〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Catastrophe AND Adieu to EAST-INDIA: OR, A General and Particular PROTEST Framed there, at Goa in Febr. 1644. For and against the English East-India Company.  
Their Governor Deputy, Court of Committees, and Adventurers in ENGLAND. AND Their Precedents, Agents, Commanders and Factors in East-India aforesaid. WITH A previous, conscious, and short Introduction, and Conclusion, resell impertinent and frivolous Allegations, and dispel the clouds of 〈◊〉 and sophistical Objections, that the naked Truth may plainly appear to every impartial, candid, and unleavened apprehension and judgement, concerning that 5000 li. in question ●olating to the abovesaid parties, with the issues and events thereof, both General and Particular, as formerly in Print, Entitled, Strange News from the Indies, is partly expressed, viz.  
To all whom it may concern, J. D. wisheth pure, and perfect wisdom and knowledge with a clear and right understanding, and 〈…〉 all things.  
〈◊〉 Printed by R. I., 1652.   

Mr. Courtens Catastrophe and Adieu to EAST-INDIA: OR, A general and particular Protest framed there, at Goa in Febr. 1644.  
FOr so it came to pass that when all possible, fair and speedy means had been used by Mr. Courtens Agents and Factors in East-India (as may appear by their several Messengers,) with Letters, and Protests directed and sent to Robert Bowen Master, Francis Day Agent, and their Accomplices at Madrassapatan by land, (and intentions and preparation of Ship Loyalty by Sea) to require and demand the Gold and Guns, 
Note that Cex had never any command of the Gold after he brought it aboard at Madagascar, and upon demand delivered it in charge to Bowen.  which the said Bowen, had formerly aboard his Ship Endeavour taken in charge between Madagascar and Joanna Islands conditionally to assist Thomas Cox (late Master of a Ship called the Little-William) Tho. Hill his Purser, and the rest of their company in the transport thereof, according to their Orders and Consignments, and not otherwise.  
And the said Cox, Hill, and Company arriving together with the said Bowen at Madrassapatan aforesaid, the second day of July, 1644. very diligently (as by oath and otherwise plainly appears.) Demanded the foresaid Gold and Guns of the said Fr. Day. etc. having received it ashore from the said Bowen, whom the said Cox and Hill urged with his promises when he first took Charge thereof, insomuch that within three or four days after their foresaid arrival, the said Cox and Hill received a flat and positive denial (as sundry ways also appears) with threats & hard language from the said Day, and the rest, to this, or like effect, saying, Can not the said Cox, Hill, and Company, be contented to have their own lives for a prey, being now in their power, for have we not told you, that if we could not have had it by fair means, we would have had it by foul means, or by force; And will you still be so importunate, and impudent to demand that which you shall never have, were it as much more (neither could their necessity spare it as is evident by Hills Affidavit) therefore take warning, and let us hear no more of demanding, lest we give it you with a witness, viz. thrust you out of our Fort, and so peradventure you may be knocked in the head, or have your throat cut, for it would be no hard matter to overtake you, and then take what follows, but it shall never be put to that issue, seeing now your Gold, and you are inconsistent; For have we not told you sufficient to inform you better. that we have Power and Commissions from our Employers in England, to have taken your Ship as well as your Gold, etc. wheresoever met at Sea, and not to assist you with a piece of bread to save you from perishing either by Sea, or Land, therefore take warning, advice and resolve upon some other way etc.  
Then the said Cox and Hill, &c: apprehending plainly their present condition and strict durance, being so proscribed and confounded in themselves with their unexpected and severe, but downright dealing, 
and Hills ●nce.  insomuch that then the said Cox and Hill, etc. plainly perceived themselves (upon the matter) lame, numb, and dumb, and could not be suffered either to go, writ, or speak, to attain, discover, or make themselves, and their present condition known to any of Mr. Courtens Factors or Factories in India or elsewhere, although Rabagg (being one thereof) and situate in their direct, and not half way to Surrat, where the Companies Factors had speedy intelligence, and afterward news thereof came from thence to Goa by accident.  
