A RELATION Of the whole proceed concerning the Redemption of the CAPTIVES in ARGIER and TUNIS. With the Translates and Copies of the Letters from the Bassa, Duana, Mufty, Caddee, and Shoudes, unto both the Honourable Houses of PARLIAMENT. As also the Letters from EDMOND CASON Esq; Agent for the Parliament there, to the Honourable, the Committee for the Navy. Together with a List of the Captives names redeemed, and the prizes they cost there in the Market. Published by special authority. LONDON, Printed by F. L. for Laurence Blaikelock, living at Temple bar. 1647. A Relation of the whole proceed concerning the redemption of the Captives in ARGEIR, etc. AS nothing can demonstrate to the world the sincerity of the intentions of a State better than their own public actions: so the piety of their resolutions can never be manifested more clearly, then when carried on through variety of difficulties: the truth whereof doth herein most evidently appear. At the commence of this Parliament, while yet the kingdom was in peace, both Houses passed an Act, whereby they did manifest unto the world their resolutions of undertaking that Christian work of the redemption of the Captives taken by Turkish, Moorish, and other Pirates, from that cruel thraldom which they lay under: immediately after the passing whereof, this unnatural war was by the malice of the Kingdom's enemies formented and continued, and the whole Kingdom enwrapped in misery, and to be redeemed by both Houses of Parliament, from the tyrannical oppression which it groaned under. Whereby indeed that work of the redemption of the Captives was for a time interrupted in its progression: and had the Parliament looked on thing only according to humane reason they might well have altogether deferred the undertaking at that time that so great an action, referring to a foreign State, so remote as Africa: yet with a proportional equality of care to release the whole, and its several part, those principles that first moved them, kept up their resolutions in the midst of the storm, yea quickened them on: To that purpose in the year 1645 they set forth a ship of strength called the Honour, laden with a Gargasoon of money and goods, to a great value: sending Edmond Cason Esq. their Agent, with Power and instructions to go for Argier, to treat for the release of the English Captives from thence, and settling of a future peace, for security of the Merchants and Mariners voyage. But it so pleased the Divine Providence (to whose guidance all things submit) that the said ship) with her lading, coming to anchor, (by reason of contrary winds,) in the Road of Gibraltar, was there by accident set on fire, all possible means used to quench it, but with no effect, the goods by violence of the inhabitants of the place taken away, and not by the Agent to be recovered: some moneys that were saved were put on board another English ship called the Diamond, at that time riding in the Bay but the Diamond a while after, before her return to England, was cast away near Cadiz, and so the moneys there were lost. Thus one affliction is added to another, and misery, like waves, tread one on the others heel: And now who could have otherwise thought, but that with this sad disaster, the work itself would have been laid aside: but yet that great God that gave the first motion, continued the resolutions. And on confidence of a good effect in the end this last year, 1646. Both Houses were pleased again to set forth a ship of strength, called the Charles, with a Gargasoon of money and goods: sending the said Edmond Cason Esq. again their Agent with the like power and commission at before, for to treat for redemption of the Captives, and settling of a firm peace. In prosecution of which orders, the said Agent, ship, and goods, proceeded on the voyage, and God hath so blessed the work that they arrived at that Port in safety: where after a long and difficult treaty, the Register of the Captives is taken, wherein are enrolled the names of all that are upon that place, and the price for their ransom agreed on, as they first cost in the market: that Gargasoon of money and goods that was sent out, hath by the Agent been so well managed, as that 244 persons, men, women & children, are redeemed and sent home in the said ship, the Charles: