons Mijne Heeren dat wij niet ver„ „mogens zijn uwel Ed:s op enige andere wijze te voldoen ten opzigte der Geischte visie van onse firmans, dan de middelweg die wij UwelEd:s bij dezen voorstellen zullen, in dewelke wij hoopen dat uwe EEd:s geredelijk zullen kunnen aannemen, vermits wij zederd den ontfangst van uwelEd:s missive van den 10. hujes ge„ „tegentheijd hebben gehad, ons verschil met den Nabab nopens de affaire van de persie aftemaken, en zoo verre dat zijn Excellentie reeds voor 10. dagen zijn Aan ½ zijn wagt van het huijs van voormelde ipperssie in het geheel heeft te rug getrokken; En dus deezen aan„ „gaande geen productie eniger firmans meer noodzakelijk wezen kan; Terwijl wij in enig ander geval voor het tegenwoordige waarlijk niet zien kunnen waartoe ze benodigt zouden zijn. — Wij sullen dan Mijne Heeren bij het vertrek van ons schip dat binnen weinig dagen staat te Ge„ „schieden, onse Hooge Duperieuren verlof vraegen om in het toekomende bij het onstaan van eenige diffe„ „renten met deze Regeringe waar bij ons op eenig bijsonder voorregt beroepen, als dan zodanige firman te mogen overleggen, die het zelfde voorregt contineerd, waarmede wij verhopen dat uwel Ed:s voor het tegenwoordige zullen wezen voldaan, en ons niet meer vergen, als de regulen van onsen dienst moetende opvolgen zoo wel als uwelEd: die van hare Betaals weren in agt moeten nemen. En dewijl wij ons nu vleijen, dat uwelEd. dit voorstel als billijk zullen beschouwen, zoo versoeken wij uweEd:s bij herhalinge den Nabab onmiddelijk te nood „zaken de stateringe in te trekken, die hij onse Jnsaam en verkoop heeft toegebragt al zederd ses weeken, van en waar door wij nu afcien al niet meer in staat zijn onse Retouren behoorlijk te versenden, nog mo„ „gelijx oak met het schip met de benodigde Contanten depecheeren 247 depecheeren. Verders maken wij uwEd bekend dat de Nabab ons op den 16. Courant permissie gegeven heeft om onse vaartuijgen met ruwe dotijs dewelke blauw Geverfd moesten worden te Lossen, waar op den 17. of 'sdaags daarna ook het Consent van de Nabab is gevolgd, maar dese 22: daaraan volgende heeft zijn Edele bij alle onse werk„ „lieden laten verbieden om enige voortgang met het werk van den Jnsaam te maken, het welk tot nog toe altoos onbelemmerd is gebleeven: dus hij de vaartuijgen op den 16: heeft laten bossen, om ons naderhand: nog maar trouwlosca te vereken; Terwijl wij alverders tot uwer kennisse brengen, dat wij zederd den 2. dezer maand de Nabab al hebben laten voorstellen om de zaak van Botesa door 4. goede mannen ten Genoegen van de Consterende partijen in zonder bemoeijnisse van iemand anders te laten beslissen op ene Neutrale plaats; waarin de Nabab na veele, en oneijndige de hattas eindelijk bewilligd heeft; dog dat de uijtkomst mede heeft doen zien hoe weinig in dezen op beloften staat te maken is. dewijl onse goede mannen op de Conferentie plaats stukende, vonden dezelve in stede van 2. particuliere goede mannen een versameling van 12. voorname kooplieden die een voor een daags bevorens door 't Nababs stokkedrager aangezegd was aldaar te verschijnen voor en van wegens Bolisca, derwijl deze 'snababs of Botisase volmagten meede ondersteund wierden van al de toestel van een derbar als 8 en
English
as being present there, not only the Nabob's master of requests, but also 3 chobdars and 2 body servants; whether we have already had remonstrances made about this, and thereby shown that this was contrary to word and agreement, such has likewise not been able to help, and thus this negotiation has likewise come to naught. We likewise request Your Honours, Gentlemen, to be pleased to provide for this, and to oblige the Nabob not to interfere any further with this, but having once left that matter to the arbiters, to let them then proceed therewith unhindered according to conscience and finding of matters. For the rest, it grieves us very much to have to remark that Your Honours' last letter is as it were soaked with injurious insults, which we by no means think to have deserved after having been the suffering