that by forraigners are brought into the Empire These Grievances and my Lords Speech were all read over after the Kings Letter by the Grand Signieur himselfe and as my Lord was told by some of the great men hee liked them and was very much pleased at them and gave strict Command they should be redressed My Lord having done with the Grand Signieur he went through the Seraglio Garden with all his attendance to the gate where his horse stood and by the Chouze Bassa and his 42. Chouzes was attended back again to the water side and by Hassen Aga and his two Chouzes was attended home to his house After my Lord had been received with such honour and had gotten such firm footing he suffered not the Vizeere to rest but the next morning sent his Druggerman to him to thank him for his reall performance of his promise and as he had begun so he would proceed and in the first place that hee would grant his Majesties desires in sending home the Lord Craw secondly in confirming the Capitulations and let other abuses bee redressed according to the Grand Signieurs promise hereupon the Vizeere made a stop and called the Druggerman close up to him and said Have not I been as good as my word have I not done your Lord the honour befits him yet see nothing Goe tell my Lord except I see what I shall have I will not stirre one foot further Whereupon my Lord sent his Druggerman to him again to perswade him to trust to my Lords bounty but could by no means be drawn to doe more without some assurance wherefore after two or three dayes was spent and nothing could bee done my Lord sent him this Letter My Lord I Pray tell me the Cause why a week is nere past and no redresse of our Grievances if you intend that Justice should be done us which the Grand Signieur hath promised why is it delayed when it shall be required why the ships come not in what shall I reply where shall I lay the fault I can have Justice done me but had rather by your hand then anothers I pray let not your delayes make me jealous of the future performance but give accomplishment to the businesse To this after he had well perused it hee said If you hang me I will not stirre a foot further After which my Lord let his Druggerman tell him that if he performed these Conditions following Hee heard him say he would give him in way of Gratuity 20000 l. 1. That the Man-sold Ambassadour be immediately sent away in a Barke or Gally to Smyrna and there put aboard an English ship to be carried according to the King of Englands command into England 2. Secondly that the new Ambassadour now established bee brought to the publike Divan and there feasted according to the usuall honour of Ambassadours 3. That the Capitulations bee immediatly confirmed by the Grand Signieurs Hattesherife 4. That satisfaction be speedily made to the English Merchants in this Port for all those goods which were contrary to Capitulations taken from them and also that a messenger be sent to Alleppo for the Jew Customer Cacham together with his Kinsman David for to answer for contemning the Grand Signieurs Hattesherife and make satisfaction for the injury done the Merchants there 5. Fiftly That some course may be taken that all such grievances may be forthwith redressed which are mentioned in the Lord Ambassadours Complaint to the Grand Signieur These Articles the Vizeere liked and agreed they should bee performed and hee would not have an Asper untill all was done but said he I will have two Merchants bound to me that my Lord shall give me the money when all is done For this purpose two of us went having the Papers ready but being late that night could not doe it but promised the next morning so soon as they could come it should be done and so questionlesse it had but now see a most unfortunate accident that we must act our own destruction for when the Market was so starved that all the Jewes Turkes and even the Grand Signieur himselfe cryed out for the English ships to come in which my Lord would not suffer untill his Conditions were granted the Councell of Smyrna being scared with a protest which D. Edwards made to have goods out of the ships consigned to Jews at Constantinople suffered 19. Cases of Silke and seven packs of Clothes to be landed and carried up to Constantinople which at this very time so supplyed the market and stopped their mouthes that the next day when the Merchants came to seale he told them Except they would make an absolute bond without Conditions that they owed him 20000. l. he would not meddle with the businesse but bid them do what they could This unexpected mischiefe when my Lord had wrought all his ends into so fine a condition to bee on a sudden so dashed in pieces was too great a trouble to my Lord and us all for the Jewes and all people laughed at us and told the Vizeere that if he would be patient the ships would unlade themselves whether my Lord would or not so that the evill report which this bred was worse then the supply of the Market for all believed it Now what to do and which way to begin to act was no small trouble to my Lord at last my Lord resolved to try him with another Letter or Arrs as followeth My Lord I Beseech you tell me what you thinke of me whether I have so little regard of my Kings honour and my owne reputation that I can remaine in the Port where a man-sold Ambassadour is maintained and backed to affront and scorn me and that authority which the Grand Signieur and your selfe have approved as just What is it to be vested graciously accepted by the Grand Signieur and promised redresse of injuries if nothing be performed if you believe I have truth or honour in me upon my faith doe me that Justice you ought or I shall appeale to the Grand Signieur if there I find no reliefe I must with my Merchants leave the Port and Nation So this the Vizeere said well let your Lord bee patient a little while and his businesse shall be done In this smooth delatory answer was more cunning expressed then before for delayes ruine us which he knew well enough and his kind Reply tooke us from complaining against him All this while the ships lay at great charges for demereage the goods in them like to rot or receive much Damage and if they stayed out past the little Bycam the cloth would not sell this yeare besides the Merchants at a Gaze and all Trade stopped all these inconveniences being considered wee valued every day delayed at 1000. l. wherefore my Lord being much troubled because he knew not how to helpe us for delayes must not be admitted besides my Lord Crow swelled with conceipt to see us in this extremitie who being summoned by my
sent a Copy of the Letter of revocation from the King inclosed in this by two of his servants reserving the Letter it selfe for his own delivery SIR OTherwise then intended I understand by my servant you have not received any satisfaction but discontent rather by my Letters in answer to yours wherein I averre the truth of my Employment hither from his Majestie with the greatest pawne I had or ever shall which had I been such in your thoughts as your Letters expressed might have borne as in my case with you it should sway sufficient Wherefore Sir being commanded by the King my Master to deliver you his Letters of revocation my selfe I detained them to fulfill his Command and the Copy of them being confident if that ingagement could not gain Credence from you the Copy could not And although I am not bound to deliver neither the one nor the other but in what time I shall thinke most convenient yet I shall not be so reserved but doe here inclosed send a Copy of the Kings Letters to you the originall whereof I came hither resolved immediatly to deliver with my own hand had not your jealousie of me together with your daily actions and high expressions taught me to be cautious of you and your proceedings and to reserve it for another place and time I as If heare you report you have any Letter from his Majestie to me of Revocation I shall take a Copy thereof kindly and return you my thought thereof which favour from you will much oblige My Lord Your friend to serve you T.B. Perad ' Constantinople 17. September 1647. WHen they remembred my Lord Ambassadors love to him he told them they were welcome as from Sir Thomas Bendish but not as Ambassadour he opened and read them and said that the Copy he read he could not believe to be the Copy of the Kings Letter that in the very first line or two there was a double contradiction and that the whole frame stile matter and language was so unlike those of his Majesties that if the Originall was not better then the Copy he should not care a rush for it and that he could not believe Sir Thomas Bendish had any such