Now the said Cox and Hill and Company (apprehending truly how they were ensnared and inthrauled, 
Cox and Hils ●yes opened  and that all their endeavours by Sea, and Land were prevented, and their Gold coined, and converted to the companies use by the said Day, and the rest) desisted further to proceed with the Junke or Hoye Master, with whom they had agreed for 40 li. Sterling, or 160. Rials of eight Spanish (as the said Hill related) to transport them to Acheen whither they were consigned (being a common and frequent passage thence with little, or no danger) also they ceased to solicit the English Freeman at Madrassapatan, to travel for Rabagg, Carwar, or Goa by Land, wherein (though easily he could and would) yet he durst not assist them, saying the displeasure of the said Day thereby, would be his utter undoing; as the said Hill in his Affidavit further affirmeth.  
Then the said Cox and Hill, thought it not amiss (being past all hopes of receiving it) to get from the said Day, 
Cox and Hill consult.  and his Counsellors some acknowledgement thereof, lest the said Day or Boven, etc. should dispose or keep all, or any part of the same to their own use, and not bring it to the Companies Account, as is usual there in reprisals (whereunto this at present was not much different) and as peradventure it was the year foregoing, being Anno 1643, with that 40000 li. or thereabouts said to be taken from Mamula Croe, King of Cannanore, and other Mallabar Merchants (that I verily believe never did them hurt) and it is questionable whether one half thereof ever came to the Companies Cash, so might this, etc.  
Therefore the said Cox and Hill resolved (or was by some advised, or instructed) to supplicate and request the said Francis Day and his assistants, that they would be pleased to confess and acknowledge that he, and they had the said Gold and Guns in their possession, and that the East-India Company, their Employers, 
Cox and Hils first request  might be answerable for the same to Mr. Courten in England, with English Interest according to forbearance, or to that effect, which would have been about 5 s. sterling, each Rial of eight here in England? But that request the said Day and Council would not consent to, being (as they said) very unreasonable, and so it was indeed? for every Barbary Ducat is there worth about two Rials of eight Spanish, and every Rial of eight transmitted thence (by Book, 
Nou. An. 1645.  or otherwise) for England, is worth about 10 s. here, and so valued (as reported) in the said Companies policies of Insurance, but transmitted from Madrassapatan or Mesulapatan to Bantam, and so for England (the same course which the said Day then took) every Rial of eight Spanish, is worth 13 s. or 14 s. at least in England, 
Unreasonable-nesserests upon Day's part, etc.  and so every Barbary Ducat accordingly double, and that sometimes in less than twelve months, and without trouble; but in the course of Trade (free from disaster) as great or greater advantage might be expected. And it is very certain, that the want thereof at Acheen (whither it was consigned) constrained Mr. Courtens Factors there to borrow great sums of money at 6: per cent. per month, 
Acheen interest  which is 72. per cent. per an. (the common Interest of that Port) until their stock was much consumed, and their remaining goods and Jewels were (upon some difference) seized and sold either by the said Companies Factors there, or by themselves here, (as credibly reported) thus much for that unreasonable request which was at least 100 li. per cen.. loss, as to Mr. Courten.  
Another and last address or request to the said Day and Council, was made by the said Cox and Hill, 6. July 1644. (but four days after their arrival at Madrassapatan) which argued in the said Cox and Hill abundance of care and diligence, as they had likewise formerly expressed, and this Request was to this effect, or in these very words, viz.  


Cox second & last Request, or Petition.  That what Gold and Guns the said Cox had delivered the said Bowen aboard the Ship Endeavour, and which hath safely arrived to your hands, That you would please to continue it in your protection, and refer the satisfaction thereof unto your honourable Employers, and the worshipful William Courten Esq Because we know not how to secure it from our own men, nor dispose to any of the Factories of William Courten Esquire, whose servants here subscribe.  


Tho. Cox.  
Tho. Hill.     


Answer.  Your Request we confess to be now somewhat rational, Therefore shall continue the Gold in our custody: And we promise in our next Advices for Europe to acknowledge our possession thereof to our honourable Employers.  


Francis Day.  
Hen. Greenvil.  
Tho. Travel.     

