1600 Charter

CHARTERS RELATING TO THE EAST INDIA COMPANY FROM 1600 TO 1761. CHARTER GRANTED BY QUEEN ELIZABETH, TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF MERCHANTS OF LONDON, TRADING INTO THE EAST-INDIES,

Dated the 31st December, in the 43rd Year of Her Reign, Anno Domini, 1600. ELIZABETH, by the Grace of God, Queen of England, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. To all our Officers, Ministers and Subjects, and to all other People, as well within this our Realm of England as elsewhere, under our Obedience and Jurisdiction, or otherwise, unto whom these our Letters Patents shall be seen, shewed or read, greeting. WHEREAS our most dear and loving Cousin, George, Earl of Cumberland, and our well-beloved Subjects, Sir John Hart, of London, Knight, Sir John Spencer, of London, Knight, Sir Edward Michelborne, Knight, William Cavendish, Esq.; Paul Banning, Robert Lee, Leonard Halliday, John Watts, John Moore, Edward Holmeden, Robert Hampson, Thomas Smith, and Thomas Campbell, Citizens and Aldermen of London; Edward Barker, Esq.; Thomas Marsh, Esq.; Samuel Backhouse, Esq.; James Lancaster, Richard Staper, Thomas Cordall, William Garway, Oliver Stile, William Quarls, Bartholomew Barnes, William Offely, Robert Chamberlaln, John Harvey, Richard Wiseman, William Stone, Francis Cherry, Thomas Allabaster, Richard Barrett, John Swinnarton the Younger, Thomas Garway, William Romney, James Bean, John Eldred, Andrew Banning, Edward Leaning, Thomas Juxon, Nicholas Leat, John Woollestenholm, Nicholas Purd, William Chamber, Rowland Blackhouse, Humphrey Smith, Robert Sandye, Henry Robinson, Richard Pointell, John Heyford, William Harrison, Humphrey Stile, Humphrey Robinson, Nicholas

Ferror, Thomas Farrington, John Comb, Robert Offely, Roger Howe, John Hewitt, James Turner, Morrice Abbott, Robert Currant, Robert Brooke, Richard Chamberlaine, George Chamberlaine, Leonard White, John Cornelius, Ralph Busby, William Jenning, Giles Parslow, Robert Bell, Thomas White, Nicholas Ling, William Palmer, Ellis Cripps, George Bowles, Nicholas Cripps, John Merrick, Humphrey Handford, Thomas Simmons, Robert Cocke, William Walstall, John Humphrey, Thomas Bostock, Bartholomew Holland, Richard Cock, William Walton, William Freeman, Thomas Southacke, John Fryer, Francis Dent, Richard Ball, Richard Pears, Roger Henning, Robert Cobe, Robert Robinson, Francis Evington, Francis Taylor, Thomas Westrone, John Middleton, Robert Gore, Ralph Gore, William Cater, George Cater, John Busbridge, Thomas Hayton, William Bond, Merchant-Taylor of London, William Cotton, John Stockley, Roger Arfield, Augustine Skinner, Richard Wicke, Robert Towertson, Richard Tailby, Robert Middleton, Robert

Elizabeth, by the Grace of God, Queen of England, &c. To all her Subjects, &c., sends greeting. Whereas our Cousin, the Earl of Cumberland, and our Subjects, Sir John Hart, &c.

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CHARTER GRANTED BY QUEEN ELIZABETH,

[31st Dec. Bateman, Richard Costan, Robert Waldoe, Richard Wragg, John Wragg, William Dale, Laurence Waldoe, Henry Bridgman, Samuel Armitage, Edward Harrison, Edmund Nicholson, Clement Moseley, John Newman, Humphrey Walcot, Thomas Richardson, Thomas Bothby, John Cochrane, Reginald Green, Richard Burrell, Robert Midmay, William Hinde, George Chandler, Edward Latterford, William Burrell, Stephen Harvey, Thomas Henshaw, William Ferris, William Adderley, William Hewet, William Fisher, Joseph Talbanch, Nicholas Manley, Nicholas Salter, William Willaston, William Angell, Nicholas Barnsley, John Hawkins, Roger Dye, Richard Clarke, Thomas Hewit, George Whitmore, Henry Polstead, William Greenwell, Robert Johnson, Bartholomew Haggett, Humphrey Bass, Robert Buck, Ambrose Wheeler, William Hale, Richard Hull, jun., John Hodgson, Alphonsus Fowl, Edmund Spencer, Robert Devey, Richard Piott, William Bonham, Edward Barkham, George Coles, Ralph Hayman, James Cullumyer, Samuel Hare, George Utley, Gregory Allen, Henry Archer, Jeffery Rudge, John Cason, Richard Beale, Thomas Shipton, John Fletcher, Thomas Talbot, Robert Pennington, Humphrey Milward, Richard Frame, Ralph Allyn, John Brooke, Anthony Gibson, Robert Kayes, Hugh Crompton, Richard Walker, George Holman, Morrice Luelling, Richard Parsons, Francis Barker, William Turner, John Greenwood, Richard Dean, Richard Ironside, George Smythe, James Dunkin, Edward Walter, Andrew Chamberlain, Robert Strafford, Anthony Stratford, William Millett,

Simon Laurence, Thomas Liddall, Stephen Hodson, Richard Wright, William Starkey, William Smith, John Ellicott, Robert Bailey, and Roger Cotton, have of our certain Knowledge been Petitioners unto us, for our Royal Assent and Licence to be granted unto them, that they, at their own Adventures, Costs and Charges, as well as for the Honour of this our Realm of England, as for the Increase of our Navigation, and Advancement of Trade of Merchandize within our said Realms and the Dominions of the same, might adventure and set forth one or more Voyages, with convenient Number of Ships and Pinnaces, by way of Traffic and Merchandize to the East-Indies, in the Countries and Parts of Asia and Africa, and to as many of the Islands, Ports and Cities, Towns and Places, thereabouts, as where Trade and Traffic may by all Likelihood be discovered, established or had; divers of which Countries, and many of the Islands, Cities and Ports thereof, have long since been discovered by others of our Subjects, albeit not frequented in Trade of Merchandize. KNOW YE THEREFORE, that we greatly tendering the Honour of our Nation, the Wealth of our People, and the Encouragement of them, and others of our loving Subjects in their good Enterprizes, for the Increase of our Navigation, and the Advancement of lawful Traffik, to the Benefit of our Common Wealth, have of our especial Grace, certain Knowledge, and mere Motion, given and granted, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do give and

grant unto our said loving Subjects, before in these Presents expressly named, that they and every of them from henceforth be and shall be one Body Corporate and Politick, in Deed and in Name, by the Name of The Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, and them by the Name of The Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, one Body Corporate and Politick, in Deed and in Name, really and fully, for us, our Heirs and Successors, we do order, make, ordain, constitute, establish and declare, by these Presents, and that by the same Name of Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, they shall have Succession, and

