Page:History of India Vol 7.djvu/32

 12 THE "SEPARATE VOYAGES" OF THE COMPANY High Treasurer of England, Charles Earl of Notting- ham, Our High Admiral of England, and Edward Earl of Worcester, Master of Our Horse, and Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved William Lord Cavendish, and Our Well-beloved Servant Sir Thomas Lake, Knight, One of the Clerks of Our Signet," and other knights and gentlemen. Royal favouritism had become a power in the State, and it was highly convenient that the Earl of Salisbury, who stands first in the list of adventurers, should also have the control of the export of treasure from the realm and of his Majesty's customs. Men of rank sought the freedom of the corporation, and in July, 1609, the Earl of Southampton sent a brace of bucks to the Brethren " to make merry withal in regard of their kindness in accepting him of their Company." A venison committee was promptly chosen, " who agree upon a dinner to be provided for the whole company at the Governor's house." Under these happier auspices the unprecedented subscription of £82,000 was raised for the sixth voyage of 1610, commanded by Sir Henry Middleton. Elab- orate instructions were given for the conduct of its business, for the prevention of private trading by the Company's captains or factors, and as to the commodi- ties to be purchased in the East— raw silk, fine book- calicoes, indigo, cloves, and mace. The Company had in 1607 decided to build ships for themselves at their hired dock at Deptford, and they now took up this business on a great scale. In 1609 they launched a leviathan of 1100 tons— the Trades Increase. The King