Day's etc. depravity.  It is hereby easily apprehended what errors and absurdities are incident to men of covetous, cruel, and corrupt principles, and depraved consciences, and especially from this double, false, (I will not say forged) put; because we know not how to secure, etc. Nor dispose, etc.  

Cox and Hils sincerity.  For they that had formerly expressed so much honesty, care, and industry 500 Leagues in their Longboat to attain Madagascar, and nine Months patiented attendance and vigilancy (in so dangerous a place) to secure the same, and their company of men being ten to one then (if they had in the least inclined to mutiny) and free from fear of any Nation whatsoever, and near unto Mosambique, and sundry other Portugal Plantations upon the Coast of Soffala, where neither English, Dutch, Moors, or malabars (save a few Arabbs) have any frequent commerce or correspondence, and whither they might have gone with little or no danger, and found good entertainment, etc. And now at Madrassapatan and Mesulapatan, ' places very eminent for general Commerce, and Civil Government, and where it is impossible to find any refuge for such Malefactors, for to the Moors and Indians, Christians are now an abomination in point of domestic entertainment, and cohabitation, as the Israelites of old were to the Egyptians, therefore they would not entertain them (especially being altogether strangers, and not understanding their language.)  
And as for the Dutch or Portugal (with whom having then either friendship, or free commerce) they neither could nor would in any wise protect them, therefore of necessity they must sail into the Moon to find security, else no where. 
A Simile or Allusion.  And this to me seems to run pat and parallel with that of the High Priest and Elders to the Watchmen-souldiers recorded in holy Writ, which was also a forged and false put, put into their mouths, viz. Say ye that while we slept, his Disciples came by night and stole him away, and then let us alone with the Governor, etc. Even so this, the one as full of ridiculous falsities and absurdities, as the other, for circumstance, for both by Sea and Land there was variety either by safe custody or other conveyance thence, Mr. Courtens Factors having then a ship in continual readiness to attend the same, but all in vain; And the said Hill in England did blush, and was ashamed thereof, 
Hills modesty and honesty.  and utterly disclaimed it upon discourse, and so altogether omitted and waved it in his Affidavit as false and feigned, and doubtless Cox would have done the same if either by word or writing he could be brought to the Test. Thus much for the Circumstance, etc.  
But now to the substance of the foresaid Rational Request (as Day and the rest terms it) viz. An acknowledgement of possession, 
A pretended reference very unreasonable.  and reference for satisfaction, etc. Now I suppose a positive denial, or denials upon all and every demand or demands whatsoever, are by the Premises clearly confirmed, therefore I haste (as the said Day did) for England with Cox, and Hill in his company, but Cox died by the way, and Hill in England obscured himself, and Day very likely discovered the same to his honourable Employers, whereof Mr. Courten, or some for him (having notice of the passage) prosecutes that reference for satisfaction with the said East-India Company, and brought it likewise to a forced conclusion, 
A forced conclusion.  viz. they acknowledged the said Gold and Guns, and promised to pay the principal again in India, Provided (as was credibly reported) Mr. Courten would procure an Order of Parliament for the transport of about 5000 li. in Rials of Eight Spanish, the better to enable their Factors in India to make payment thereof, 
Com. Order.  which was drawn into an Order made by the Governor and Court of Committees for the East-India Company, and a Copy thereof sent Mr. Courten, who speedily procured an Order of Parliament accordingly, and (to remove all obstacles, 
Parl. Order. ) entered it into the Customhouse (as reported) but it either came too soon, or too late, or some pretence or other prevented, that nothing was effected, until Attachments afterwards came thick and threefold upon it, and then it was pretended they could not safely pay it to any, because they expected the Statute to issue continually, and then they would pay it to the Commissioners thereof willingly, because they could best give them a firm discharge, but how the case is now between them, concerns me little, therefore with them I leave it; And will sum up the result of the Premises, which at best amounts but to this, viz.  