1600.] TO THE FIRST EAST-INDIA COMPANY. 3

that they and their Successors, by the Name of The Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, be and shall be, at all Times hereafter, Persons able and capable in Law, and a Body Corporate and Politick, and capable in Law to have, purchase, receive, possess, enjoy and retain, Lands, Rents, Priviledges, Liberties, Jurisdictions, Franchises and Hereditaments of whatsoever Kind, Nature, and Quality so ever they be, to them and their Successors. And also to give, grant, demise, alien, Assign and dispose Lands, Tenements and Hereditaments, and to do and execute all and singular other Things, by the same Name that to them shall or may appertain to do. And that they and their Successors, by the Name of The Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, may plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered, defend and be defended, in whatsoever Courts and Places, and before whatsoever Judges and Justices, and other Persons and Officers, in all and singular Actions, Pleas, Suits, Quarrels, Causes and Demands whatsoever, of whatsoever Kind, Nature or Sort, in such Manner and Form, as any other our liege People of this our Realm of England, being Persons able and capable in Law, may or can have, purchase, receive, possess, enjoy, retain, give, grant, demise, alien, assign, dispose, plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered, defend and be defended, release and be released, do permit and execute. And that The said Governor and

Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, and their Successors, may have a Common Seal, to serve for all the Causes and Business of them and their Successors. And that it shall and may be lawful to The said Governor and Company, and their Successors, the same Seal, from Time to Time, at their Will and Pleasure, to break, change, and to make new or alter, as to them shall seem expedient. And further, we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, we do ordain, that there shall be, from henceforth one of the same Company to be elected and appointed, in such Form, as hereafter in these Presents is expressed, which shall be called The Governor of the said Company, and that there shall be from henceforth Twenty-Four of the said Company, to be elected and appointed, in such Form, as hereafter in these Presents is expressed, which shall be called The Committees of the said Company, who, together with The Governor of the said Company for the Time being, shall have the Direction of the Voyages, of or for the said Company, and the Provision of the Shipping and Merchandizes thereto belonging, and also the Sale of all Merchandizes returned in the Voyages, of or for the said Company, and the managing and handling of all other Things belonging to the said Company, and for the better Execution of this our Will and Grant in this Behalf; We have assigned, nominated, constituted and made, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, we do

assign, nominate, constitute and make, the said Thomas Smith, Alderman of London, to be the First and present Governor of the said Company, to continue in the said Office, from the Date of these Presents, until another of the said Company shall in due Manner be chosen and sworn unto the said Office, according to the Ordinances and Provisions hereafter in these Presents expressed and declared, if the said Thomas Smith shall so long live; and also we have assigned, nominated and appointed, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, we do assign, nominate, constitute and make, the said Paul Banning, Leonard Hollyday, John Moore, Edward Holmeden, Richard Staper, Thomas Cordell, William Garway, Oliver

That accordingly they have Succession and be capable of purchasing Lands, &c.

And of disposing of them, &c.

May sue and be impleaded, &c.

In the same manner as any other liege People.

Sd Governor and Company may have a Common Seal;

which may be changed and shall be applied to them.

One of the Company to be Governor. And 24 to be Committees.

To have the Direction of all Shipping, &c. and Sale of all Merchandizes, &c.

Thomas Smith, Alderman, to be 1st Governor.

And Paul Banning, &c. Committees.

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CHARTER GRANTED BY QUEEN ELIZABETH,

[31st Dec. Style, James Lancaster, Richard Wiseman, Francis Cherry, Thomas Aldworth, William Romney, Roger Howe, William Chambers, Robert Sadler, John Eldred, Richard Wiche, John Hyland, John Middleton, John Combe, William Harrison, Nicholas Ling and Robert Bell, to be the Twenty-Four First and present Committees of the said Company, to continue in the said Office of Committees of the said Company, from the Date of these Presents, for one whole Year next following. And further we will and grant, by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, unto The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, and their Successors, that it shall and may be lawful to and for The said Governor and Company, for the Time being, or the more Part of them, present at any publick Assembly, commonly called the Court, holden for the said Company, the Governor of the said Company being always one, from Time to Time, to elect, nominate, and appoint one of the said Company, to be Deputy to the said Governor, which Deputy shall take a Corporal Oath, before the Governor and Five or more of the Committees of the said Company for the Time being, well, faithfully and truly to execute his said Office of Deputy to the Governor of the said Company, and after his Oath, so taken, shall and may, from Time to Time, in the Absence of the said Governor, exercise and execute the Office of Governor of the said Company, in such Sort as the said Governor ought to do: And further we

will and grant, by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, unto The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, and their Successors, that they or the greater Part of them, whereof the Governor for the Time being, or his Deputy to be one, from Time to Time, and at all Times hereafter, shall and may have Authority and Power, yearly and every Year, on the First Day of July, or at any Time within Six Days after that Day, to assemble and meet together, in some convenient Place, to be appointed from Time to Time by the Governor, or in his Absence by the Deputy of the said Governor for the Time being, and that they being so assembled, it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Governor, or Deputy of the said Governor, and the said Company for the Time being, or the greater Part of them, which then shall happen to be present, whereof the Governor of the said Company, or his Deputy for the Time being, to be one, to elect and nominate one of the said Company, which shall be Governor of the said Company for one whole Year, from thence next following, which Person, being so elected and nominated to be Governor of the said Company, as is aforesaid, before he be admitted to the Execution of the said Office, shall take a Corporal Oath before the last Governor, being his Predecessor or his Deputy, and any Six or more of the Committees of the said Company for the Time being, that he shall, from Time to Time, well and truly execute the Office

of Governor of the said Company, in all Things concerning the same; and that immediately after the said Oath so taken, he shall and may execute and use the said Office of Governor of the said Company, for One whole Year, from thence next following: And in like Sort we will and grant, that as well every one above-named to be of the said Company or Fellowship, as all others hereafter to be admitted, or free of the said Company, shall take a Corporal Oath before the Governor of the said Company, or his Deputy for the Time being, to such Effect, as by the said Governor and Company, or the more Part of them, in any publick Court to be held for the said Company, shall be in reasonable Manner set down and devised, before they shall be allowed, or