Letter from the King of England and therefore could not receive him as Ambassadour that hee would further consider of the Letter and if hee thought convenient would send him answer by some of his owne poeple within a day or two which he did but that being so Tedious containing nothing but false surmises and daring expressions from the businesse so that as my Lord thought it not worthy his answering so wee conceive it not convenient to trouble your patience with it in this 〈◊〉 Now the next thing that my Lord aimes at is for a faire and fitting Audience with the Vizeere who offered him to come when he pleased but my Lord was privatly informed he intended an astront by not Vesting him My Lord at a Court then holden desires six of us might be chosen to meet constantly to advise with him When it was agreed that the best way was ptivately by two or three of the Merchants to sound Aronomone the Vizeers Jew after much debate with him for the space of foure houres telling him except my Lord were sure of his dues he would come without a present at last he promis'd that he should be Vested with his son and at least one or two more Hereupon he sent to the Vizeere that he would visit him upon Thursday the 23. September having been just a week in town and in the mean time had neither been sent to by the Emperours Agent the French Ambassadour nor the Lord Baylisfe only the Dutch Merchants did whose Agent is not yet confirmed but will see what successe wee have for Sir Sackvile Crow hath wrought all these firme to him Now was the Town full of expectation nothing talked of but our businesse On Thursday about twelve a clock with all the Merchants and my Lords retinue my Lord went to the Vizeere who being set before he came stirred not from his seat neither did my Lord mind him untill he was set as well as the Vizeere Then he spake to him to this effect that the King of England saluted him and wished him health and happinesse and had sent him his Ambassadour to keepe his Merchants and subjects from doing and suffering wrong and commanded him to indeavour to keep and uphold the Peace between the Nations and also to give thankes for the Justice the Vizeere shewed to the Merchants when the Ambassadour would have ruined them and also to desire him to send the said Ambassadour home that the King his Master hearing their Difference might judge him according to merit and while he was saying this hee presented the Kings Letters to him which he read before us to this the Vizeere replyed that the old Ambassadour had Letters and did pretend to be Ambassadour as well as his Lordship and hee knew not how to decide the businesse but must heare them both together to which my Lord answered My Lord you mistake me I come not hither to be judged neither is it for my honour to appeare here with that man which your own Lawes have judged unworthy neither may I countenance him without the just displeasure of the Grand Signieur the French Ambassadour also said the Vizeere could say something in the Cause The French Ambassadour said my Lord hath nothing to doe with our State have you a Letter to the old Ambassadour said the Vizeere from the King of England I have said my Lord which I desired to deliver him before witnesse therefore he asked him for two Chouses you shall have it said the Vizeere but give mee the Letters and I will deliver them my selfe My Lord told him hee could not for the King his Master commanded him to deliver them with his own hand then said he I will send for him hither if you doe so said my Lord I will have no Contract with him I hope those Letters will witnesse the truth of my Embassie Yes said he I believe you are the true Ambassadour but I would heare him what he can say and see the delivery of the Letters and I will soon end the businesse doe so if you will said my Lord and I will stay here till he come so hee was immediatly sent for but he excused saying he had taken physick that day but to morrow hee would come at one a clock when my Lord heard that he said My Lord doe not you by these Letters acknowledge me to be the true Ambassadour yes said he then what need you trouble your selfe further with him said my Lord upon this he knew not what to say but rose up on a sudden to be gone saying he must speak with Sir Sackvile Crow When my Lord perceived he would not Vest him hee desired him to speak one word more then he sate down again and my Lord spake My Lord you seem to be
the middle of the roome where at first my Lord found him Now the next worke my Lord indeavoured was to get to be Vested by the Vizeere and obtain Audience with the Grand Signeur to this purpose he sent his Druggerman to hasten it the Vizeere alwayes after this sent him good words as that all things should bee done to his minde and wished him not to bee troubled with any thing and so protracted time from day to day All this time my Lord Crow is not idle although he keeps his house yet he employes the French Agent and the Venetians whose Druggerman Gryllo is alwayes attending upon the Vizeere and feeds him with moneys and presents to work us out the French Ambssadour talkes with the Vizeere privately and but that my Lord Crow and the Vizeere told my Lord he had to doe in the businesse my Lord would scarce have taken him for his enemy yet one day he was heard to tell the Vizeere my Lord had offered my Lord Crow 30000 l. to be gone out of the Country by which said he you may judge the truth of his Message and withall told him that the King of France his Master would be much troubled if he should change this old Ambassadour for the new and this report that my Lord would give the Lord Crow money to depart hence was not only sent to him by the Vizeeres Jew but by the Kogag which my Lord to vindicate himselfe and make appeare to the world how much hee detested such by-wayes he was forced to write this Warrant in Italian and send it down to Gallatta by two Janisaries and a Druggerman pro forme and fix one upon the Treasurers house the other upon Mr. Pearles house that all Jewes Merchants might take notice of it FOrasmuch as we are Credibly informed that there are divers false lying and scandalous Reports cast upon us that wee should by our felse or some other person offer to treat with the man-sold Ambassadour for a certain summe of money to send him out of this Country withall saying that we had rather give money to him then to Turks We doe hereby declare that wee doe so farre abhorre all such sinister and dishonourable proceedings and speeches that wee affirme them lyers that report it and doe hereby Command and Require that no person under our charge make any Treaty with any man in our behalf letting them know that if we shall find that any such Treaty or Contract directly or indirectly be made with any person whatsoever for the worth of one a' to establish us Ambassadour in this place we are resolved and do publish that we will forthwith not only severely punish but send them off this place for if by that power that sent us hither wee cannot bee established wee are resolved rather to returne from whence wee came then by such dishonourable tearmes both to the King of England my Master and our selfe to purchace it Given at Pera d' Constantinople this 2. October 1647. Thomas Bendish And because the French Ambassadour was so busie sent him this Letter SIR I Cannot see how it is consistent with the League between the two Crowns of England and France that you a French Ambassadour should intermeddle with much lesse oppose the actions of the King of England my Master Your opposing me in my Embassie and countenancing the man-sold Ambassadours proceedings against my Authority I hope you doe it not without Commission yet mee thinks if it dare looke upon the Sunne as all which comes from Kings dare it becomes you not so secretly privately to act Know that I am ready to meet you before any Minister of State here both to heare and as occasion serves to answer what you can object against me but be confident while I am in this place I must know as befits me that power which dares oppose my Master to whom a strict account must bee rendred by him who is as farre as with honour he may My Lord Your friend to serve you T. THe Venetian Baliffe being guilty of his neglects towards my Lord and perceiving he understood of his Merchants actions his Druggermans dilligence sent by my Lords Druggerman this private Message That he hoped my Lord tooke no distast at him who is confined to his house and had no notice of his comming and that he heard my Lord tooke distast at his Merchants as actors against him if my Lord pleased to let him know who they were he would make them or would himselfe