Bowens taking the Men, Monies and Guns in charge aboard, and delivering them to Day etc. a shore, being both armed, with the Companies cruel and unreasonable Commissions (as themselves said) to justify their wicked actions. Then Cox, Hill, etc. their frequent demands thereof to Day, etc. urging Bowen with his promises, Bowen excuses himself, alleging the power now ashore in Day etc. and Day plainly denies to restore or deliver the same to Cox, Hill, etc. but with rough and hard language (and other indirect dealing) so terrifies, proscribes, restrains, prevents, and over-awes them, that at length they are feign to beg and accept of a bare acknowledgement thereof from the said Day, etc. (rather than nothing) with a promise of reference for satisfaction in England from his Employers (in a manner) what and wh●n they please; so Day forthwith coins, and converts the Gold to the Companies use to pay their debts and interest there, and the like; and suddenly takes shipping and removes out of reach to Bantam, then for England, and disposes so of the men, and their papers at pleasure, that but one of seventeen (and he accidentally) ever yet appeared, that ever I heard of, and that one so appearing makes good all this (upon the matter) in his sparing Affidavit, and much more in his discourse: Thus far Day, Bowen, etc. at Madrassapatan in India, etc.  
Then in England Mr. Courten (poor oppressed Gentleman) solicits the Company for the same, they promise to pay the principal 5000 li. again in India, but upon a very doubtful condition, yet the same condition, 
Mr. Courten glad of any thing. Comp●. sailer.  was speedily and punctually performed on Mr. Courtens part, but the Company failed on their part, and made no satisfaction, and this about six or seven years ago, and so rests ever since, and so will I a little while, having already followed the gold at the very heels, first from England to India, then from India to England again, and not overtaken it: And now having rested myself a little, I will pass again into India to know what's become of Ship Loyalty being in pursuit of Bowen to Persia, still to continue the said Demand, presenting you (in the interim) with the copy or substance of the forementioned Protest, with two Letters to the Precedent of Surrat ushering the same, which I most humbly refer to the perusal and ponder of every grave and judicious soul to consider, whose genuine dialect shall be their own expounders, and are as followeth, viz.  

Two Letters.  

To the Worshipful Francis Briton Precedent and Council at Surrat in East-India, these present.  
Gentlemen,  
TO you that are employed at Surrat for the Honourable East-India Company (as formerly to Madrassapatan) we are constrained to direct these lines, giving you thereby to understand of our extreme sufferings, by reason of some discourteous deal by some of yours in the same Employment (especially at Madrassapatan aforesaid) the passage was known to you long ago (as we are credibly informed) and since to us by accident. It is concerning Mr. Tho. Cox (late Commander of the Little William) Tho. Hill, etc. and the Cargo, about 5000 li. Sterling belonging to William Courten Esquire (our worthy Imployer) consigned to us, or other his Factories or Factors here in India, etc. We have already endeavoured what we could, and addressed our several expresses to your foresaid Port of Madrassapatan, with much expense and loss of time, and (we fear) of life of a young Gentleman not yet heard of, employed by us merely upon the same occasion. Wherefore we entreat, that which we hope you in reason and equity cannot deny, viz. (our own moneys) we and none else in these parts having any just power to dispose of the same. We intended likewise to send to Bantam to the Companies Precedent and Council there, but understanding by Dutch report at the Bar of Goa, that they were gone and removed both thence, and from Macasser, but when, or whither they related not. Wherefore conceiving no other course at present so proper as to make our addresses unto you, well hoping that the justness of our request or demand (term it how you please) will so fare prevail as that we may receive full and speedy satisfaction in the premises without further delay or trouble.  
In confidence therefore of your respect to your own reputation, honour of your employment, and the remembrance of those small courtesies (as we conceive them) from us formely received, you will not add further damage to what we have (for want of the premises) already sustained, But will oblige us,  
Your loving Friends, Jo. Farren, Jo. Darel, Tho. Billidge Abr. Hunt. Goa 26. Decem. 1644.   

To the Worshipful Francis Briton, and Council, these present. In Surrat East-India.  
Mr. Francis Briton, etc.  
