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General History of Voyages is in Georgian Books.
A General History of Voyages and Travels, arranged in Systematic Order: Forming a complete history of the origin and progress of navigation, discovery, and commerce, by sea and land, from the earliest ages to the present time. By Robert Kerr, F.R.S. & F.A.S. EDIN.
Illustrated by Maps and Charts.
Georgian Books, General History of Voyages Volume 8
Georgian Books, General History of Voyages Volume 8 Chapter 10
Early Voyages of the English to India, after the Establishment of the East India Company.
Georgian Books, General History of Voyages Volume 8 Chapter 10 Section 1
Section 1. First Voyage of the English East: India Company, in.1601, under the Command of Captain James Lancaster.
Georgian Books, General History of Voyages Volume 8 Chapter 10 Section 1 Preparation
Preparation for the Voyage, and its Incidents till the Departure of the Fleet from Saldanha Bay.
Having collected a joint stock of seventy thousand pounds, to be employed in ships and merchandize in the prosecution of their privileged trade to the East Indies, by means of which they were to bring spices and other commodities into this realm, the company bought and fitted out four large ships for their first adventure. These were the Dragon1 of 600 tons, and 202 men, admiral, in which Mr James Lancaster caster was placed as general2; the Hector of 300 tons, and 108 men, commanded by Mr John Middleton, vice-admiral; the Ascension of 260 tons, and 82 men, Captain William Brand3; and the Susan4, commanded by Mr John Hayward, with 84 men5: Besides these commanders, each ship carried three merchants or factors, to succeed each other in rotation in case of any of them dying. These ships were furnished with victuals and stores for twenty months,, and were provided with merchandize and Spanish money to the value of twenty-seven thousand pounds; all the rest of the stock being expended in the purchase of the ships, with their necessary stores and equipment, and in money advanced to the mariners6 and sailors who went upon the voyage. To these was added, as a victualler, the Guest of 130 tons7.
Note 1. This ship, originally called the Malice Scourge, was purchased from the Earl of Cumberland for £3,700. — Ann. of the H.E.I. Co. I. 128.
Note 2. In these early voyages the chief commander is usually styled general, and the ship in which he sailed the admiral.—E.
Note 3. This person is called by Purchas chief governor. Perhaps the cons duct of commercial affairs was confided to his care.—E.°
Note 4. The burden of this ship was 240 tons.—Ann. I. 129. 5
Note 5. Besides there was a pinnace of 100 tons and 40 men.—Ann. I..129,
Note 6. In many of the old voyages, this distinction is made between mariners and sailors: Unless a mere pleonasm, it may indicate able and ordinary seamen; or the former may designate the officers of all kinds, and the latter the common men.—E.
Note 7. Perhaps the pinnace already mentioned.—E.
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On application to the queen, her majesty furnished the merchants with friendly letters of recommendation to several of the sovereigns in India, offering to enter into treaties of peace and amity with them, which shall be noticed in. their proper places. And, as no great. enterprize can be well conducted and accomplished without an absolute authority for dispensing justice, the queen granted a commission: of martial law to Captain Lancaster, the general of the fleet, for the better security of his command.;
Every thing being in readiness, the fleet departed from Woolwich, in the river Thames, on the 13th of February, 1600, after the English mode of reckoning, or more properly 1601. They were so long delayed in the Thames and the Downs, for want of wind, that it was Easter before they arrived at Dartmouth, where they spent, five or six days, taking in bread.and,other provisions, appointed to be procured there.
Departing thence on the 18th of April [1601], they came to anchor in Torbay, at which place, the general sent on board all the ships instructions for their better keeping company when at sea, and directions as to what places they were to repair to for meeting again, in case of being separated ‘by storms or other casualties. These were the calms of Canary; Saldanha bay1, in, case they could not double the Cape of Good Hope; Cape St Roman, in Madagascar; the island of Cisne, Cerne, or Diego Rodriguez; and finally, Sumatra, their first intended place of trade.
Note 1. It will appear distinctly in the sequel of these voyages, that the place then named Saldanha, or Saldania bay, was what is now termed Table bay at the Cape of Good Hope —E,