give my Lord satisfaction My Lord sent him this answer That for his own person as hee was a Prisoner he could not expect his Visit yet if he had born respect to our King or love to our Nation he would have sent a salute to him before this time having been a fortnight in this Port. As for his Merchants that should oppose him he wished him to looke to them himselfe for if he found them faulty as he believed he should he would take his time to make them repent it But for all his threats to them he knew not how lyes might worke with the Vizeere wherefore he sent to him this Arres and to divers great men about the Town that if possible it might reach the Grand Signieurs eares MY Lord I cannot out of my well-wishes to you and the good of this State but give you this timely information that the Venetians and the French doe endeavour both by moneys and all incouragements to maintain the Man-sold Ambassadour against me and that Regall power which sent me hither thereby to make a breach between this and the English Nation and so to advance their own designe which either by Peace or Warre will prove very prejudiciall to this Emperie besides the Consideration of the great Trade our Nation brings to supply the Emperie Whether you had rather have it by the hands of Enemies or Friends if they could maintain it I leave your wise consideration none obstanding that the said former Ambassadour being proved to be an oppressor the Grand Signieur deprived him from the Charge of the Embassie with his Hattesherife for which his Majestie of England with his Letters now sent by me his Ambassadour doth give him many thankes therefore From the Venetians he never heard word since nor from the French Ambassadour although he told my Lords servants he would answer him in writing but wee heare he is so troubled in mind the truth being so apparent that he cannot deny it and what title to give my Lord he cannot resolve if hee acknowledges him Lord Ambassadour he hath said the contrary to the Vizeere and so gives himselfe the lye if no Lord and he should be Confirmed he makes my Lord his enemie for ever But to our businesse whilst my Lord is thus deluded and fed with faire words all attempts are made and Traps laid how to get my Lord to compound himselfe by monies into his rights and dues the Vizeeres Jew hath tempted
us the Merchants the Kogag hath spoke to my Lords Drugerman many times that if he would not come off his businesse would never bee done My Lords Druggerman told him alwaies that my Lord would sooner lose his life then come in upon such dishonourable tearmes My Lords Drudgerman being sicke on Sunday the third of October he sent Master Juate and another Merchant to tell the Vizeere so and that he sent them to receive his Message he gave them no answer but this Bid the Druggerman come to mee on Tuesday This vexed my Lord but he was resolved to try another day on Tuesday the Druggerman went to him and then he told him plainly that he could not decide the Controversie between the two Ambassadours but must send a Chouze for England as soon as my Lord perceived he had delayed him all this time for this hee presently wrote him this Letter or Arrs and sent him the next morning My Lord I Am the first Ambassadour from England that ever presented Letters from the King and a present to a Vizeere that were returned with such dishonour as my selfe from you It becomes not mee neither came I hither to plead my own rights having Letters from so great and powerfull a King as the King of England and thousands of witnesses besides all the Merchants in these parts and hundreds of ships to maintain the Truth of this Embassie especially against such a man whom the Grand Signieur hath mansould with his Hattesherife and the Muste declared that by your own Lawes you cannot restablish him Ambassadour And his Majesty hath discharged and you cannot believe any thing for truth hee speakes Your faire promises have of late overcome my patience I must not now be longer delayed the honour of my King and therein my own life and Reputation lye at stake wherefore if you will not honour me your selfe excuse me if I desire nay require your assistance for my speedy Audience with the Grand Signieur for to his justice do I appeale if you refuse me this then blame me not if I worke out my own addresses to the Grand Signieur my selfe although by such meanes as may be displeasing to your Lordship I desire your absolute answer for I shall trouble you no more with Messages neither need you trouble your selfe to send into England for if I shall not find that reception here which becomes the Honour of the King my Master I have ships enough attend me which shall convey mee back to Report my Entertainment As he read this he nodded severall times and when he had done called the Druggerman to him and said Did I ever deny your Lord to be a true Ambassadour I am not his enemy but must doe him courtesies to the Grand Signieur and if I doe him courtesies what shall I have for my paines The Druggerman told him that he knew my Lord would sooner lose his life then be admitted upon dishonourable tearmes Well said he Goe tell your Lord what I say and remember my kind love to him and bring mee his answer to morrow with a particular of the Grand Signieurs Present against which time my Lord had fitted this Arres for him My Lord THe Present you had from me was as large as ever was given to any of your Predecessors it was never known that a true Ambassadour made a Contract for other gifts to purchase his reception I may not I dare not Transgresse the accustomed Rules nor points of honour if I should your selfe might justly condemne me for a deceiver all the Princes in Christendome would scorne me and then how my Master would Resent it you may judge You are set in the place of Justice I require no more of you then Common justice which if I find I shall not be ingratefull Pardon me if in particular as unusuall I doe not tell you the Grand Signieurs Present in the Generall it consists of fine Cloth Velvet Sattins Gold and Silver Stuffes c. being not inferiour to any that hath been presented formerly Upon this he said looking upon the Letter what here is nothing and would have had some body gone with the Drugerman to treat with my Lord untill the Druggerman told him 't was in vain well then said he tell your Lord if hee will come to morrow I will vest him and to morrow morning will send a Chouze to know who he will have Vested and indeed was as good as his word and when my Lord came to him he was very pleasant and did Vest his Lordship and seven more the usuall custome being but five with so much chearfulnesse as all admired at it and presently told him that the Grand Signieur would be impatient untill hee were with him and asked him if he were Ready My Lord told him 't was impossible without three or foure dayes warning hee pitched on Monday and after some Debate as the urgency of the Affaires of the State the necessitie of the ships speedy comming in c. My Lord consented to it but withall made him promise him that according to the honour and dues of Ambassadours he should be entertained and feasted at the publique Druanine which he did very willingly agree unto Monday morning being come The Vizeere sent Hyssan Aga one of the principall Chouzes with two Chouzes more to attend My Lord who conducted him to the water side and upon his landing on Constantinople side the Chouze Basha with fourty two Chouzes more on horseback conducted him thence to the Vizeeres house where he stayed in his Yegays Chamber till the Vizeere sent to the Grand Signieur to tell him his Lordship was ready for Audience his Majestie sent word he would receive him at the Keske being a kind of a Banqueting-house or for Repose very stately by the water side in his Seraglio whether the Vizeere went before him and his Lordship followed with the Chouse-Bassa and fourty two Chouzes attending him besides all the Merchants and all his own Gent. and attendance no Ambassadour heretofore ever having the like he came to a gate which opened into the Garden where the Keske stood there my Lord with 18. more were Vested but none suffered to goe in but only my Lord who was led by the Chouze-Bassa on his right hand and the Bustange Bassa on the left Signieur Dominico his Secretary who carryed the Letter in a gold and silver bag led by two Chouses more and Master Vernon his Druggerman led by two other Chouzes When my Lord came within sight of the Grand Signieur they suffered him not to goe forwards but side-waies untill he came just against him hee being set upon an Ivorie and mother of Pearle Couch the seates being lined with Lusin Furres and then brought him forwards untill he came within the space of 20. paces where my Lord made a low obedience to him and the Grand Signieur which was never seen before bowed very much and saluted my Lord at which my Lord bowed very low again After Dominico had