OUr first and last to you bearing date 26. Decem. 1644. still. veter. We hope is safely come to your hands (although hitherto received no answer) whose contents to us appears so just they can receive no denial, and delay (where able) is summa injuria. If the case had been contrary, we should have thought ourselves accursed (with respect to Divinity as Christians) to have denied or neglected such a small courtesy in humanity, whether to Jews, Turks, or Infidels: Assuredly you know the passage (we favour you in the term) and the person that completed the same, Mr. Francis Day; It was contrived in England (as we understand) and effected at Madrassapatan: The injury being so palpable, makes our expressions the more pathetical, and the rather because we find it accompanied in all parts and places, with aspersions, detractions, and damageable defamations which with us works this good effect, viz. A diligent inquiry into the actions of our Imployer, and ourselves, and can find no ground at all for any these discourtesies (that imputation of Cob and Eyres, before authority being fully cleared, and fairly vindicated after sundry years search, though a few minutes were (before the same Authority) found too much on the contrary part.) By touching upon this string, you may plainly perceive our ignorance deserves information, as well as our desires, or demands, present satisfaction to prevent further and future proceed.  
A foundation laid in blood may as well expect prosperity, as a Trade maintained or managed by violence or iniquity. We are not yet so happy as to have the knowledge of our Error, wherein justly to accuse ourselves towards you, or your Employers in this Query, (What evil have we done) if lawful living be allowed?  
Therefore in all due obedience and humility, to all just and equal Orders, and Laws, proceeding from Authority, we rest in hope you will recollect your actions, and satisfy our just desires, that brotherly love may begin, where wanting, and begun, continue. In expectation whereof we rest  
Your loving Friends, Jo. F, Jo. D. Th. B. Abr. H. Goa 11. Jan. 1644.    

The Protest  
KNow all men by these presents whom it may concern, That whereas William Courten of London Esquire, and other Adventurers by virtue of his Majesty's Letters under his Royal Signature, and Privy Signet, bearing date the 20. day of Decem: 1635. As also of his Leters Patents under the Great Seal of England, bearing date the first day of June, 1637. was thereby licenced to trade into sundry parts of East-India, and elsewhere, as by the said Letters and Patents, more at large appeareth.  
And thereby also enjoined with the East-India Company (then trading into some of those parts and places of East-India or elsewhere aforesaid) equally to observe the Ordinances, Conditions, and Limitations therein specified, which he the said William Courten Esquire, and Adventurers, and his, or their Agents, Factors, and servants on their parts have hitherto kept and observed And whereas the now East-India Adventurers, their Governor, or Governors, Deputy or Deputies, and other their Committees in England. As also their Precedent or Presidents, Agent or Agents, or other their Commanders Factors, or servants in East-India, or parts adjacent aforesaid, have by their misdoings there, committed divers and sundry outrages, and Actions tending greatly to the dishonour of God, and inevitable danger and damage of their brethren (especially of the said William Courten Esquire, and other his Partners, and Adventurers in England aforesaid;) And likewise of all other his Agent or Agents, Factors, and Servants in East-India, or parts adjacent aforesaid, whether by Sea or Land, in the Employment of the said William Courten Esquire, and his said Partners and Adventurers; Viz. (inter alias) the said Companies Ships, called the Sea-horse, Robert Tindal Commander, and Tho. Briton Merchant. Also their Ship called the Hind, William Broadbenth Commander, and William Thurston Merchant (with others belonging to the said East-India Adventurers) violently taking and surprising in the month of May 1643. sundry, and some very rich Vessel or Vessels, near, or upon the Coast of Mallabar in East-India aforesaid, belonging to Mamula Croe King of that Country (and other great men, and Merchants there inhabiting) destroying, and drowning their men without mercy, thereby indamaging and preventing the said William Courten Esquire, and Adventurers, and all other his, or their Agents, Factors and Servants in East-India aforesaid, in their accustomed Ports and places of Trade, situate in, or near the Government, or Jurisdiction of Mamula Croe aforesaid. Thereby also mightily incensing, exasperating, and provoking sundry Kings, Princes, and Governors, not only to molest, and imprison, but also to kill, burne, and destroy all and every the servants houses and ships (whether by Sea, or Land) belonging to the said William Courten Esquire, and other Adventurers; And to threaten revenge, and utterly to raze their Fortifications down to the ground (especially at Carwar) compelling us thereby to fortify the same for the safeguard of our lives, and desist from our lawful course of Commerce (being in continual danger) and to stand upon our guard, consuming much of our Employers' estates in raising of Fortifications, and procuring other necessaries for our present security and subsistence, without any profit, or hopes of advantage.  
