MRP: 6th February 1662/62, Letter from Edward Lock to Sir GO, Quedda
6th February 1662/62, Letter from Edward Lock to Sir GO, Quedda
BL, Add. MS. XX,XXX, ff. 41-54
Editorial history
18/12/11, CSG: Page created
Contents
Abstract & context
This Letter is worth transcribing in its entirety – lots of fun detail, and fills in a whole bit of pre-history in 1659-1662 period of President Wyche, Presiden Andrewes, before Sir George Oxenden took over in Surat, plus sketches out the freewheeling mood of the Coromandel Coast and trade with Malay peninsula.
It also shows that the Surat Gujarati brokers to the company seem to be involved with the private trade?
Finally, there is the reference to forty slaves, which continues to make me think that there was an English run private slave trade probably from Guinea to the Moors of the Coromandel Coast, and possibly to elsewhere.
Can I find any secondary sources on this? Other primary sources on this?
Expresses surprise that GO has returned to Surat, having achived riches already, but also pleasure. Mentions his own unfortunate voyage. Refers to a conversation he had with Mohandas Parrack. Complains that Mohandas has driven him off and not performed what he promised to do. Complains that Mohandas changed his mind and thought it necessary to make Mr Pixley commander of the ship [Imay be Pursey[?] and to join him with me in commission of disposal of the cargo. Threatened not to go, but had to go snce would have lost much money. Claims breach of contract. Left Surat on 19th December and arrived here on 3rd April. Visited the 2 Kings who both promised they would send a ship this way this year. Refers to a good store of “tynn”. [CSG, 29/01/09 – The Malayan peninsula was an important source of tin to export to Surat, China and Europe] Confrontation with King, who wanted to underpay, and prevented other rmerchants from dealing with him. Dutch blocked the Nugdy from nachin and would not let them land goods.
Mentions Mr Carter who has carryed certain goods to China and brought them back againe (sic) and going home sold them at great loss
Four of the eight “elephnats died”, two of which were very large and worth more than all the other six.
Recounts continuing problems when in Matchapulam Road. Refers to a great Dutch and great Moores ship arriving. His ship got stranded and after being refloated started to leak heavily.
Suggested links
To do
(1) Transcribe this letter
Transcription
This letter has not yet been transcribed
BL, Add. MS. XX,XXX, ff. 41-54
"…shee drove upon y:e Barr – wheare shee lay Beateing in a great Sea about Seaven houres at Last y:e fflood brought her off, but she was soo leaky y:t as much as Two Pumps, would keepe her swimming, & indeed shee had sunke there If I had not had 40 slaves Aboard (w:ch I bought for y:e King) who never left y:e Pumpe, when y:e lascars pretended they weare tyred out, soo they weare forced to carry her up y:e Rxxx againe & hall her up Dry on y:e shoare w:ch Cost a great Deale of money & Could not gett her ready againe to saile before March…"
Edward Lock refers to leaving GO in Surat before he started his voyage [CSG, 29/01/09 What ship was he in? Can I link Lock to the Guinea trade? Can I link William Jearsey to the Guinea trade? I think William Bowery was involved in Madagascar trade – did that include slave trading to Indian states?
Suggests taking elephants in lieue of King paying his considerable debts!
Denounces President Andrewes
Denounces Perfidious King
Discusses coastal elephant trading!
[CSG, 29/01/09 – See my notes in side bar regarding Dutch attempt at elephant trading]
"I comfort my selfe w:th y:e hope of takeing some Revenge upon y:e Goggs y:t hath made mee loose soo much tyme…"
[RH side]
Sir
Yo:r very ffaithfull servant
Edward Lock
[LH side]
Quedda y:e 6:th ffebruary 1662
Notes