read in Turkish my Lords Speech with a laudable voyce the Grand Signieur by his actions seemed much pleased at it and having done replyed which was never known to any Ambassadour before That if the King of England would hold that Amity and Friendship with him which his Majesties Predecessors did with the Grand Signieur before and his Merchants did come with that duty and respect as they ought hee would protect and defend them strongly for his hand hee said was strong from all their Enemies and they should freely Trade in his Dominions Signieur Dominico replyed from my Lord that it was his intentions to increase the Trade so as the ships and Merchants may have the Freedome and liberty of their goods and persons according to the Capitulations he replyed again tell him his Ships shall be Free to goe out and come in when they please and the Merchants should have their Liberties and their goods and he would confirme the Capitulations and no body should medle with them throughout his whole Dominions and he would protect them but said let them see they did their duty else his hand would reach them where ever they were so now he may goe When he tooke the Letter he asked if the Translate was in it they told him yes Said he pointing to his eyes I will read it every word every word Now into that bag with the Letter my Lord caused certaine grievences to bee put as also his owne Speech being translated into Turkish that when the Grand Signieur looks upon the one he might also read the other both which are as followeth My Lords Speech MOst High and Mighty Emperour and most Excellent Prince the King of Great Brittaine France and Ireland wisheth you all the health glory and happinesse which this world can give you and Commanded me to give your Majesty thankes for that Justice you lately shewed in the protection of his Merchants in their Differences with their Ambassadour whom by these Letters his Majesty Desires and Cōmanded me by word of mouth to crave you would order and Command his speedy dispatch into England there to be judged according to his merit The King my Master also desires that that ancient love peace and correspondence which hath ever been betwixt your Majestie and your Predecessours may continue and remaine unviolable between you to which purpose hee hath sent me to take care that none of his subjects give any distast to this State and Empire withall desiring that your Majestie will be pleased to let all injuries done in severall places of the Empire contrary to the Emperiall Capitulations be Redressed and to afford his subjects and Merchants such Freedomes as have been formerly granted that the Capitulations also may be Renewed under your Majesties own hand and such new additions made as may be most commodious for the good and benefit of both States The Grievances 1. THat whereas by the Capitulations the Merchants shipps should passe in and out of any of the Ports in Turky freely and may take for their mony and Provision for their necessary food in what Port they come and that if any Fleet of the Grand Signieur should meet any of the English ships that they shall not stay demand pretend or take any thing from them Now contrary to the Capitulations those ships which should passe out and into this port are detained at the Castells untill they shall buy their passage with a summe of money and being here are often detained by the Customer and Messetareages upon any small pretence during their pleasure neither are they suffered to buy their necessary provisions for their maintenance in their voyage and the Captain Bassa meeting any ship or ships of ours suffers them not to passe without a large summe of money And also where he hears of any ships lying in any Ports abroad sends to them for a present which as due he requires to take of them 2. And whereas by the Capitulations the Merchants ought to have the free power and disposall of all such goods which are brought to them and that they should have libertie to lade or unlade them at their pleasures and that no Custome should bee above one time paid in case they shall carry them by Land or Reship them for any other place Now Contrary to the said Capitulations the goods brought into this Port are seized upon not only aboard the ships where also the Captaine and Mariners are abused but also in the Custome-house where they take away what they please of the best and chiefest of the goods without giving either price or satisfaction for them neither are the remainder of those secure in their owne houses which have been forced open their servants abused and their goods taken away by which meanes there is due to severall of the Nation from the late Vizeere Sala Bassa's Jew 60000. l. and upwards for one piece of Amber taken by the Vizeere himselfe there remaines due 4500. l. And for one other piece more taken by Omeraga worth 4100 l. and moreover our goods landed at one scale and paying Custome are not permitted to be sent to another place without paying it over againe 3. That whereas by the Capitulations no Customes ought to bee put upon Merchandise brought into the Grand Signieurs Dominions nor carried out and also that no Customes nor any other Charge shall be imposed upon the English Nation more then 3. per cent Now contrary to the said Capitulations especially in Alleppo a Custome upon money is exacted and extraordinary charges or tax laid upon Silke and almost double Custome required on all goods brought from Scanderone to the Town of Alleppo notwithstanding there hath been a Hattesherife lately obtained from the Grand Signeur to the contrary yet a Jew being Customer there by name Cacham together with his Agents disobeys and slights not only the Capitulations but the Hattesherife also thereby giving such discontents to the Merchants that if remedy bee not very speedily applyed that scale will very suddenly bee ruined and in this Port as well as in others goods are so overvalued that in stead of paying 3. per cent they exact 6. per cent or thereabouts on some goods and to increase the charge higher upon the Merchants the Customer imploying Officers both aboard the ship and about the Custome-house in his own service taketh the goods to pay them I humbly crave your Majestie will take these Grievances into your wise consideration and so confirme the Capitulations under your gracious hand that none hereafter may dare to violate them and that your Majestie would propose some redresse and satisfaction for the abuses past by your Commandement sent to every Port that the Merchants under my charge may be incouraged to goe on in their Trade which if they faile in the Comerce and Amitie between your gracious Majesty and the King my Master will not only be impaired but your Majestie will lose by our absence the faithfullest known friends and greatest Custome
Lord according to the Kings Command to depart for England In stead of obeying the summons sent him an unworthy and unbeseeming answer An Overture at this present was afforded to us by Arononcone the Vizeeres Jew that he would undertake that all the forenamed Propositions should be granted and for the sending my Lord Crow to Smyrna he required but seven dayes time but for the compleating hereof till which time hee would not receive an asper doe what the Merchants could hee would 35000. pounds And indeed considering the vast expences delayes would bring upon the Company and to settle the Trade in a more secure way then ever out our enemy and recover our owne Debts it was ajudged by my Lord and us all a very good bargain yet my Lord must not take knowledge of it but as made between us and the Jew privately only his gratuity to the Vizeere must seeme to doe the businesse This Bargain concluded the Jew so wrought the businesse that within the space of six dayes he got by meanes of the Vizeere a Hattesherife to send my Lord Crow out of Turky which was presently put in execution and two Chouzes sent to take him out of his house and put him into a Boat for Smyrna hee made no resistance at all but went presently with him upon Wednesday morning the three Druggermen railing upon my Lord and calling him Devill wished the Devill to take him and us all My Lady and the rest of the Family stayed behind to pack up their houshold-stuffe till Saturday following in the mean time shee made much moan that she had not an asper in the house left her besides wages of Nurses and divers other servants came