party for so long in addition, and this is all that we for the present etc. can say thereof. We would have complied with Your Honours' request for English translations with the greatest pleasure, had we not, already some time ago upon his urgent request, discharged therefrom the clerk who is currently at hand and who has performed that work until now; and we can so much the less persuade him to do so now, since he has with reason pointed out to us that in the present critical differences, while he is indeed able to translate the English language into Dutch, he might occasionally make mistakes in the translations when rendering it back into English, not doing so as perfectly, which would be disagreeable both to Your Honours and to ourselves. We therefore very kindly request that Your Honours will by no means regard this as a lack of inclination to oblige Your Honours, but that Your Honours, for the aforementioned reason, will please be satisfied with the French translation that we enclose herewith, the more so as several gentlemen of Your Honours' Factory know that language so perfectly. We have the honour to be, with fitting respect, underneath stood: Sir and Gentlemen, lower: Your Honours' very humble and obedient servants, was signed: M. J. Bosman, I:o v:n d:r sleijden, N. Holmberg, F: B. Zimmerman, R C. de vassig, W. L. Sontag, J. J. Bocquet and E. N. Wiardi. In the margin: Souratta the 29th of March 1773. Agreed, p. E. G. Clercq, J: Govert. Translation Mr. Guillaume André Price, Chief for the affairs of the Honourable English East India Company and Governor of the Castle and the fleet of the Mughal, And his Council at Surat Gentlemen, We have received your letter of the 22nd current. We are very sorry, Gentlemen, that it is out of our power to satisfy you in any other manner on the subject of the view of our firmans that you ask of us, if it is not by a middle course, which we are now going to propose to you; and to which we hope that you will be pleased to acquiesce, since after having received the honour of yours of the 11th of this month, we had occasion to end our dispute with the Nabob concerning the affair of the Parsi, in such a manner that His Excellency has already entirely withdrawn his chokki from the house of the above-mentioned Parsi six days ago, and that thus the production of any firman can no longer be regarded as necessary in this regard; while in none of the other affairs can we really see how they could be of any utility. This is why, Gentlemen, at the departure of our ship, which we expect can take place in a few days, we shall ask permission from the High Regency of Batavia, our superiors, in order to be able in future to produce to you such firman as we allege in case of dispute with this Government, and wherein we claim any particular privilege, to be able thereby to prove the validity of the privilege that it is to contain. We flatter ourselves that by this middle course you will be satisfied for the present, and that you will demand nothing more of us, as we must conform to the rules of our service, just as you are bound to observe those of your high superiors. And as we hope that you will also regard this proposal as equitable, so we shall repeat our instances in order to oblige the Nabob to remove immediately the hindrances that he has caused for six weeks to the collection of our piece-goods and to the bleaching of our merchandise, and whereby it has happened that from this very moment it is out of our power to dispatch our piece-goods properly with this ship, nor in all probability shall we be able to send the necessary species there. In addition, we have the honour to communicate to you that the Nabob gave us permission on the 16th of this month to unload from our boats the white doulis that were to be dyed blue, which was followed the next day on the 17th by the consent of the Naib, but on the 22nd following, he had our weavers and other workers forbidden to continue in any way the work on our piece-goods, which until now had not been disturbed in any way.