1600.] TO THE FIRST EAST-INDIA COMPANY. 5

admitted to trade or traffick, as a Freeman of the said Company. And further we will and grant, by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, unto The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, and their Successors, that the said Governor, or the Deputy of the said Governor, and the Company and their Successors, for the Time being, or the greater Part of them, whereof the Governor, or the Deputy of the Governor, from Time to Time, to be one, shall and may, from Time to Time, and at all Times, hereafter have Authority and Power, yearly and every Year, on the First Day of July, or at any Time within Six Days after that Day, to assemble and meet together, in some convenient Place, to be from Time to Time appointed, by the said Governor of the said Company, or in his Absence, by his Deputy: And that they being so assembled, it shall and may be lawful, to and for the said Governor or his Deputy, and the Company for the Time being, or the greater Part of them, which then shall happen to be present, whereof the Governor of the said Company, or his Deputy for the Time being, to be one, to elect and nominate Twenty-Four of the said Company, which shall be Committees of the said Company, for One whole Year, from thence next ensuing; which Persons, being so elected and nominated to be Committees of the said Company, as aforesaid, before they be admitted to the Execution of their said Offices, shall take a Corporal Oath, before the Governor or

his Deputy, and any Six or more of the said Committees of the said Company, being their last Predecessors for the Time being, that they and every of them, shall well and faithfully perform their said Office of Committees, in all Things concerning the same, and that immediately after the said Oath so taken, they shall and may execute and use their said Offices of Committees of the said Company, for One whole Year, from thence next following; and moreover our Will and Pleasure is, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, we do grant unto The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, and to their Successors, that when and as often as it shall happen, the Governor of the said Company for the Time being, at any Time within One Year, after that he shall be nominated, elected and sworn to the Office of the Governor of the said Company, as is aforesaid, to die or to be removed from the said Office, which Governor, not demeaning himself well in his said Office, we will to be removeable at the Pleasure of the said Company, or the greater Part of them, which shall be present, at any of their publick Assemblies, commonly called their General Court, holden for the said Company, that then and so often it shall and may be lawful, to and for the Residue of the said Company for the Time being, or the greater Part of them, within convenient Time after the Death or removing of any such Governor, to assemble themselves in such convenient

Place as they shall think fit, for the Election of the Governor of the said Company; and that the said Company, or the greater Part of them, being then and there present, shall and may, then and there, before their Departure from the said Place, elect and nominate one other of the said Company, to be Governor of the same Company, in the Place or Stead of him that so died, or was so removed, which Person, being so elected and nominated to the Office of Governor of the said Company, shall have and exercise the said Office, for and during the Residue of the said Year, taking first a Corporal Oath as aforesaid, for the due Execution thereof; and this to be done from Time to Time, so often as the Case shall so require. And also our Will and Pleasure is,

And we grant to the said Company, Power every Year, in July,

to elect 24 Committees,

who shall be sworn. And if the said Governor shall die or be removed,

another may be chosen;

who shall exercise the said Office during the Residue of the Year.

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6 CHARTER GRANTED BY QUEEN ELIZABETH, [31ST DEC.

and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, we do grant unto The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , and to their Successors, that when and as often as it shall happen, any of the Committees of the said Company for the Time being, at any Time within One Year, next after that they or any of them shall be nominated, elected, and sworn to the Office of Committees of the said Company, as is aforesaid, to die or be removed from the said Office, which Committees, not demeaning themselves well in their said Office, we will to be removeable, at the Pleasure of The said Governor and Company , or the greater Part of them, whereof the Governor of the said Company for the Time being, or his Deputy for the Time being, to be one, that then and so often, it shall and may be lawful, to and for The said Governor and Company for the Time being, or the greater Part of them, whereof the Governor for the Time being, or his Deputy to be one, within convenient Time, after the Death or removing of any of the said Committees, to assemble themselves in such convenient Place, as is or shall be usual and accustomed, for the Election of The Governor of the said Company, or where else The Governor of the said Company for the Time being, or his Deputy, shall appoint; and that The said Governor and Company , or the greater Part of them, whereof the Governor for the Time being, or his Deputy, to be one, being then and there present, shall and may then

and there, before their Departure from the said Place, elect and nominate one or more of the said Company, to be Committees of the same Company, in the Places and Steads, Place or Stead, of him or them that so died, or were or was so removed, which Person or Persons, so elected and nominated to the Office or Offices of Committee, or Committees, of the said Company, shall have and exercise the said Office and Offices, for and during the Residue of the said Year, taking first a Corporal Oath as is aforesaid, for the due Execution thereof, and this to be done from Time to Time, so often as the Case shall require. And further we do, by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, will and grant unto The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , and their Successors, that they, and all that are or shall be of The said Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , and every of them, and all the Sons of them, and every of them, at their several Ages of One and Twenty Years or upwards: And further, all such the Apprentices, Factors or Servants of them and of every of them, which hereafter shall be employed, by The said Governor and Company , in the said Trade of Merchandize, of or to the East-Indies , beyond the Seas, or any other the Places aforesaid, in any Part of the said East-Indies , or other the Places aforesaid, shall and may, by the Space of Fifteen Years, from the Feast of the Birth of our Lord GOD last past,

before the Date hereof, freely traffick and use the Trade of Merchandize, by Seas, in and by such Ways and Passages already found out and discovered, or which hereafter shall be found out and discovered, as they shall esteem and take to be fittest, into and from the said East-Indies , in the Countries and Parts of Asia and Africa , and into and from all the Islands, Ports, Havens, Cities, Creeks, Towns, and Places of Asia and Africa , and America , or any of them, beyond the Cape of Bona Esperanca , to the Streights of Magellan , where any Trade or Traffick of Merchandize may be used or had, and to and from every of them, in such Order, Manner, Form, Liberty and Condition, to all Intents and Purposes, as shall be, from Time to Time, at any publick Assembly or Court, held by or for The said Governor and

And on the Death or Removal of any of the Committees,

the Governor and Company may elect others in their Stead, for the Residue of the Year, taking an Oath.