to 500. l. and upwards which were unpaid This good Lady only worthy of pitty being by the evill disposition of her husband brought to this misery was thought no wayes accessary to his bad designes Wherefore my Lord moved us in way of pitty to consider her condition upon which wee sent her 1000. l. which she kindly accepted although her Husband was offered by some of us not long before 20000. l. to be quiet and depart the place in peace Strange were the Plots and designes this man had to ruine us besides the seizing of our estates lending away our ships and imprisoning our per-persons and some in chaines at one time he pretended that wee owed him 100000. l. of which to be established hee offered the Grand Signieur 50000 l. and to the Vizeere the other 50000 l. when the Estate would not give him credit in this hee workes upon the Venetians to supply him and they hoping and not without ground by this meanes to make a breach between the Turkes and us or to undoe the Merchants which might be very beneficiall both to their Wars and Trade doe furnish him both with money and presents the French Ambassadour hee had made sure to him and it is verily believed by money and therefore hee 's commonly called Sir Sackvile Crowes Broker this man sweares and saies any thing Sir Sackvile Crow would have him but being of a wretched and miserable condition and of so poore and hen-hearted a spirit was able to get no Credence in this Court Sir Sackvile Crow was to us a roaring Lion threatens nothing but Ruine and destruction and since my Lord came told some of us that he would be as Sampson if they forced him hence hee would pull the house upon them and for my Lord that dared to come against him to send him and his Followers home in Chaines he thought to light a punishment but had decreed him a perpetuall prisoner in Rhodes or Ciprus Oh how poore miserable and weake are the imaginations and sancies of man when God leaves him that this man that over-night despised the authority of his King bid defiance to his Ambassadour and scorned all men in respect of himselfe was the next day by two Chouzes without further help led into a Boat and carryed whither he never intended Here ends his story in Turky God send him more honesty in England whither wee wish him a good voyage A translate of the Imperiall Commandement directed to the Vizeere-Bassa of Egypt and to the Cadee of Egypt to the Beghs of the scales of Egypt Alexandria and Damiate to the Cadees of Alexandria Damiate and Dossetto AT the arrivall of our Imperiall Signature you all take notice That the honoured amongst the Lords of the Messia Christians the Ambassadour of England Resident at our Imperiall Port have sent a memoriall of his to the most glorious our Gatte saying That whereas the King of England is in perfect Amitie with our most happy Port And that from England doth continually come into our Imperiall Dominions severall kind of necessarie and profitable Commodities And that in the Country of England doth not grow any Rice of which Commoditie they have great need In respect of their said good friendship for the sole service of the King the said Ambassadour having requested that they might have with an Imperiall Command Licence to buy with their money yearly in these Scales 500. Erdepps of Rice To the end they may have the said quantitie of Rice without the molestation or hindrance of any body This present our Imperiall Command is granted unto them And hereby doe Command that at the arrivall hereof all you shall observe accordingly viz. that in consideration of the good and profitable Commodities which the English Nation doth bring into our Imperiall Dominions and in respect of the said Kings friendship for his own service onely yearly they buying with their money in these Scales 500. Erdipps of Rice none of you all pretending that Rice is a prohibited Commoditie shall give them any lett or hinderance neither shall you permit any our Officers Farmers or other commanders to take from them one Asper for the Custome Reft Reeme or Bagge of them neither any what man or officer soever shall molest or disturbe them nor consent that any body doe any Action contrary to the tenour of this our Imperiall Command and doe take notice accordingly And after you shall read this our Command you shall Render it back againe into the English mens hands giving alwayes full faith to our most happy Signature Written in the latter part of the Moone Regeb Anno 1050. which is anno Domini 1640. Given in the preserved Citie of Constantinople To the most Powerfull Invincible and Just Great Emperour of the Ottoman Empire Sultan Ibrachim Han unto whose Imperiall presence Charles by the Grace and Mercie of God King of England and of the Kingdomes thereunto subjected sendeth health and prosperity Beseeching the Almighty God for the preservation Glory Honour and Prosperitie of your Imperiall State IN the time of the Glorious Memorie of Sultan Murad Han We having occasion to Revoke from the Imperiall Port where was Residing Our former Ambassadour neverthelesse intending alwayes that our Ancient Friendship Confederation and Correspondencie with the Ottoman Port should remain
NEWES FROM TVRKIE OR A true Relation of the passages of the Right honourable Sir Tho. Bendish Baronet Lord Ambassadour with the Grand Signieur at Constantinople his entertainment and reception there ALSO A true discourse of the unjust proceedings of Sir Sackvile Crow former Ambassadour there against the English Merchants his contest with the present Lord Ambassadour and Sir Sackviles imprisonment and in his returne his betraying the Captaine of the ship and some English Merchants at Alicant in Spain to the Inquisition Lastly his Commitment to the Tower of London where now he is LONDON Printed for H.B. at the Castle in Corn-Hill 1648. To the Reader SIR Sackvile Crow a quondam servant and favourite to George Duke of Buckingham was of late yeares sent over by his Majesty as Ambassadour to the Great Turke for transacting the affaires of our English Merchants in his Dominions residing Of his good or evill Deportment before our Domestique quarrels began wee have no will to inquire but shall begin our discourse from that time when our Merchants were most sensible of his injurious oppressions of them and of his Deviation from that especiall trust which was reposed in him by the King his Master for their protection and advantage At first Sir Sackvile began to burthen their goods with heavy and unaccustomed impositions which they not resenting hee to aggravate a more full mischiefe upon them imprisons their persons threatens their lives c. But well knowing these tyrannicall actions would be questioned by his Majesty the King of England and that the Merchants being men of active spirits and able performances would seeke redresse and complaine Hee most abusively pretends a new Letter from his Majesty to the great Turke dated Newcastle 24. Septemb. 1646. to assist the sayd Sir Sackvile in his further unjust proceeding against our Merchants But neither did his Majesty send any such new Letter unto the Grand Signieur or give unto the sayd Sir Sackvile Crow under his Royall Signature any other Commission so to abuse and undo his loyall subjects For His Majesty most graciously upon Complaint from the Merchants of Sir Sackviles misdemeanours revoked the Credentiall Letters formerly given unto him and newly elected and admited as his Ambassadour unto the Grand Signieur a person of fortune and honour by name Sir Thomas Bendish Baronet The many disturbances which this worthy Gentleman encountred with at his first Arrivall in Constantinople by meanes of Sir Sackvile his disobedience to his Majesties Letter of revocation and his scandalous aspersions upon the Actions and person of the Lord Ambassadour were I say enough to have disheartened even an assured resolution and inforced a Recesse from so hazardous an employment among such rigid and harsh people as the Turkes are but his Lordship being of an invincible spirit and maturely considering how farre his Majesties and the Nations honour and welfare of the London Merchants were concerned herein by admirable resolution at last obtained the person of Sir Sackvile Crow and then shipt him for London where at present he stands committed to the Tower His Lordship since his happy investure lives amongst the Turkes in great estimation and honour equall if not superiour to any former Ambassadour continually as occasion is offered assisting the industrious Merchants betwixt whom and his Lordship there is a very amiable Compliance I might justly by way of aggravation unfold the great incivility of Sir Sackvile Crow in inciting