Dutch transcription
als zijnde daarbij present, niet alleenig snababs request meester, maar ook 3. sjobdaans en 2. lijf die „naars: of wij nu al remonstrantien hier over hebben laten doen, en daar bij vertoond dat dit tegens woord en afspraak aan was, zulx heeft almede niet kunnen helpen, en dus is deze onderhandeling almede „te niet gelopen. Wij versoeken uwel Ed:s insgelijx Mijne Heren hierin „te willen voorsien en de Nabab. de verpligten zig niet verder hier mede te bemoeijen, maar die zaak eens overgelaten hebbende aan 't: goede mannen, dezelve dan ook onverhinderd daarmede na Consientie en bevinding van zaken te laten voortgaan. Voor het overige doed het ons zeer leed te moeten aan„ „merken: dat uw Ed:s laatste missive als doorgezuegt is met schendige beledigingen, die wij geensints denken te hebben verdiend na zoo lange nog daaren boven de Lijdende partij te hebben geweest, En dit is alles wat mij voor het tegenswoordige &=a &=ma daar van zeggen: kunnen. Wij zouden uw Ed:s versoek oms Engelsche Translaten, met het meeste genoegen hebben voldaan, hebben wij de berigste die thans aan handen is; en dat werk tot nog toe verrigt heeft, niet al zederd eenige tijd geleden op zijn instandig versoek, daarvan ontslagen; en wij kunnen hem zoo veel te minder daartoe „thanse persuadeeren, vermits hij ons met reeden heeft doen opmerken, dat in de tegenswoordige Creticque verschillen 249 verschillen hij als de Engelsche tale wel in 't Hollands kunnende overbrengen, dog niet zoo volmaaktelijk weder in 't Engels overzetlen somwijlen misslagen in de vertalingen zoude kunnen begaan;, die zoo wel uwEd. als ons zelve onaangename wezen zoude Wij versoeken dierhalven zeer vriendelijk dat Uw Ed. dit geensints willen aanmerken, als een gebrek aan genegentheijd om uwEd: te verpligten, maar dat uwEd. voorig reden met het franse Translaat dat wij hier nevens voegen gelieven genoegen te neemen: T meer daar zoo verscheijde Heeren UwEdele Factorije die taal zoo volmaaktelijk kunden zijn. Wij hebben d'Eere met betamelijke agting te zijn, /:onderstond:/ A:n Heer en Heeren: / lager:/ uwel Edele zeer Ootmoedige en Gehoorsame Dienaaren /:was getekend:/ M. J. Bosman, . . . . . . I:o v:n d:r sleijden, N. Holmberg, F: B. Zimmerman, R C. de vassig, W. L. Sontag, J. J. Bocquet en E. N. Wiardi /:in margine:/ Souratta den 29. Maart 1773. Accordeerd :p: E g Clercq. J: Govert 92 21 Tractuction Monsieur Guillaume André Price Chef pour les lastaires de lhonnoble Compagnie Angloise des Jndes Orientales et Gouverneur du Crateau et de la flotle de mogol. Et son Conseil a Suratte Messieurs Nous avons recu volie Lettie du 22=me Courant -. Nous Sommes buen tristes Messieurs quil est hors de notre pouvoir de vous sutissaire en quelque autre maniere au soijet de la Vrie de nos Phirmans que vous nous demandez si ce n'est par un millieu, que nous allons tous praposer actuellement; Et auquel nous esperons que vous voudrez bien acquiesser, puisque aprés avoir recu lhonneur de la votre du W1me de ce mois Nous avons eu occasion de terminer notre dispute avec le Nabeeb Monsieur & Souchant No. 8 - touchant l'affaire du Persie de maniere que son Excellence a deja entierement retire il ij a VIm jours son Chokkie, de la maison du surmentionné Persie, Et quainse la produttion daucun firman neé peul plus elre regardé comme nécessaire a cêt egard; Tandis que dans aucune des autres affaires nous ne pouvons ccellement pas Voir à quoi ils pourroient etre d'auxiene utilile. Cest pourquoi messieurs au depart de notre vaiseau, que Comptons se pouvoir faire en peu de jours, Nous demanderons la permis„ „sion a la haute Regence de Batavia nos superieurs, afin de pouvoir a lavenir vous produire tel firman que nous allequons en cas de dispute avec. Ce Gouvernement Et ou nous reclamons quelque Privilege particulier pour pouvoir prouver par la la valitite du Privilege qu'il doit Contenir. Nous nous flattons que par ce milliei Vous. Serez Satisfait pour le present Et que vous nerigerez plus zien de nous Comme nous devant conformer aux regles de notre service; ausse bren que Voris eles -. 95 2 cles tenu d'observer ceux de Vos houts suprieuerss E comme nous esperons que vous regarderez aussi cette proposition comme equitable, ainsi nous reeterons nos instances afin d'obliger le nabab, de reliver immediatement les empechements quil a causé depuis six semaines, a la recolle de nos loileries, et à Laceleliraison de nos marchan- „dises, Et par ou est arrivéé que depuis ce moment meme il est hors de notre pouvoir d'er„ pedier Convenablement avec ce Vaisseau nos loiteries nij en toute probabililé y pourrons nous envoyen les especes neces faires. En outre nous l'avons thonneur de vous Communiquer que le Nabab e nous a donné permission le 16 me de ce mois, de decharger de nos Chaloupes les Douly blanes qui devoient etre teints en bleu, ce qui a cté suivi le lendemain au VCme du Consentement du Naib, mais au 22me suivant, Il' a fait interdire a nos Tisserans et autres Ouvriers; de poursuivre en aucune facon les ouvrages de notl toileries, ce qui jusqua present navoil point éle trouble De maniere