And we do grant to the said Company, and all that shall be thereof:

And their Sons of 21 Years;

And their Apprentices, Factors and Servants employed in the East-Indies;

That they may, by the Space of 15 Years from Christmas last, trade into the East-Indies;

From the Cape of Good Hope to the Streights of Magellan: According as shall be limited by any publick Court;

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TO THE FIRST EAST-INDIA COMPANY. 7

Company, by or between them of the said Fellowship or Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, or the more Part of them, for the Time being, present at such Assembly or Court, the Governor, or his Deputy, being always present at such Court or Assembly, limited and agreed, and not other- wise, without any Molestation, Impeachment or Disturbance, any Statute, Usage, Diversity of Religion or Faith, or any other Cause or Matter whatsoever, to the contrary notwithstanding: So always the same Trade be not undertaken, nor addressed to any Country, Island, Port, Haven, City, Creek, Town or Place, already in the lawful and actual Possession of any such Christian Prince or State, as at this present is, or at any Time hereafter shall be in League or Amity with us, our Heirs or Successors, and who doth not or will not accept of such Trade, but doth overtly declare and publish the same, to be utterly against his or their Good-Will and Liking. And further our Will and Plea- sure is, and by these Presents for us, our Heirs and Successors, we do grant unto The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, and to their Successors, that it shall and may be lawful, to and for The said Governor and Company, and their Successors, from Time to Time to assemble themselves, for or about any the Matters, Causes, Affairs or Businesses of the said Trade, in any Place or Places, for the same convenient, during the said Term of Fifteen Years, within

our Dominions or elsewhere, and there to hold Court for the said Company, and the Affairs thereof; and that also it shall and may be lawful, to and for them, or the more Part of them, then being so assembled, and that shall then and there be present, in any such Place or Places, whereof the Governor, or his Deputy for the Time being, to be one, to make, ordain and constitute such, and so many reasonable Laws, Constitutions, Orders and Ordinances as to them, or the greater Part of them, being then and there present, shall seem necessary and convenient, for the good Govern- ment of the same Company, and of all Factors, Masters, Mariners and other Officers, employed or to be employed in any of their Voyages, and for the better Advancement and Continuance of the said Trade and Traffick, and the same Laws, Constitutions, Orders and Ordinances, so made, to put in use and execute accordingly, at their Pleasure to revoke or alter the same, or any of them, as Occasion shall require; and that The said Governor and Company, so often as they shall make, ordain or establish any such Laws, Constitutions, Orders or Ordinances, in Form aforesaid, shall and may lawfully impose, ordain, limit and provide such Pains, Punishments and Penalties, by Imprison- ment of Body, or by Fines and Amerciaments, or by all or any of them, upon and against all Offenders, contrary to such Laws, Constitutions, Orders and Ordinances, or any of them, as to The said Governor and Company for the Time being, or the

greater Part of them, then and there being present, the said Governor, or his Deputy, being always one, shall seem necessary, requisite and convenient, for the observation of the same Laws, Constitutions, Orders and Ordinance; and the same Fine and Amerciaments shall and may levy, take and have, to the Use of The said Governor and Company, and their Successors, with- out the Impeachment of us, our Heirs or Successors, or of any the Officers or Ministers of us, our Heirs or Successors, and without any Account thereof, to us, our Heirs or Successors, to be rendered or made; all and singular which Laws, Constitutions, Orders and Ordinances, so as aforesaid to be made, we will to be duly observed and kept, under the Pains and Penalties therein to be

8 CHARTER GRANTED BY QUEEN ELIZABETH, [31st Dec.

So as such Laws, &c., not repugnant to the Laws of England; And because the Company are unex-perienced in the Commodities vendi-ble in India; And may therefore at first buy Goods thither, which may be returned: We therefore grant them to carry out any unprohibited Goods, during the first 4 Voyages; contained; so always as the said Laws, Orders, Constitutions, Ordinances, Imprisonments, Fines and Amerciaments be reasonable, and not contrary or repugnant to the Laws, Statutes, or Customs of this our Realm. And for as much as The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, have not yet experienced of the Kinds of Commodities and Merchandizes, which are or will be vendible, or to be uttered in the said Parts of the East-Indies, and therefore shall be driven to carry to those Parts, in their Voyages outward, divers and sundry Commodities, which are likely to be returned again into this our Realm: WE THEREFORE of our especial Grace, certain Knowledge and mere Motion, for the better encouraging of The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the said East-Indies, and for the Advancement of the said Trade, do grant unto The said Governor and Company, and to their Successors, that they and their Successors, during the Four First Voyages, which they shall make, or set forth, for or towards the said East-Indies, shall and may transport, and carry out of our Realm of England, and the Ports, Creeks and Havens thereof, all such and

so much Goods and Merchandizes, being Goods and Merchandizes lawfully passable and transportable out of this Realm, and not prohibited to be transported by any Law or Statute of this Realm, as shall be by them, their Factors or Assigns, shipped in any Ship or Ships, Vessel or Vessels, to be employed in any of the said Four

Free of Custom and all other Duties: First Voyages, free of Custom, Subsidy or Poundage, or any other Duties or Payments, to us or our Successors, due or belonging, for the shipping or transporting of the same, or any of them; and yet nevertheless our Will and Pleasure is, and we do, by these Presents, straightly charge and command, that all Yet the said Goods must be duly entered by the Customer, &c., before shipped aboard. and every such Goods and Merchandizes, so to be transported out of this Realm, from Time to Time, during the said Four First Voyages, as is aforesaid, shall, from Time to Time, be duly entered by the Customer, Controller, or other Officer of such Port, Creek or Place, where the same Goods and Merchandizes shall happen to be shipped and loaden, before such Time as the same shall be shipped, or loaden, to be transported as is aforesaid: AND also of our further especial Grace, certain Knowledge and mere Motion, we do, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to and with The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, and their Succes-