his Lady at Alicant in Spaine as they returned for England there to complain unto the Inquisition that shee and her husband were Catholiques and inforced against their wills to become Protestants whereupon the honest Captaine and his Mate who civilly went ashore with her were detained Prisonert and so also many of our English Merchants not yet released But the discourse will best manifest the truth thereof attested by the hands of those Merchants now suffering W.L. A true Relation of the Cariage of the Right Honourable Sir Thomas Bendish Barr. Lord Ambassadour with the Grand Signieur at Constantinople together with his Letters and Arres he sent abroad to severall of his Opposers in his Embassie TWo dayes before his Lordship came to Brushia for he came from Smyrna overland Mr. Lancelot the Agent sent him a Letter that the Vizeere was cut off withall telling him that hee had sent to this new one to congratulate him in his place and did intend by his leave to visit him within three or foure dayes and Distill our Case into him with the best Oratorie he had withall telling him that he was a Rugged harsh man and not likely to favour our Cause Hereupon my Lord considering how little need the Company had of this unnecessarie charge did forthwith dispatch a Post to him with a few lines to this purpose That he would not have him upon any tearmes to make a Visit nor act in any businesse further for it was not fitting nor would be expected his Lordship being so neer the Port he told him that the distilling the Case into his head was crosse to his Lordships designe who came peremptorily to demand justice and cared not whether the Vizeere were good bad or indifferent But before this Messenger could arive him he had not only visited him with a good present but to my Lords great vexation future trouble had delivered in the Hattecherife which cost us not lesse then 40000 l. to intrangle Sir Sac. Crow for the words of the Hattecherife under the Grand Signieurs hand which is as the Law of the Medes and Persians were these let the Ambassadour have no more to doe with the English Nation while this was in our hands he could never stirre against us nor durst publike ministers suffer him but just now without if not contrary to advice against my Lord should set foot on this shore our chained enemy is let loose upon him and indeed but that my Lord could not find any designe he had in it but meere want of resolution and judgement the world could never have perswaded him but that the Agent had done it on purpose for Sir Sack Crow straightwayes provides a very great present and with full attendance goes to the Vizeere the day before my Lord arrived with confidence hee should bee vested which had been re-establishment but was deceived The next day being the 16. September my Lord early in the morning having come all night by Sea in a Boat arrived here and after hee had reposed himselfe some houres went together with the Agent in his Coach attended by his Retinue and us to that house the Agent had provided for him The next day my Lord calls a Court and resolved there to send Mr. Agent to the Vizeere to demand Audience for him of the Grand Signieur and to tell him hee could not expect justice from him who had broke open the Merchants houses but three dayes before his comming and had taken out goods to the value of 40000. pounds This Message was so in
pieces delivered as the Vizeere though he did yet hee would not understand it but asked if he had Letters for him yes said the Agent let me see them said he that I may know what to doe and you shall have Audience with the Grand Signieur Upon this answer my Lord resolves to visit him next himselfe Now you must know that when my Lord came first to Smyrna a Letter was conveyed into his sons hands to give him this came from Sir Sack Crow and was verbatim as followes SIR BY Report from his Majesties Rebell-subjects under my Charge your comming into these parts hath been long Voted and said that you were to come with Commission from his Majesty to succeed me in this Embassie to this State to which when I shall understand his Royall pleasure in such forme as agreeable to Custome in Cases of like nature is usuall and I am to expect as well for my warrant as discharge you may be assured of a hearty welcome from me with that obedience I owe his Majesties commands and all faithfull endeavours for his service and this as well in my care for your introduction as your accommodation in what I may else be capable to serve you in the mean time to this day having neither order from his Majestie nor the least intimation from any of his Secretaries to any such effect you cannot blame me if hitherunto I have not credited it nor yet otherwise take notice thereof upon due consideration rather conclude as accustomed and assured me by the Vote of all publike Ministers that I had reason finding any subject of his Majesties of what qualitie soever negotiating ought of like or what nature soever within my Charge without me during my Commission in force to protest against him and give him such contradiction as I have been occasioned to give Mr. Vernon whose over confidence want of civilitie or instructions I know not which or whether by the ignorance of his Patrones that sent him merited to have been made an example being confident to affirme that there was never president of the like irregular proceedings before for supposing those Letters as pretended which they may or may not be for ought I know or that I had been the veriest Traytor in the world which his Majestie hitherto declares me not and that his Majestie for such cause had disclaimed or recalled me untill some signification of his opinion or pleasure either under his own Royall hand as ever accustomed or at least Copyes thereof authentick under the hand of one of his Secretaries I dare not give way no not to the Prince himselfe nor doe otherwise then oppose him Wherefore and as well for my own better discharge though hereunto neither obliged by any Ordinance or former usuance as in civility towards your Person and for the avoyding of all misunderstandings further scandall or prejudice to his Majesties service upon apprehension only and the consideration of his Majesties present estate that his Majestie may have condescended to the request of the Levant Companie I send these at Rosigoe to attend your arivall at Smyrna in case his Majestie should send you as reported to assure you of a contradiction in most of what you may have heard by the way and of my readinesse to serve you comming warranted as I presume you will if you expect acceptance here and that so by a timely good intel igence began at least Offers of it on my part all misunderstandings and prejudicate opinions may be prevented and that endeavoured on either side which may best sort with his Majesties Commands and intrests of his faithfull subjects which the worthy report I have of your civilitie moderation wisedome and constant good Offices to all his Majesties wellwishers and Loyall people assure me of your agreeing to and give me confidence though unknown to you to write my selfe as in such case you may be assured to find me Sir Your ready friend and most humble servant Sackvile Crow Pera of Comp ll the 25. May 1647. Excuse me if in your stile untill otherwise advised I spare to give you other title then you are usually known by If you have occasion to send me any advises or Copies for my better government as expected you may please for their more security to send them by the hand of this noble Gentleman whose Person I recommend to your favour To which my Lord returned this answer following SIR I Shall not lessen my selfe in your opinion by not giving you that due respect you by your courteous Letters merit I acknowledge what therein is expressed touching the honour of the King my Master with all love and honour to your selfe for it and that respect you bear me as his Ambassadour with much thankfulnesse assuring you upon mine honour and by the word of a Gentleman that I come not within your Verge with lesse power and Authority from the King of England my Master then that by which you first assumed the place notwithstanding any neglects of his ministers of State towards you which I shall make appeare upon my arrivall at Pera letting you know in the mean time that I doe not nor shall trust so farre to the reports of any as to make me prejudicate or mistake any action past or to come especially where Civility and love playes their parts no not of those Gentlemen the Merchants your present and my future charge God blessing mee whom you doe but I dare not call Rebells since my Master the King tearms them no otherwise in his Letters then his Subjects and Merchants As for the misdemeanour of my servant Varny whom I sent with Letters from his Majesty to justifie the truth of them to whom they are directed what he hath said in the justification of them if by any opposed I must maintain as being from me so Commanded what other misbeseeming carriage or speech he hath expressed against your person I doe not only dislike but shall upon hearing punish him according to merit for I so farre honour the very shadow of my Master where ever I find it that I am resolved no unworthy act dishonour or disgrace shall light upon it which can be prevented by My Lord Your most humble servant Thomas Bendish Smyrna August 18. 