Also the said East-India now Adventurers, their Ships, Factors and Servants (contrary to the contents of the foresaid Letters and Patent) frequenting sundry years bypast, and still the Ports and places of Trade properly belonging to the said William Courten Esquire, &c Adventurers, as Rajapore, Acheen, and others, to his and their exceeding prejudice, and damage of the whole Employment.  
Furthermore, Whereas Thomas Cox of Redderiffe, Marriner, late Master of Ship William, and Thomas Hill Factor, and others in the said Ship belonging to the said William Courten Esquire and other Adventurers, and consigned to some of his, or their Ports or places aforesaid, which said Ship was cast away about an hundred and forty Leagues to the Eastward of Cape bona Esperranza, all the men, and moneys therein saved (being about 5000 li. sterling) all, or most part thereof, in Barbary gold, and two brass Guns. The said Tho. Cox, Tho. Hill Company, and Cargoe, sailing thence in their long boat about five hundred Leagues, and arriving safe in Augustine Bay at Madagascar Island as by their Letters may appear. In which said Bay shortly after first arrived a ship belonging to the said East-India Adventurers, called the Endeavour (Robert Bowen Commander) In which said ship the said Tho. Cox, Tho. Hill, Company, and Cargoe (about 5000 li. sterling, and two brass Guns as aforesaid) obtained passage to Madrassapatan, a Factory upon the Coast of Choromandel belonging to the said East-India Adventurers, and there safely arrived the second day of July, 1644. The said Tho. Cox, Tho. Hill, and Company, intending thence to repair to some of the Ports or Factories, belonging to the said William Courten Esquire, etc. Adventurers, as by Letters under the hands of the said Cox and Hill, may appear, which said Ports and Factories being not twenty day's journey on foot by land from Madrassapatan aforesaid, Francis Day there then Agent for the said East-India Adventurers, and Thomas Ivy succeeding the said Francis in Port and place aforesaid.  
But so it is that the said men, Tho. Cox, Tho. Hill, etc. and the said moneys about 5000 li. sterling, and Guns aforesaid, or both, are by the said East-India Adventurers their Governor, Deputy, or Committees in England, or by the said Robert Bowen, Francis Day, Tho. Ivy, and their assistants, or else by their Precedent, or Precedents, Agent, or Agents, or other their Commanders, and Factors, in East-India aforesaid (or some of them) detained and kept, transported, or conveyed, and so prevented personally to appear, or by writing to make themselves known to be living, to any the Agents, Factors, or Servants belonging to the said William Courten Esquire, and Adventurers being in their employment in East-India, or parts adjacent aforesaid, and the said moneys about 5000 li. sterling, by the foresaid parties (or some of them) detained, and denied to be paid unto the said William Courten Esquire, and Adventurers, or to his, or their Agent, or Agents, Factor, or Factors, or other his, or their servant, or servants in East-India, or parts adjacent aforesaid (although with great hazard and cost solicited and demanded) as by good testimony may fully appear, to the incredible damage, and disparagement of the said William Courten Esquire, etc. Adventurers, and their whole employment; And to the daily hazard and endangering the lives and liberties of some, or all his, or their Agents, Factors, or servants in East-India, or parts adjacent, aforesaid, some having already thereby endured long imprisonment, etc.  
