Indian Antiquary Vol 61

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Charles E A W Oldham, S Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarka
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 344

172
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY
DECEMBER, 1932
In their letter to Madras dated 8 January 1717/18, sent by the King George (Letter Book, vol. xvi, pp. 326 ff.), the Court apprised the Council at Fort St. George (paras. 20-21) of the permission granted for the Bonita to trade on the coasts of India and China.
[73] "Herewith you will receive copy of the Articles or Covenants on which we have permitted Messrs. John Scattergood and Thomas Harris to carry out tho Boneta, a ship built hero for the service of their countroy tracle which thoy affirm will be much more beneficial than any they can got built in India as being
bottor sailor, making their voyagon more expeditiously and less liable to loose the monsoons. Let it be your care they comply wit' overy part of their Covenants for so far as in your power and advise whether in your opinion wa shouid grant any others the like liberty if desirod. Our roason for prohibiting their trade to Madagascar or any the islands thoreabouts or to any the costs of Africa therein enumerated was for fear she should fall into the pyrates hands in case any should come into those parts. We have alwaya heard theso owners behav'd themselves well whilst they resided at Fort St. George and we take that to bo a very good carnost they will continue to deserve the samo good character, and in that viow we recommend them to your favour and protoction... We have for Messrs. Scattorgood and Harris's encouragoment to bring you this froight [Modoira wine) free permitted them to take on board sixty pipes for their own account. Do you take care that this lading for two different accounts be not turn'd to our prejudice by calling the best wine theirs or charging the leakage more to our accunt than ought to be."
In the list of free merchants for Fort St. George at the end of the above letter appear the names of John Seattergood and Thomas Harris, with the remark: "on thoir own ship Bonela," and the "Packet " carried by the King George contained a copy of their "covenants."
The main cargo of the Bonita was silver bullion as is shown by the annexed invoice.
[74]
London the 25 January 1717/18. Invoice of cost and charges of shipp Bonita, Captain John Harry,
and her cargoe for India, Vizt. The shipp with storos for tho voyage ..
.. .. £6200. - - The licence from the East India Company
.. £220. Sundry fees and other chargos
. . £ 75. 5. Cloath and perpetts
.. £ 771. 13. Wine to boc takono att Madora ..
.. £ 100. -.Scales, waitos, &c.
.. £ 36. - - 76297 oz. 12 dwt. Silver in hands J.M.(1) Portsmouth
.. £21100.
£28502. 18. - Cask freight &c.
(NOTE ON DOCUMENT No. 74.] (1) John Mollish, the agent for the owners of the Bonita at Portsmouth.
The management of his affairs in England and his house property in Greyfriars was left by Scattergood in the hands of his cousin Thomas Pain, “Upholder," and his friends the Rev. John Lewis and Gilbert Affleck, to whom he gave powers of attorney. With the Rev. George Lewis Scattergood left detailed instructions.
[75] Sir,
Herewith is an account of what moneys I sent, abroad and carry with me since I have been in England, and what moneys I have taken up at interest.(1)
When you receive my China adventures from the ship Essex and ship Townshend please to pay my couzen Mr. John Birkhead in Warwick Court his share for what he is concern'd under me in those two ships.