1647. I suppose by the ancient date of your Letters you want no informations now both of my comming and power I bring therefore no need to send you Particulars or Copies It was delivered by Master Aylosse who receiv'd this answer by word of mouth that he was very sorry Sir Tho Bendish did give so little credit to his Letters and was so discourteous in the long deferring his answer and gave him so little satisfaction in the strength or vertue of his comming and if he did not give him that honour he pretended hee had it was his fault that would not send him a Copy of the Letter The next day therefore after my Lord arived when he sent the Agent to the Vizeere he
unsatisfied in this businesse Look behind I have all the Merchants my witnesses and all the Merchants of Aleppo Alexandria and all the Coasts of Turky I have ships at Smyrna Laden for this Port and divers more ready to come out Let Sir Sackvile Crow shew me two Merchants and halse a ship and I will yield him the place The Vizeere riseth to be gone but my Lord spake on I hope my Lord if I be an Ambassadous as you say and having brought you a Present as befits you you will not deny me the Honour due to me in Vesting me With this he turned away and answered not a word in an uncivill clownish way which when my Lord saw he was moved with passion and with a great stamp upon the ground said Never Ambassadour was so basely used as I am which the great men sitting by observing his anger were something amazed and inquired what hee said which was told them This was his first entertainment which as we are certainly informed since was procured by five bags of money given him by the Venetians that day to hinder his Lordships Vesting When he came away he commanded all his Drugermen that none should attend any more his Court for he had one with him The next day about 9. of the clock came two Chouzes to my Lord to tell him from the Vizeere that the Ambassadour Crow would be there and he would have my Lord meet him no replyed my Lord tell your Lord I will not meet him nor come at his house any more he hath used me unworthily and bately and so tell him from me What replyed the Chouzes will you not come no more at his house let not my Lord say so the Vizeere is a great man Vicegerent to the Grand Signeur and wee dare not carry him such a sleighting Message A great man And so am I a great man too said my Lord If he be Vicegerent to the Grand Signeur tell him that I am Ambassadour to the King of England Then they desired my Lord that some of his own men might carry that Message for they would not t is no matter said my Lord I will make his usage of me ring all Constantinople over before 24. houres come about and indeed my Lord had provided Arres to send about to declare his usage of him Now was Sir Sackvile Crow with the Vizeere expecting to be vested as he had bragged the day before but how or what part of this message they delivered I know not but Sir Sackvile Crow after he had rayled upon my Lord before the Vizeere and called him furfant came home no wiser then hee went and the next morning the Vizeere sent three Chouzes one a man of great qualitie and had been foure times Ambassadour with forraigne Princes remembred his kind love to my Lord and sent him word that he had sent him a man of honour that should goe with him to Sir Sackvile Crow and see him deliver his Letters and he would soon make an end of the businesse This civill respectfull Messenger and Message pleased my Lord again so that he accepted this as a favour and the rather it pleased him because he should crosse Sir Sackvile Crowes humour for not above an houre before they came he sent to him to tell him he would come to him if he were at home to deliver him Letters from the King at first hee lovingly sent my Lord word that his dores were as well open to his foes as to his friends but presently sends word again upon better consideration that if my Lord would come privately he might but as a publike minister he would not receive him but afront him those Chouzes he sent to deliver the Message to Sir Sackvile Crow from the Vizeere and withall that he was ready Sir Sackvile Crow said he would not receive him but shut the dores against him such a horror did this Letter of revocation strike into him but they returning with that passage to the Vizeere hee seemed so incensed that he commanded them to take three more to them and to command him to let my Lord deliver his Letters and bring him word what his answer was then his stout heart was fain to stoope and my Lord having such warning because he would be sure not to goe privately got us and all his attendance after him who when they came into the room after him they that knew him formerly said that he was much daunted then my Lord saluted him by the name of my Lord he replyed Sir you are welcome The King my Master said my Lord commanded mee to deliver you this Letter then they both sate down and Sir Sackvile Crow looking upon the Company said you have a great many witnesses here my Lord told him yes the better for him if his Cause were good he did not love to do things in corners then he took the Letter smiled and sometimes winked upon his own people when presently he called the French Ambassadours Secretarie to beare witnesse what passed what have wee to doe said my Lord with the French Ambassadours Secretary yes said he the French Ambassadour hath to doe in this businesse how said my Lord hath any to doe with the English here besides you and I that will be seen hereafter then he pawsed a while and straight asked my Lord if the King delivered this Letter to him with his own hand my Lord told him no marke this said he to the Frenchman Sir said my Lord my words are true I said his Majestie commanded me by a Letter of his to deliver you this What logick make you of this now then he asked my Lord when he saw the King but my Lord desired he would excuse him saying Excuse me Sir I am not bound to give you an answer then he asked him where his Commission was he told him it was at his house he demanded to see it my Lord told him it concerned himselfe only and not him and if I act contrary said my Lord to my Commission I must answer it and not you here is my Commission saith he and I charge you in the Kings name to shew me yours your Cōmmission sayd my Lord hath no power to examine mine I have Cōmission to give you this Letter not my Commission Here was some pawse of speech which when the Chouzes saw and that he would not open his Letter they stood up and required him to open it then he did and told them he would answer the Letter to the King and send his mind in writing to the Vizeere which hee did the next day and this it was as the Vizeere sent my Lord word by his Druggerman That those Merchants were Rebels and that my Lord was the head of them and other words as if the King were forced to write those letters His Lordship having delivered his Letters according to the Kings command tooke his leave very fairly of him and he of my Lord but came no further with him then