the Agent is constrained to stay there, until such time as the remainder are likewise redeemed. In preparation to the dispatch whereof, two ships are now providing to be sent thither with a greater Gargasoon than before: and to the intent that all may receive satisfaction concerning the proceed of the treaty, the number of the persons there captives, the names of the persons redeemed and brought home. The course taken for, those at Tunnis, here followeth, the extract of the Letters of the Agent Mr. Cason, the List of the persons redeemed, and the translation in English of the Letters from the Bassa, the Duana, the Mufty, Caddee and Shoudes, unto both Houses of Parliament. An Extract out of the Letters of EDMOND CASON Esq; the Parliaments Agent at Argier, directed unto the Committee of the Navy, dated the 29 of October, 1646. MAy it please you, we arrived at this Port in safety, thanks be to GOD, the 21 of September; the Bassa and Duana sent me a safe conduct the next day: I went on shore, and delivered my Letters to the Bassa, who had order from the Duana to treat with me, and desired to know my business so I delivered him, and some of the Duana my credential Letters, and then advised them my commands from the Parliament, both for complaints, and the joining perpetual peace, and desired the subjects of England to be delivered unto me free, for we had not broke the peace with them: they answered they consented a peace, but the Slaves were sold unto divers men, soldiers, and others, who would not deliver them without paying for them what they first cost in the market, as should appear by their books. Being not content with this answer, I desired my Letters (being then translated) to be read in the Duana, to have the answer from the Bassa and Duana when they were in council, the which they consented: the next Saturday (being the day of their sitting) the 26 Ditto, I had the same answer by the Trudgeman; and for all things I was again appointed to treat with the Bassa, this day the peace was concluded and proclaimed in the Duana. The Bassa entertained me with all courtesy, feasted me at his house, and afterwards in the fields. Then I desired to take a register of all the English there detained as Captives; and that every owner of an English captive might come with his slave before me, and a Scrivener of this place to declare his slaves name, and what he cost him the first penny, the which was registered by us both; and further took the place he was of, his age, and what ship he was taken in, and how many years past. I was informed that divers Turks and Moors caused us to set down much more than their slaves cost, the which I did advise the Bassa; he swore by the head of his master, the great Turk, I should pay not an Asper more than they cost in the market, at the first sale when they were brought on shore. The register being taken of those which be here, there are 650 and upwards, besides above an too in the ships of this place, now at Candia in the service of the great Turk. And after payment of the 10000 dollars, bagreed to give him six per cent. for what money I should import to pay the ransom of slaves, otherwise must have paid ten per cent. Then also we agreed for his duties for exportation of the slaves 20 Pesas per man to the Bassa, and to the Officers half duties; all which comes unto 31½ Dollars per slave, without agreement they would have cost about 50 Dollars a man for charges. Divers of the English Youths be turned Turks, through beating and hard usage; and divers children, the which they keep very gallant, but the young men (after turned) they carry to Alexandria, and other parts to the Eastwards. Now for the freeing of the Captives, my desire is, that it may be done with all brevity, and with ready money, whilst this Bassa is here. The greatest part of the inhabitants had rather keep their slaves then permit them to be freed: they come to much more per head then I expected, the reason is, here be many women and children which cost 50 l. per head first penny, and might sell them for an 100 Besides them there are divers which were Masters of ships and Carpenters, Caulkers, Cooper's, Sailemakers, Surgeons, and others which are here highly esteemed; so that they do come unto 32 l. per man first penny, as they have rated them