Wherefore in consideration of the premises, respecting our Employers and Employment, and sensible apprehension of our own distresses which they, or we already have, or hereafter may suffer, procured as aforesaid. We John Farren Agent and Council, principally and chief in the name, and on the behalf of William Courten Esquire aforesaid, our Imployer; and all other Adventurers with him in general; As also for ourselves, and all other servants in the same employment, our lives, liberties, or what else ours in particular, and in the presence of sufficient witnesses, Do make, Protest against you William Cockaine Governor, 
Protest.  William Methwold Deputy, or whosoever Governor, or Deputy for the time being; As also your Assistants, or Court of Committees for the time being, and all others whom it may concern in England. Likewise against you Robert Bowen, Francis Day, and Tho. Ivy aforesaid, and your Assistants and Councillors. And lastly, Against you Francis Briton Precedent at Surrat, Ralph Cartwright Precedent at Bantam, or whosoever Precedent or Presidents there for the time being for the said East-India Adventurers: And all other Precedent, or Precedents, Agent, or Agents, Counselors, Commanders, Factors, or Assistants, in East-India, or parts adjacent, as aforesaid, now, or late in the service or employment of the said Governor or Governors, Deputy or Deputies, and Court of Committees aforesaid. And against them, and you jointly and severally, now, or late in the service or employment of the whole Company of East-India Adventurers or Merchants aforesaid, (with reference and submission now, and hereafter, here, and elsewhere to the proper right and interest of our Imployer, and Employers, save our lives and liberties, or what else peculiarly ours.) That whatsoever loss or damage, or other distress, the said William Courten Esquire, and other Adventurers with him, or any of them, or any other, his, or their Agent or Agents, Factor or Factors, servant, or servants in East-India, or parts adjacent, aforesaid, have already suffered, or hereafter shall suffer in body, goods, or name, by the actions or misdoings of the said Governor or Governors, Deputy, or Deputies, Committee or Committees in England, or by your Precedent, or Precedents, Agent or Agents, Commander, or Commanders, or other your Factors and servants in East-India, or parts adjacent aforesaid, in time and place convenient shall be required, at all, or any, and every your hands, either by Appeal to the Right Honourable his Majesty's highest Court of Parliament, now or late at Westminster assembled, or any other Court or Courts of Justice or Equity thereon depending, as the justness & truth of the cause shall deserve. And in the absence of Council learned in the Law, and of a public Notary, or other Instrument ordained for that purpose. We the said John Farren, Agent, and Council, have made this Protest, and sent a true Copy thereof unto you William Cockayne Governor, William Methwolde Deputy, and Court of Committees, or whosoever Governor, Deputy, or Committees for the time being in England. Likewise to you Francis Briton Precedent at Surrat, or whosoever Precedent there for the time being: And to all other Precedent or Presidents, Agent, or Agents, Commanders, Factors, or Servants, whom it may concern in East-India or parts adjacent aforesaid, in the service and employment of the now East-India Adventurers, commonly called the Old East-India Company.  
Witnessed and subscribed by us, John Farren, Agent, and Council aforesaid, lest you or they, or any of you, or them, should plead ignorance, or excuse in the Premises.   
Being again arrived in India, 
Factors, etc. distressed.  about January 1644. I found Mr. Courtens Factors and affairs in a very woeful, sad, distracted, and languishing condition (merely occasioned as aforesaid) and all their Letters and Protests  to Madrassapatan, etc. returned null, and void of all hopes of any receipt or satisfaction as formerly expressed. Likewise their forementioned Letters to the said Companies Precedent at Surrat North-wards, had no better success: And then the foresaid Jo Farren Agent, and other Mr. Courtens Factors residing under the Portugals protection at Goa, for fear of the enraged malabars (as some of them alleged) still threatening Carwar (Mr. Courtens chief Factory) and all his ships by sea, 
Mallabars feared.  and Factories by land upon their borders, having a Fleet of Frigates about sixty sail in number (carrying about seventy or eighty men in each Frigate) coasting to and again (as was credibly reported) for that very purpose; 
A Fleet of Frigates.  So the foresaid Ship Loyalty (fitted for close fight) was continued to prosecute and pursue the said Robert Bowen (Master of the said Ship Endeavour) for Persia still to demand of him the foresaid Gold, 
Bowen still pursued.  Guns, and Men, which he had formerly taken into his charge, but the said Bowen hastened thence to Surrat (as way afterwards reported) as Day formerly to Bantam, so both escaped her.  