And for all Goods to be imported from India, during the said 15 Years, sors, that when and as often, at any Time, during the said Time and Space of Fifteen Years, as any Custom, Poundage, Subsidy, or other Duties, shall be due and payable unto us, our Heirs or Successors, for any Goods, Wares or Merchandizes whatsoever, to be returned out or from any the Islands, Ports, Havens, Cities, Towns or Places aforesaid, unto our Port of London, or any of the Havens, Creeks, Members or Places to the same Port belonging, that the Customers and all other Officers for the Time being, of us, our Heirs or Successors, for or concerning Receipts of Customs, Poundage, Subsidies or the said Company shall have Six Months Time for paying Half of the Customs, &c., and other Six Months for the other Half, giving Bond for Payment thereof; other Duties, unto whom it shall appertain, shall upon the Request of The Governor and Company of the said Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, or any their Agents, Factors or Assigns, give unto The said Governor and Company, their Agents, Factors or Assigns, Six Months Time, for Payment of the One Half, and after those Six Months ended, other Six Months Time, for the Payment of the other Half, of their said Customs, Poundage, or other Subsidy or Duties, receiving good and sufficient Bonds, with Surety, to the Use of us, our Heirs and Successors, for the true Payment of the same accordingly;

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1600.] TO THE FIRST EAST-INDIA COMPANY. 9

and upon receipt of the said Bonds, with Surety, from Time to Time, to give unto The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , for the Time being, their Agents, Factors or Assigns, their Cocket or other Warrant, to take out and receive on Land the same Goods, Wares or Merchandizes, by Virtue thereof, without any Disturbance; and that also, as often as at any Time, during the said Time of

Years, any Goods, Wares or Merchandizes of The said Governor and Company , for the Time being, laden from our Port of London , or any the Creeks, Members or Places to the same Port belonging, to be transported to or towards any the Islands, Ports, Havens, Cities, Towns or Places aforesaid, shall happen to miscarry or be lost, before their safe Arrival or Discharge in the Ports, for and to which the same shall be sent, that then, and so often so much Custom, Poundage, Subsidies, or other Duties, as they answered to us, for the same, before their going forth of our said Ports, Havens or Creeks, shall, after due Proof made, before the Treasurer of England , for the Time being, of the said Loss, and the just Quantity thereof, be, by Virtue hereof, allowed to The said Governor and Company , their Agents or Factors, by Warrant of the said Treasurer, to the said Customers or Officers, in the next Goods, Wares or Merchandizes, that The said Governor and Company , or their Successors, shall or may ship, for or towards those Parts, according to the true Rates of the Customs, Poundage, or Subsidies, before paid for the Goods, Wares or Merchandizes, so lost or miscarrying, or any Part thereof. And for that, The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , are like to bring to this our Realm, a much greater Quantity of foreign Commodities, from the Parts of the said East-Indies , than can be spent for the necessary Use of the same our Realm, which of

Necessity must be transported into other Countries, and there vended, we, for us, our Heirs and Successors, of our especial Grace, certain Knowledge and mere Motion, do grant to and with The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , and their Successors, that at all Times, from Time to Time, during the Space of Thirteen Months, next after the Discharge of any the same foreign Commodities, so to be brought in, the Subsidies, Poundage, Customs, and other Duties for the same, being first paid or compounded for as aforesaid, it shall be lawful for The said Governor and Company , and their Successors, or any other the natural Subjects of this our Realm, which may or shall buy the same of them, to transport the same in English Bottoms freely out of this Realm, as well ungarbled as garbled, without Payment of any further Custom, Poundage, or any further Subsidy, to us, our Heirs or Successors, for the same; whereof the Subsidy, Poundage, Customs or other Duties, shall be so formerly paid or compounded for as aforesaid, and so proved; and the said Customer, or other Officer or Officers, to whom it shall in that Behalf appertain, for the Time being, by Virtue hereof, shall, upon due and sufficient Proof thereof, made in the Custom-House of or belonging to the same Port of London , give them sufficient Cocket or Certificate for the safe passing out thereof accordingly: And to the End no Deceit be used herein, to us, our Heirs or Successors,

Certificate shall be brought from the Collector of the Custom, Subsidy, Poundage or other Duties, inwards, of us, our Heirs or Successors, to the Collector of the Custom, Subsidy, Poundage or other Duties, outward, of us, our Heirs and Successors, that the said Goods, Wares and Merchandizes, have,

3

Whereupon they may land their said Goods. And for the Goods exported, that shall be lost before arrival in India, the Company shall be allowed for Customs paid thereon, out of the next Goods, that they shall pay Custom for, on Exportation. For all foreign Commodities that shall be imported into this Realm, from India, it shall be lawful for the Buyers thereof, within 13 months after the importing the same, to transport them in English Ships, garbled or ungarbled, Free of Custom, &c. And to prevent Fraud therein, the Certificate of the Collector inward shall be brought to the Collector outward, before the Payment of Custom thereon.

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10 CHARTER GRANTED BY QUEEN ELIZABETH, [31ST DEC.

within the Time limited, answered their due Custom, Subsidy, Poundage or other Duties, for the same inwards: AND moreover, we of our further especial Grace, certain Knowledge and mere Motion, have granted, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do grant unto The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , that it shall and may be lawful for them, their Factors or Assigns, in their First Voyage or Fleet, which is now in preparing for their First Adventure to the said East-Indies , to transport out of this our Realm of England , all such foreign Coin of Silver, either Spanish or other foreign Silver, as they have procured, prepared and gotten, or shall procure, prepare or get, as likewise all such other Coin of Silver, as they have procured or shall procure, to be coined in our Mint, within our Tower of London , out of such Plate or Bullion, as is or shall be provided, by The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , their Factors or Assigns before the going forth of the same Fleet in this their First Voyage, so as the whole Quantity of Coin, or Monies to be transported, in this their said First Voyage, do not exceed the Value or Sum of £30,000 Sterling, and so as the Sum of £6,000 at the least, Parcel of the said Sum of £30,000, be first coined in our Mint, within our Tower of London , before the same shall be transported as aforesaid, any Law, Statute, Restraint or Prohibition, in