one with another, and the port charges is 6 l: 6 s. per head, so they will be about 38 l. per head put a ship board. I desired to have agreed with them at a certain price one with another, old & young; That they would not consent unto, alleging, that they were bought at several prices, and it would make trouble amongst them: the King hath promised I shall not be wronged. I have all things under their hands and seals; the original peace according to the ancient capitulations renewed under the hand of the Bassa, Duana, as also under the hand and seal of the Musty and Caddee, and Shoudes, which be principal Justices of the peace. Edmond Cason. Extract out of the Letters of the said Edmond Cason, dated the 26 of November, 1646. May it please you, MY last was 29 October: They of this place do expect that our ships should not defend any other Nation which shall be in our Company from the ships of this place. I thought to have taken away the better sort of the people first, and the rest afterwards, the which I understood to be the command given me: but it pleased God so to order, that I must take away those I could have for cloth, and leave the rest till afterwards. The Bassa pleased to tell me, when we had difference, that seeing I had taken the Register of the English, and their price, I should clear them before I went hence. For the money set down, I persuade myself you shall have your people free; for both Spaniards and French have their protections performed, when they come to clear slaves from this place: For the business to be acted at Tunnis, I must send your Letters to the Consul and the Merchants there to effect the appointed Now they strive who shall have their slaves first taken off: and when soever your Honours please to send money, which in my opinion, the sooner the better; though you suffer some inconveniences at home, it will give a great reputation to their better performance of the peace, which is hitherto only concluded as formerly, not having the last Articles yet translated, the which I will follow. I beseech your Honours not to think that this redemption may be part one year, and part another: and I desire your people may go home in Summer, for I do assure you, their clothes be thin. I think two good ships and a Pinnace, will be fit to fetch away the rest of the slaves. Your Honour's most humble servant, EDMOND CASON The Copy of the Letters from the Bassa, and the Duana, and from the Mufty and Caddee, and two Shoudes, being all of the same words, though in three several Letters, for the High Court of PARLIAMENT of ENGLAND. THe Agent, which it hath pleased God to bring hither from the Parliament of England, We give God thanks, for that he is come hither, to make peace and love betwixt us till the end of the world, and that he hath given us a Letter; And that Edmond Cason is come Agent by consent and allowance of the Grand Signior, in safety into the harbour of Argier, and as it hath been accustomed in former times of peace: and that he came a shore unto us in love and peace, and that a good peace was agreed upon by both parts; and he demanded the English Christians that were slaves to be delivered unto him; which could not be granted, because they were bought by Turks and soldiers that were in the pay, and they would not deliver them till they had the money they cost them at first in the market; and if he will take them upon those conditions, as they had upon the former peace, we will have a good peace with them: as they have in Constantinople with the Grand Signior, upon this good peace concluded, we, both small and great, in the Duana, were upon those agreements well content for the slaves as they have been sold first in the market, so they shall have them upon that price again, as shall appear by their books at the time of their sale. And upon this business that you send here one of your Gentlemen, named Edmond Cason, who took the names of all the Englishmen, except them that were turned Turks, and put their names down in his register or book. And as the peace hath been agreed upon in former years, so this peace shall be continued; and that if it please God it shall not be broke, so long as the world enduret: and that God and the Great Turk's curse may fall upon him that breaks this peace. In Argier the 15 of October, 1646, etc. And of the Hagaren account. 