also all these helps and assistances necessary for the gathering and receiving his rights and consolage given to him according to the Tenor of the Imperiall Capitulations and orders and directions by us granted him as also for the recovering all other rights and duties belonging to his charge and what else that our Subjects are bound unto him and is to receive from them and this to the end that he may maintain himselfe in his Charge of Our Ambassadour with that Honour that it doth behoove and befit to Our Ambassadour so that as before is mentioned the said Ambassadour being graciously accepted by your Majesty and by vertue of Our Letters Sealed and affirmed by Us as heretofore hath been alwayes acknowledged for Our Ambassadour Now again in Confirmation thereof with these our Presents Wee doe Confirme and Ratifie him and according to the Tenor of Our Imperiall Capitulations Wee give him credit to treat and informe your Majestie in Our name touching our Confederacie with you upon which you may be pleased to give him full faith who also is to Reside there for our Legier Ambassadour with full Power and Authority to receive the duties of Consoladge and all other Rights concerning to his Place and this untill Wee shall revoke him from thence and call him before Us and in his place send another new Ambassadour with our Letters Sealed with our Royall Seale and affirmed with Our hand and untill then Wee beseech you doe not give any credit to any other Person and rather wee desire your Majestie that receiving this Our Letter to be pleased to send for him before your presence and there to invest him again in his Charge and to preserve and continue your Favour as you wonted to doe formerly Wee assuring your Majesty with our Kingly word and this our Royall Letters That all these particulars are true and just and according to our Desire Our will being also that whilest Our Ambassadour shall Reside at your Imperiall Port whatsoever he shall Declare unto you in Our name Your Majesty be pleased to give him full Credit as also what Businesse hee shall propound you in Our name to accept the same and to affect it And as we said before be pleased to give him Credit for all these Propositions that he shall advise for wee will ratifie and Confirme all And your Majesty may be sure of his integritie and faithfulnesse Written at New-Castle the 24th of September 1646. Your most Sincere and faithfull Friend CAROLUS REX My Lord YOu cannot say but with great patience I have attended your performance of the King of Englands command expressed in his Letter of Revocation to you viz. to deliver up his Seale to me together with all such Instructions informations and such other things behovefull for the good of his Subjects which are in your power or keeping and to Resigne and depart from the place and authority of his Ambassadour and no further to meddle either with the Merchants their affaires or goods to none of all which I can discerne you have yielded any obedience or performance And whereas his Majestie hath commanded me and given me Authority to require from you in his Majesties name the aforesaid Seale Instructions or informations or ought else remaining in your custodie behovefull for the good of his Merchants and also commanded me to presse your speedy returne to him By vertue of the said Authoritie and in order to his Majesties commands I doe require you to deliver up the said Seale together with all those writings and books which belongs to and are the proper goods of the Merchants in the Cancellaria into the hands of the bearers hereof and that henceforth you doe not pretend to any authoritie of Ambassadour in this place and also that you doe prepare your selfe for your speedy departure to the King of England If through your disobedience to his Majesties commands in the denying of them and the retarding your departing hence you run your selfe upon more inconveniences then I desire you must blame your selfe not me who have made your selfe uncapable of receiving that honour fromme which was ever intended by Your friend to serve you Tho. Bendish Pera 18. Octob. 1647. Vera Copia Aexaminatur concordat cum original per nos Jo. Williams Ant. Isaacson OCtober the 19. in the morning wee delivered the originall hereof to Sir Sackvile Crow who after hee had received it retir'd into a private roome a little space and then comming to us said as followeth Tell your Master I wonder that hee hath so little manners or discretion to send me such a Letter as this I thought my answer to him at the delivery of his last would have been sufficient to have taught him more discretion but as God judge me if he will not learn better manners tell him I 'le teach him some and that I have given the King an account of the businesse already and this shall be your answer and then thrust us out of the chamber and told us that we were servants and if wee had affront put upon us we might thank our selves for bringing such a Message Jo. Williams Ant. Isaacson To his Sacred Majesty our most Gracious Soveraign The humble Petition of your Majesties Loyall and obedient Subjects the Merchants and Factors Refident in Galiata of Constantinople Humbly sheweth THat whereas for the Protection of those negotiating in these parts it hath been the Royall pleasure of your Sacred Majestie to appoint Sir Sackvile Crow your Ambassadour with the Grand Signieur these late yeares whose violent and grievous proceedings against your Petitioners by Imprisoning their persons some in chaines he intending to seize upon the Estate here at Constantinople as he had done that at Smirna in his owne name forcing us to subscribe for payment of great summes of money to him your Petitioners were notwithstanding compelled to spend fourty thousand pounds sterling to free our persons and estates from his power whom he had designed to Ruine and destruction Doe humbly implore that no misrepresented Action of your Petitioners may so farre prevaile upon your apprehension as to thinke us guilty of the least disrespect towards him as your Majesties Ambassadour but forced out of a necessity to save our selves and fortunes now Redeem'd and established to us in your Majesties Royall choyce of his successor one of such apparant trust for which your Princely care and clemency we are to praise God and as by our duty and allegiance bound for your Majesties increase of greatnesse happinesse Shall ever Pray Ionathan Dawes Richard Strode William Petre Iohn Dodington Francis Dryver William Gifford William Gibbes Iohn Ridley Iohn Erisey William Galt Marmaduke Picket Maurice Evans William Osborne William Gough Thomas Berkeley William Chappell Iohn Tye Roger Fowke William Pearle Iames Modyford Robert Frampton Iohn South Giles Davis Nic. Bell. Mr. Zacharie Browne In Alicant the 21. of March 1648. THese are to acquaint you how this evening we were all taken by the Officers of the Inquisition and remain prisoners wherefore we know not nor the cause of your fathers detension But find the Commissaries and other Officers to pretend the ruine of us all Wee are not suffered to plead our cause nor is that Tribunall to expect replies your father adviseth you in what condition himselfe is and the businesse is not to be remedied otherwise then by my Lords comming on shore speedily whereupon your father and us shall be freed and you may be consident your father and his Mate and us will be freed without dispute and rest Your loving friends to serve you Richard Cape William Trevill Anthony Basset Nicholas Ieffery Thomas Iackson William Paullin Edward Landen Io. Hibbins Hen. Callamore Richard Hownsell This comming to Mr. Zacharie Browne aboard the Ship Margaret he demanded of my Lord Crow wherefore hee had caused his father Captaine Browne and his mate to be detained and imprisoned on shore who presently tooke a Bible and laying his hand thereon took a voluntary oath that he for his part knew nothing of it and that if his wife had done any thing she did it out of her love to her husband and his liberty but not by his direction yet about two dayes after he confessed to the same Master Browne charging him againe with the evill usage of his father on shore that hee did indeed give his wife order to goe to the Governour and to desire him to send for the Captaine on shore and know of him by what Authoritie he kept him his Lady and familie in his ship and whether he had any command from the King of England so to doe but 't is conceived he had forgotten his former oath Letters from Alicant of the 22. of March informe that the Margaret ariving there which ship brought Sir Sackvile Crow his Lady and family from Smirna the Lady Crow pretending to Master George Browne commander of the said ship that shee was with childe and so neere her time that she durst not venture to goe to England but would stay and ly in at Alicant he caused her to bee set on shore and himselfe went to accompany her when shee was in the Towne she presently went to the Governour and told him she was a Roman Catholike and that the Master of the ship had not only detained her by force but had also denyed her liberty of her religion whereupon the Governour sent for the Master and his chief Mate and put both them and all the English Nation there into prison and sent to the ship to demand Sir Sackvile Crow but the Masters sonne Master Zacharie Browne considering the danger the ship was in and what a trick Sir Sackvile Crow had put upon his father denyed to deliver him but presently wayed Anchor and came away but before his comming this Letter was sent him from the Collonel and Merchants FJNJS