that Behalf notwithstanding: And in like Manner, of our like especial Grace, certain Knowledge and mere Motion, we have granted, and by these Presents, do for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant unto The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , and their Successors, that it shall and may be lawful, to and for The said Governor and Company , and their Successors, after the said First Voyage, set forth yearly, for and during the Residue of the said Term of Fifteen Years, to ship and transport out of this our Realm of England , or Dominions of the same, in any their other Voyages, to or towards any the Parts aforesaid, in Form afore-mentioned, all such foreign Coin of Silver, Spanish or other foreign Silver, or Bullion of Silver, as they shall, during the said Term, bring or cause to be brought into this Realm of England , from the Parts beyond the Seas, either in the same Kind, Sort, Stamp or Fashion, which it shall have when they bring it in, or any other Form, Stamp or Fashion, to be coined within our Mint, within our Tower of London , at their Pleasure; so as the whole Quantity of Coin or Monies, by them to be transported, in any their said Voyages, during the Residue of the said Terms, do not exceed the Value or Sum of £30,000, in any One Voyage; and so as the Sum of £6,000 at the least, Parcel of the said Sum or Value of £30,000, so to be transported as aforesaid, be first coined, within our said Tower of London , before the same

shall be transported in any of the said Voyages, any Law, Statute, Restraint or Prohibition, in that Behalf, in any wise notwithstanding: AND further we of our ample and abundant Grace, mere Motion and certain Knowledge, have granted, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do grant unto The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , and their Successors, that they and their Successors, and their Factors, Servants and Assigns, in the Trade of Merchandize, for them and on their Behalf, and not otherwise, shall, for the said Term of Fifteen Years, have, use and enjoy, the whole entire and only Trade and Traffick, and the whole entire and only Liberty, Use and Privilege of trading and trafficking, and using Feat and Trade of Merchandize, to and from the said East-Indies , and to

The said Company may carry out, in their First Voyage or Fleet now preparing, £30,000 in Bullion: so as £6,000 thereof be first coined in the Mint, at the Tower. And in every Voyage afterwards, during the said Term of 15 Years, as much Foreign Bullion as they shall cause to be brought into England, not exceeding £30,000 in any Voyage, to be transported: so as £6,000 thereof be first coined at the Tower, as aforesaid: And we do grant to the said Company, during the said Term of 15 Years, the only Trade to, from, and from India:

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1600.] TO THE FIRST EAST-INDIA COMPANY. 11

and from all the Islands, Ports, Havens, Cities, Towns and Places aforesaid, in such Manner and Form as is above-mentioned; and that they The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, and every particular and several Person, that now is or that hereafter shall be of that Company, or Incorporation, shall have full and free Authority, Liberty, Faculty, Licence and Power, in Form aforesaid, to trade and traffick to and from the said East-Indies, and all and every the Parts thereof, in Form aforesaid, according to the Orders, Ordinances and Agreements, hereafter to be made and agreed upon, by The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, and their Successors, or the more Part of them, present at any Court or Publick Assembly, of or for the said Company, the Governor of the said Company, or his Deputy for the Time being, being always present, at such Court or Assembly, and not otherwise: And for that the Ships, sailing into the said East-Indies, must take their due and proper Times, to proceed in their Voyages, which otherwise, as we well perceive, cannot be performed in the Rest of the Year following: THEREFORE we of our especial Grace, certain Knowledge and mere Motion, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do grant, to and with The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, and their Successors, that, in any Time of Restraint, Six good Ships and Six good Pinnaces, well

furnished with Ordnance, and other Munition for their Defence, and Five Hundred Mariners, English Men, to guide and sail in the same Six Ships and Six Pinnaces, at all Times, during the said Term of Fifteen Years, shall quietly be permitted and suffered to depart, and go in the said Voyages, according to the Purport of these Presents, without any Stay or Contradiction, by us, our Heirs or Successors, or by the Lord High Admiral, or any other Officer or Subject of us, our Heirs or Successors, for the Time being, in any wise, any Restraint, Law, Statute, Usage or Matter whatsoever, to the contrary notwithstanding. PROVIDED nevertheless, that if we shall, at any Time within the said Term of Fifteen Years, have just Cause to arm our Navy in Warlike Manner, in Defence of our Realm, or for Offence of our Enemies, or that it shall be found needful to join to the Navy of us, our Heirs or Successors, the Ships of our Subjects, to be also armed for the Wars, to such a Number as cannot be supplied, if the said Six Ships and Six Pinnaces should be permitted to depart, as above is mentioned, then upon Knowledge given, by us, our Heirs or Successors, or by our Admiral to The said Governor and Company, about the 20th Day of the Month of July, or Three Months before The said Governor and Company shall begin to make ready the same Six Ships and Six Pinnaces, that we may not spare the said Six Ships and Six Pinnaces, and the Mariners requisite for them, to be out of our Realm, during the Time

that our Navy shall be upon the Seas, that then The said Governor and Company, shall forbear to send Six such Ships and Six Pinnaces, for their Trade and Merchandize, until that we shall revoke or withdraw our said Navy from the said Service: AND we of our further Royal Favour, and of our especial Grace, certain Knowledge and mere Motion, have granted, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do grant to The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, and to their Successors, that the said East-Indies, nor the Islands, Havens, Ports, Cities, Towns or Places thereof, nor of any Part thereof, shall not be visited, frequented or haunted, by any of the Subjects of us, our Heirs or Successors, during the same Term of

And for that Ships must proceed for India in proper Times.

we do grant, in Time of Restraint, that 6 Ships and 6 Pinnaces, with 500 Men,

may be permitted to go in the said Voyages.

Provided nevertheless that if, &c.

it be needful to employ the said Ships, &c., in Defence of the Realm, and the said Company have Notice thereof,

then they shall forbear sending them.

And we do grant to the Company, that the said East-Indies, nor the Parts thereof, shall not be traded unto by our Subjects:

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12 CHARTER GRANTED BY QUEEN ELIZABETH, [31ST DEC.