1506 ARGIER. Anno Domini 1646. The Names of the men, women, and children, freed out of slavery, with the prices their Patrons set them down at, and what was paid for them, both in Dobles and pieces of eight, when they were set at liberty Dobles. Dollars THomas Goodier of Poole. 372 080 Stephen Carter of London. 535 115¼ William Thomas of Dover. 480 103 Thomas Webber of Watchet 120 Bartholomew Goddin of Foulston. 535 115 Stephen Martial of Plymouth. 120 Thomas Stebben of Southampton. 330 071 Henry Scot of North Yarmouth. 500 107½ Hugh Brooking of Plymouth. 530 114 Richard King of Plymouth. 504 109 Hugh Wilson of Bristol. 464 100 Thomas Babbe of London. 550 120 Thomas Wharton of Lond. 525 114 Richard Smith of London. 400 086 Edmond Daniel of Yahall. 600 129 John Bull of Lyme. 350 075 Ionas Turrances of Barnstable. 460 099 Ralph Ellet of London. 250 054 Edmond Haymond of London. 464 100 Richard Eynon of Dartmouth. 600 129 William Leach of Dartmouth. 650 140 Edmond Francis of Dorcetshire. 148 031 Edmond Flockden of Dover. 464 100 Robert Pine of Plymouth. 464 100 Simon Clare of Worcester. 300 064 Thomas French of Low. 400 086½ Richard Hurl of Plymouth. 486 104½ Walter Slyman of Foy. 250 Thomas Branch of London. 250 Samuel Hearing of London. 250 Stephen Heling of Apson. 250 John Singler of London. 464 100 Thomas Tiler of Bristol. 300 064½ Thomas Song of London. 655 140⅞ John Sharp of Edinborough. 635 135¾ John Hambling of Plymouth. 600 129 John Rich of Saltash. 500 107¾ Edward Benifield of Poole. 464 100 Thomes Grout of Weymouth. 450 097 John Mockham of Sandwich. 650 140 Thomas Colliner of Foy. 580 125 Roger Augner of Plymouth. 480 103 John Philip of Plymouth 420 090½ Richard East-brook of Southampton. 535 115 John Griffing of Barnstable. 700 150 Ellen Hawkins of Baltamore. 400 086 Nathaniel Corn of Low. 200 043 Elizabeth Score of London. 550 120 Thomas Burrasse of London. 650 140 William Wilcock of Swansy in Wales 440 095 Roger Codner of Dartmouth. 464 100 Richard Vincent of London. 655 141 Jeffrey Bowden of Dartmouth. 400 086 Richard Hooper of Barnstable. 464 100 Peter Stribling of Barnstable 660 141¾ John Jenking of Bristol. 464 100 William Dashwood of London. 820 177 William Martin of Plymouth. 700 150 Henry White of Plymouth. 650 140 Robert Porey of London. 700 150 Edmond Pelman of Barnstable. 640 137½ Matthew Riches of Bristol. 500 107½ Daniel Piper of Plymouth. 464 100 Philip Fabian of Poole. 400 086 Thomas Beard of London. 600 130 Ursula Corlion of Falmouth. 500 107½ William Helley of Apson. 250 053 Henry Light of Plymouth. 472 103½ Robert Hawkins of Rye. 700 123 John Bateman of Apson. 585 126 Thomas Marwood of Cidmouth. 340 066 Nicholas Kilcoyt of Foy. 800 180 Matthew Mitchell of Warom. 350 075½ Thomas James of Foy. 405 087 John Tucker of Southampton. 440 095 Thomas Hance of London. 500 109 Thomas Sharpham of Dartmouth. 760 164 Henry Finch of London. 646 140 John Lamset of Dartmouth. 360 077¼ Laurence Searle of Plymouth. 275 059½ William Hand of London. 500 107½ Laurence Rantree of Dover. 371 080 Christopher Morris of London. 390 084 Abel Hearne of London. 535 115¾ Richard Down of London. 609 131¾ Jeffrie Hicks of Dartmouth. 562 120 Stephen Sour of Apson. 500 107½ William Browne of London. 105 Thomas Foster of Pencehance. 600 129½ William Merrick of Low. 464 100 Nicholas Robert of Plymouth. 582 125 Chrstopher Shut of Dartmouth 500 107½ William Rogers of Barnstable. 490 106 Jennings Atwoll of Weymouth. 600 129 John wiles of London. 186 048 Henry Widnam of Yahall 650 140 William Matthew of Pencehance. 505 108½ William Dunster of Dover 582 125½ Joan West of Yahall. 750 161½ Nicholas William's of Weymouth. 550 118½ Richard Jackson of Dartmouth. 430 092¾ Elizabeth Escot of Yahall. 405 087¼ Joan Bradbrook of Baltamore. 700 150 Sarah Leeds of Chatham. 750 160 William powel of Barnstable. 464 100 George purnel of London. 700 150 John salop of Christchurch. 700 150 John Guest of London. 1000 215½ William Wills of Barnstable. 700 150 John Rochfort of Yahall. 150 Christopher Deane of London. 555 119½ Robert Cockson of London. 643 138½ Robert Batson of Bristol. 559 120½ Michael Orley of North-Yarmouth 464 100 Thomas Mudle of London. 400 086 John Dymon of Dover. 350 075 Matthew Candy of Plymouth. 