A letter of Arthur Edwards to M. Thomas Nicols, Secretarie to the worshipful company trading into Russia and other the North parts, concerning the preparation of their voyage into Persia.
MASTER NICOLS, my bounden duetie remembred, with
desire of God for the preservation of you and yours:
you
shall understand that the second of March I was sent
by M. Thomas Glover (your Agent) unto Jeraslave,
appointed to receive such goods as should come from
Vologhda, as also such kinde of wares as should be
bought and sent from Mosco by your Agent, and M.
Edward Clarke, thought meete for your voyage of Persia.
And further, I was to provide for biscuit, beere, and
beefe, and other victuals, and things otherwayes needful
according to advise. Thus I remained here until the
comming of your Agent, which was the 12. of May, who
taried here three dayes, to see us set forwards on our
voyage, and then he departed towards Colmogro, having
appointed (as chiefe for your voyage of Persia) Richard
Johnson. For my part I am willing, as also have bene &
shalbe content to submit my selfe under him, whom the
Agent shall appoint, although he were such a one as you
should thinke in some respects unmeete. Thirtie two
packes of carseis are all of that kinde of cloth that we
shall have with us. The other 18. packs that should have
gone, were sold in Mosco. What other goods are shipped
for our voyage, you shall understand by your Agents
letters. Whereas Edward Clarke (being an honest man)
was appointed Agent for Persia, as one for those parts
more fit then any I do know here, God hath taken him
unto his mercie, who departed this present life the 16. of
March last past. I wished of God for my part he had
lived: for my desire was in his company to have travelled
into Persia. Your barke or craer made here for the river
of Volga
and the Caspian sea is very litle, of the burthen
of 30. tunnes at the most. It is handsomly made after the
English fashion: but I thinke it too litle for your goods
and provision of victuals. If the worshipful company
would send hither a Shipwright, being skilfull to make
one of the burden of 60. tunnes or more, drawing but sixe
foote water at the most when it is laden, I thinke it
should be profitable. For if your owne goods would not
lade the same, here be Marchants that would bee glad and
faine to give great fraight to lade their goods with us,
whereby your charges would be much lessened: And so it
may happen, the wages of your men hired here may be
saved, and your servants and goods in farre greater assurance: for their boates here are dangerous to saile with
and to passe the Caspian sea. There be Carpenters here
that will doe well ynough having one to instruct them.
Your wares bought here, and orders taken for those that
goe for your voyage of Persia are yet unknowen unto me:
wherefore I cannot (as I would at this present) write to
you thereof. Yet, (as you do know) it was the Governors
mind I should be acquainted with greater affaires then
these. Howbeit I doubt not but I shall be informed of
them that are appointed, and all things shall be bought
when they shall see time and have more laisure. Thus in
hast (as appeareth) I commit you and yours into the hands
of almightie God; who preserve you in perfect health with
increase of worship.
From Jeraslave the 15. of May 1565.
By yours to command here or elsewhere
during life. Arthur Edwards.