Then in Febr. 1644. the said John Farren, 
Destruction apprehended and expected.  and Council apprehending nothing but a constant damage, and inevitable destruction thereupon to follow (being thus prevented of their supplies from England (and of sending four or five Ships lading home that year upon Mr. Courtens proper account) were thereby constrained to sell off two or three hundred Tuns of lading (prepared for England) at great loss, and to consume their stocks of English Cloth, and other Commodities in their several Factories to maintain themselves and ships in idleness and demourage, and pay contracted Customs, and dead freights, with little or no profit at all from any employment. And in this distress, Mr. Courtens said Agent, John Farren and Council (when all their hopes and endeavours failed) before sufficient witnesses, 
The occasion of the Protest.  drew the foregoing Protest, and by the first convenient coveyance of their own, viz. in October following, sent the same for England in the ship Tho. and John, William Fare Master with two or three Copies thereof, sealed and witnessed, which were all upon arrival, about the 28. of May, 1646. delivered Mr. Courten, or his virtuous, honourable, and distressed Lady, and one of the said sealed Copies shortly after, upon one of their Court days was sent to the said East-India Company, and Court of Committees, then sitting (as was credibly affirmed) and another of the said Copies afterwards (upon this, and other occasions) was read and pleaded by Council, learned in the Law about March 1646,/ 1647. at the Bar of the House of Lords in the presence of the aforesaid East-India Governor, Deputy, and many other of the Committees and Adventurers of the said East-India Company, according to the appeal and purport thereof, but came to no conclusion. 
Ship Loyalties demourage.   
So that it came to pass afterwards in India, that the said ship Loyalty after ten or twelve months' demourage at three hundred pound per month, returned again from Persia for India, and so upon dead freight for England, insomuch that the very charge and damage of that one ship only, employed as aforesaid, in the pursuit, and prosecution of the demanding of the said men, Gold and Guns, amounted to above three thousand pound, besides five hundred pound, or thereabouts in charges for provisions, 
Charge of demanding 3600 li. etc.  and other necessary supplies from Mr. Courtens Factories in India, and besides an hundred and thirty, or a hundred a forty pound charges for demanding by Land, so that the full charge of demanding the same by Sea and Land, amounts to above three thousand six hundred pounds, as by particulars in Print my also plainly appear.  
And (as I am credibly informed) the owners of that one only ship Loyalty) (by virtue of their Charter part) makes good an account or demand (for dead freight and other damages) of full twelve thousand pound to the Commissioners appointed for Mr. Courtens estate. And having then six or seven ships more in India (some bigger, some lesser) and all, or most of them (save the Great-William) either sold, or lost in the Country, or returned empty (as to Mr. Courten, 
Above 50000 l. damage.  chief by reason of the premises) the whole damage and loss whereof in two or three years, must needs amount to much above fifty thousand pounds, 
Above 100000 l. damage.  and in less than five or six years to much above a hundred thousand pounds, besides the utter loss, ruin and destruction of Trade, Factories, and Plantations, thereby razing the very foundations thereof, as well that of Madagascar (the greatest of all known Islands) as there st, which began (though somewhat unadvisedly seated) to poise and sway the balance of petty Kings there, upon any occasion of difference, being invited to their assistance, which for want of supplies and intercourse of shipping (prevented as aforesaid) likewise perished in the same general destruction, as in a former Treatise, Entitled, Strange News from the Indies, may more fully and plainly appear.  
And this general destruction was sealed and confirmed irrecoverably▪ (as to Mr. Courten) upon return of his reputed seven sixteenths in Partner-ship of the foresaid ship Great-William to Leghorn, the principal, and proceed, whereof was estimated by some well-knowing men, at near fifteen thousand pounds, which proved but five thousand pounds, and that left in the foresaid Companies Factors hands, at Leghorn, aforesaid, and the same so disposed, and ordered there, that Mr. Courten could have no power thereof in any convenient time, which wholly prevented all hopes of recruit.  
Thus have you the plain truth of the strange and various passages concerning the foresaid five thousand pounds, briefly and impartially communicated, with the sad issues and events thereof, all, or most from sight and experience, which cannot deceive.  
This short Narrative is wholly lamentable (almost incredible) to consider (in the serious apprehension of some) that such grave, rich, civil, religious seeming wise men, should be so very cruel, and unreasonable, or rather so exceedingly injurious and unnatural to their brethren, and friends in particular, and to this Nation or Land of their Nativity in general. If this Commonwealth pleased to take cognizance thereof;  
And so I conclude, Mr. Courtens Catastrophe and Adieu to East-India.  
Per J. D. Mar. 2. 1651  
FINIS.