300 064½ Philip Batten of Plymouth, 440 095 Thomas Crosey of Plymouth. 350 075½ Gabriel Wats of London. 460 099 Philip Winnard of London. 626 135 Thomas Parker of Weymouth. 280 060 John Small of Barnstable. 464 100 George Chapel of Dartmouth. 136 Joseph Sother of London. 770 166 John Williams of Pencehance. 424 091 James Peet of Dartmouth. 350 075 Daniel Hurwell of Plymouth. 400 086 Walter Crabbe of Dartmouth. 464 100 John Teague of Barnstable. 300 064½ John Cole of Dartmouth. 300 064½ William Faireweather of Plymouth. 500 108 Peter Vitre of Dartmouth. 580 081½ George Satchel of Lime. 465 103 Henry Oesgood of Southampton. 700 150 John Millard of Dartmouth. 575 123¼ Thomas Gates of London. 600 129 Joseph Green of North-Yarmouth. 800 172¼ William Wilson of London. 760 163 William Roe of London. 505 108¾ Alice Hayes of Edinburgh. 1100 258½ Thomas Underhill of London. 785 169 John Rogers of London. 350 075 John Case of Bristol. 600 229 Thomas Dawson of London. 775 166 Robert Lake of London. 740 106½ George Harding of Apson. 700 250 Robert Randall of Dover. 475 102 Nicholas Roberts of Yahall. 500 107¾ Thomas Riches of Dover. 450 097 Humphrey Bridges of London. 240 Robert Cloak of Plymouth. 770 166 William Davis of Bristol. 750 160 William Welman of London. 695 149 William Collings of London. 515 112 James Rainstock of Bristol. 500 107¾ Christopher Loverridge of Weymouth 450 097 Zacharie Popleston of Plymouth 400 086 Ralph Melling of Liverpoole. 200 John Lot of Apson. 200 John walter's of Dover. 200 Richard Chapling of London. 800 172 Sarah Ripley of London. 800 172 Richard Hatch of Plymouth. 450 097 William Dallen of Barnstable. 464 100 Thomas White of Plymouth. 450 097 Francis Lus of London. 515 112 Daniel Shafnes of London. 410 088 John Turner of Barnstable. 600 129 Lewis Cole of Dartmouth. 110 Edward Lowes of Newcastle. 500 107½ Elizabeth Mancor of Dundee in Scotland. 200 John Weeks of Weymouth. 600 129½ John Eads of London. 900 194 David Batcot of Barnstable. 539 116 John Bear of Barnstable. 464 100 James Vore of Bristol. 900 193¾ Nicholas Jesson of Lime. 464 100 Henry Herne of Lime. 464 100 Robert Monroe of Barnstable. 645 139 Valentine Weymouth of Ipswich. 700 150 John Reynolds of Weymouth. 1450 312½ Walter Tucker of Bristol 480 103¾ Robert powel of London. 120 John Draper of 464 100 John Ivey of Plymouth. 520 112 Sydrack Randoll of 568 122 Humphrey Tailor of London. 870 187½ John Burras of London. 774 166 Mary Weymouth, and her two children, James and john. 1000 215 Thomas Purchase of Apson. 1000 215 Anthony Palmer of London. 1100 258 Richard Mattock of Weymouth. 900 193 john Perrie of London. 900 193 Henry Grace of Weymouth. 750 161½ Robert Sayer of London. 1000 215 William Tunick of London. 500 107½ Christopher Newland of Dartmouth. 850 183 Simon Flew of Weymouth. 900 193 William Bernard of Hull. 850 183 Thomas Tomson of London. 1300 280 Katherine Ockley of London. 600 129 john Young of Bristol. 464 100 Peter Benson of Barnstable. 775 167 Edward Helena of Bristol. 700 150 Mark holden of Seborne in Suffolk. 650 140 William adam's of Apson. 900 194 Thomas Oulton of London. 520 112 William Church of London. 500 107¾ Richard Atwoll of Weymouth. 435 093 Thomas Penwarden of Foy. 570 122¾ john Hill of Plymouth. 404 087 Bridget Randall and her son of London. 1050 225¾ john Randall of London. 500 107½ Thomas Catrier of Chatham. 335 072 Francis Tincke of Plymouth. 470 101 Anthony Simpson of London. 780 168 Peter Swanton of London. 550 118½ Richard Moor of Dartmouth. 700 150 Elizabeth Alwin of London. 1655 356¾ Alexander Ruddock of Edinburgh. 800 172 Thomas Russell of Barnstable. 495 107 William Gaskar of London. 700 150 Nicholas Hobbe of London. 585 126 George Dungate of Yahall. 364 079 James Palmer of Dartmouth. 500 107½ Anna Fen of 310 Humphrey Leg of Barnstable. 500 107½ John Trickey of Exeter. 604 130½ John Mayes of London. 355 076¾ Abraham Stint of London. 255 054¾ Peter Goodheart of Plymouth 928 200 Stephen Stevenson of Plymouth. 610 131 Henry Rain of Milbrook. 610 131 Thomas Guill of London. 965 207¾ Richard Cockle of Plymouth. 200 043 Mary Bruster of Yahall 1392 300 William Tailor of London. 930 199¾ Benjamin Flint of London. 850 182¼ Anna Wright of Yahall. 1000 215 Elizabeth Wright of Yahall. 1000 215 Katherine Wright. 750 160¾ FINIS.