Fifteen Years, contrary to the true Meaning of these Presents: And by Virtue of our Prerogative Royal, which we will not in that Behalf have argued, or brought in Question, we straitly charge, command and prohibit, for us, our Heirs and Successors, all the Subjects of us, our Heirs and Successors, of what Degree or Quality soever they be, that none of them, directly or indirectly, do visit, haunt, frequent or trade, traffick or adventure, by way of Merchandize, into or from any of the said East-Indies , or into or from any the Islands, Ports, Havens, Cities, Towns or Places aforesaid, other than The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , and such particular Persons as now be, or hereafter shall be of that Company, their Agents, Factors and Assigns, during the said Term of Fifteen Years, unless it be by and with such Licence and Agreement of The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , in writing first had and obtained, under their Common Seal to be granted, upon Pain that every such Person or Persons, that shall trade or traffick into or from any of the said East-Indies , other than The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , and their Successors, shall incur our Indignation, and the Forfeiture and Loss of the Goods, Merchandizes, and other Things whatsoever, which so shall be brought into this Realm of England , or any the Dominions of the same, contrary

to our said Prohibition, or the Purport or true Meaning of these Presents, as also the Ship and Ships, with the Furniture thereof, wherein such Goods, Merchandizes or Things shall be brought; the One Half of all the said Forfeitures to be due to us, our Heirs and Successors, and the other Half of all and every the said Forfeitures, we do, by these Presents, of our especial Grace, certain Knowledge and mere Motion, clearly and wholly for us, our Heirs and Successors, give and grant unto The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies : And further all and every the said Offenders, for their said Contempt, to suffer Imprisonment, during our Pleasure, and such other Punishment, as to us, our Heirs or Successors, for so high a Contempt, shall seem meet and convenient, and not to be in any wise delivered, until they and every of them shall become bound unto the said Governor for the Time being, in the Sum of £1,000 at the least, at no Time then after, during this present Grant, to sell or traffick into any of the said East-Indies , contrary to our express Commandment, in that Behalf herein set down and published: And further, for the better Encouragement of Merchants, Strangers or others, to bring in Commodities into our Realm, we for us, our Heirs and Successors, do grant unto The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , that they and their Successors, may, from Time to Time, for any Consideration or

Benefit, to be taken to their own Use, grant or give Licence, to any Person or Persons, to sail, trade or traffick, into or from any the said East-Indies , so as such Licence be granted or given, before such Goods, Wares and Merchandizes be laid on Land, and so as such Licence be made by The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , for the Time being, under their Common Seal. And further of our especial Grace, certain Knowledge and mere Motion, we have condescended and granted, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, we do condescend and grant unto The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , and their Successors, that we, our Heirs and Successors, during the said Term of Fifteen Years, will not grant Liberty, Licence or Power to any

And by Virtue of our Prerogative, we straitly prohibit all our Subjects, or any from trading thereto, other than the said Governor and Company, under certain Penalties, &c., during the said Term of 15 Years, without Licence from the said Company; Upon Pain of Forfeiture of the Goods, Ships and Furniture, so traded with: One Half to us, and the other to the Company, which we clearly give them. Imprisonment of the Offenders, who shall not be delivered 'till they become bound in £1,000 or more, not to trade again thither, contrary to our Commandment. The Company may grant licence to any Persons, to trade to or from the East-Indies, so as it be granted before the landing any Goods, and under the Company's Seal. And we do condescend and grant to the said Company, that during the said 15 Years, we will not grant Licence, contrary to these Letters Patents, to trade or pass to India, without Consent of the Company.

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1600.] TO THE FIRST EAST-INDIA COMPANY. 13

Person or Persons whatsoever, contrary to the Tenor of these our Letters Patents, to sail, pass, trade or traffick to the said East-Indies , or into or from the Islands, Forts, Havens, Cities, Towns or Places aforesaid, or any of them, contrary to the true Meaning of these Presents, without the Consent of The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , or the most Part of them: And our Will and Pleasure is, and hereby we do also ordain, that it shall and may be lawful, to and for The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , or the more Part of them, whereof the Governor for the Time being, or his Deputy, to be one, to admit into and to be of the said Company, all such Apprentices, to any of The said Fellowship or Company , and all such Servants and Factors, of and for the said Company, and all such other, as to them, or the most Part of them, present at any Court, held for the said Company, the Governor, or his Deputy, being one, shall be thought fit and agreeable, with the Orders and Ordinances to be made for the Government of the said Company. PROVIDED always, that if any of the Persons, before named and appointed, by these Presents, to be free of The said Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , shall not before the going forth of the Fleet, appointed for this First Voyage, from the Port of London , bring in and deliver to the Treasurer or Treasurers appointed, or which,

within the Space of Twenty Days next after the Date hereof, shall be appointed, by The said Governor and Company , or the more Part of them, to receive the Contributions and Adventures, set down by the several Adventurers, in this last and present Voyage, now in hand, to be set forth, such Sums of Money as have been, by any of the said Persons, by these Presents nominated to be of the said Company, expressed, set down and written in a Book for that Purpose, and left in the Hands of the said Thomas Smith , Governor of the said Company, or of the said Peul Banning , Alderman of London , and subscribed with the Names of the same Adventurers, under their Hands, and agreed upon to be adventured in the said First Voyage, that then, it shall be lawful for The said Governor and Company , or the more Part of them, whereof the said Governor, or his Deputy, to be one, at any their General Court, or General Assembly, to remove, disfranchise and displace him or them, at their Wills and Pleasures: And The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , for them and their Successors, do, by these Presents, covenant, promise and grant, to and with us, our Heirs and Successors, that they The said Governor and Company , and their Successors, in all and every such Voyages, as they at any Time or Times hereafter, during the said Term, shall make out of this Realm, by Virtue of this our Grant and Letters Patents, the First Voyage only excepted, shall and will,

upon every Return which shall be made back again into this Realm, or any of our Dominions, or within Six Months next after every such Return, bring into this our Realm of England , from the said East-Indies , or from some other Parts, beyond the Seas, out of our Dominions, as great or greater Value in Bullion of Gold or Silver, or other foreign Coin of Gold or Silver respectively, for every Voyage, the First Voyage only excepted, as shall be by Force of these Presents transported and carried out of this Realm, by them or any of them, in any Kind of Silver abovesaid whatsoever, in any of the said Voyages; and that all such Silver, as by Virtue of this our Grant and Letters Patents, shall be shipped or laden by The said Governor and Company , or their Successors, to be transported out of this Realm, in any of

And we do ordain, that it may be lawful for the Company to admit Apprentices, any Freemen, and Factors, &c. to be of the said Company. Provided that if any, so to be free as aforesaid, shall not, before going forth of the Fleet appointed for this Voyage, pay their Contributions, within 20 Days next after the Date hereof, their underwritten Sums, in the Book left in the Hands of Thomas Smith, Governor: The said Persons shall be disfranchised and removed. And the said Company shall covenant, that in every Voyage they make out of this Realm, the first only excepted, they will bring into England as much Bullion as they carried out;

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14 CHARTER GRANTED BY QUEEN ELIZABETH, [31st Dec.

the said Voyages, shall from Time to Time, at the setting forth of every such particular Voyage, be shipped and laden at the Ports or Havens of London, Dartmouth, or Plymouth, or at some of the same Ports or Havens, and at no other Port or Haven whatsoever, within this our Realm, or the Dominions thereof; and that all and every such Silver, as from Time to Time shall be shipped and loaden in the said Ports of London, Dartmouth, or Plymouth, or any of them, to be by Force of these Presents transported out of this Realm, as is aforesaid, shall from Time to Time be duly entered by the Customer, Controller, Collector, or other Officer to whom it shall appertain, of every such Port or Haven, where the same shall happen to be shipped or laden, in the Custom-Book belonging to the said Port or Haven, before such Time as the same shall be shipped or laden, to be transported as is aforesaid, without any Custom, or Subsidy, to be paid for the same; and that in like Manner, all and all Manner of Gold and Silver whatsoever, which shall be brought into this Realm, or any of our Dominions, by The said Governor and Company, or any of them, according to the true Meaning of these Presents, shall likewise be, from Time to Time, duly entered by the Customer, Controller, or other Officer of every such Port, Creek or Place, where the same Gold or Silver shall happen to be unshipped, or brought to Land, before such Time as the same Gold or Silver, or any Part thereof, shall be unshipped or brought

to Land, as is aforesaid. PROVIDED always, nevertheless, and our Will and Pleasure is, that these our Letters Patents or any Thing therein contained, shall not in any Sort extend to give, or grant any Licence, Power or Authority unto The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, or to any of them, to undertake or address any Trade unto any Country, Port, Island, Haven, City, Creek, Town or Place, being already in the lawful and actual Possession of any such Christian Prince or State, as at this present is, or at any Time hereafter shall be in League or Amity, with us, our Heirs or Successors, and which doth not, or will not accept of such Trade, but doth overtly declare and publish the same, to be utterly against his or their Good-Will and Liking, any Thing before in these Presents contained, to the contrary thereof notwithstanding. PROVIDED also, that if it shall, hereafter appear to us, our Heirs or Successors, that this Grant or the Continuance thereof, in the Whole or in any Part thereof, shall not be profitable to us, our Heirs and Successors, or to this our Realm, that then, and from thenceforth, upon and after Two Years Warning, to be given to the said Company, by us, our Heirs or Successors, under our or their Privy Seal, or Sign Manual, this present Grant shall cease, be void and determined, to all Intents, Constructions and Purposes: And further of our especial Grace, certain Knowledge and mere Motion, we have condescended and

granted, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do condescend and grant to The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, and their Successors, that if at the End of the said Term of Fifteen Years, it shall seem meet and convenient unto The said Governor and Company, or any the Parties aforesaid, that this present Grant shall be continued, and if that also it shall appear unto us, our Heirs and Successors, that the Continuance thereof shall not be prejudicial or hurtful to this our Realm, but that we shall find the further Continuance thereof profitable for us, our Heirs and Successors, and for our Realm, with such Conditions as are herein mentioned, or with some Alteration or Qualification

Which is to be laden only at the Ports of London, Dartmouth, or Plymouth, and be entered by the Customer of the Ports it is transported from, without paying Custom, &c. for the same: And in like Manner all Gold and Silver, which shall be brought into this Realm, by the said Company, to be duly entered before brought to land. Provided nevertheless, that these our Letters Patents shall not authorize the said Company to trade to any Port in Possession of any Christian Prince or State, in League or Amity with us, who will not accept, but does declare against such Trade. And if the said Trade shall not be profitable, then after a Years Warning to be given the said Company, this Grant shall be void: If the said Governor and Company wish to have this Grant continued at the End of 15 Years, such Continuance not being hurtful to this Realm, and upon the Conditions herein mentioned, or with Alteration or Qualification, then on the Petition of the said Company,

1600.] TO THE FIRST EAST-INDIA COMPANY. 15

thereof, that then we, our Heirs or Successors, at the Instance and humble Petition of The said Governor and Company , or any of them, to be made unto us, our Heirs and Successors, will grant and make unto The said Governor and Company , or any of them, so suing for the same, and such other Person and Persons, our Subjects, as they shall nominate and appoint, or shall be by us, our Heirs or Successors, newly nominated, not exceeding in Number Twenty-four, new Letters Patents, under the Great Seal of England , in due Form of Law, with the like Covenants, Grants, Clauses and Articles, as in these Presents are contained, or with Addition of other necessary Articles, or changing of these into some other Parts, for and during the full Term of Fifteen Years, then next following; willing hereby, and straitly charging and commanding all and singular our Admirals, Vice-Admirals, Justices, Mayors, Sheriffs, Escheators, Constables, Bailiffs, and all and singular other our Officers, Ministers, Liege Men and Subjects whatsoever, to be aiding, favouring, helping and assisting unto The said Governor and Company , and to their Successors, and to their Deputies, Officers, Factors, Servants, Assigns and Ministers, and every of them, in executing and enjoying the Promises, as well on Land as on Sea, from Time to Time, when you or any of you shall thereunto be required, any Statute, Act, Ordinance, Proviso, Proclamation or Restraint, heretofore had, made, set forth, ordained or provided, or any

other Matter, Cause or Thing whatsoever, to the contrary in anyway notwithstanding; although express Mention of the true yearly Value or Certainty of the Premises, or of any of them, or of any other Gifts or Grants, by us, or any of our Progenitors, to The said Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies , or to any of them, before this Time made, in these Presents is not made, or any Statute, Act, Ordinance, Provision, Proclamation or Restraint, to the contrary heretofore had, made, ordained or provided, or any other Thing, Cause or Matter whatsoever, in any wise notwithstanding. In Witness whereof, we have caused these our Letters to be made Patents: In Witness Ourself, at Westminster , the Thirty-first Day of December , in the Three and Fortieth Year of our Reign.

new Letters Patents shall be granted under the Great Seal, &c., for 15 Years more:

All our Admirals, Vice Admirals, &c., to be aiding and assisting to the Governor and Company, &c. At Land or Sea, as thereto required.

In Witness, &c.

HUBERD.

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