MRP: 1656, Papers sent by Major Thomas Chamberlain to John Thurloe

1656, Papers sent by Major Thomas Chamberlain to John Thurloe

XXXX

Editorial history

11/02/12, CSG: Created page

---

---

---

---

---

Printed transcription

A copy of Mr. Chamberlain's papers.

Right Worshippful,

Having considered the papers from Geneva, you were pleased to communicate unto me and M. Corsellis and Vandeput, they seem at the first view to deserve some consideration; but being well examined, they need no other conviction or proofs than the papers themselves, (they contradicting one another) to answer their suppositions; but it seems some men, wither through ignorance or malice, conceive they cannot get reputation, but by blasting others; and therefore for the vindication of the honourable committee, and my satisfaction, I shall humbly represent in the first place, that this pretended clear and exact account hath no good foundation, being built upon suppositions and conjectures contrary to truth. And next I will answer the several articles. And lastly, will manifest, that the former remittance was more vantageous than the last contract.

First, this account is founded upon a supposition, that the exchange was at 54 d. when I am informed that the first 2000/. was remitted by Mr. Luce and others, and the exchange agreed with them to pay it at Lyons after the rate of 56 d. ½ per crown of three livres Tournois a piece; and I dare affirm, that Mr. Calandrine knew nothing thereof, neither had a farthing of the money for his pains. Therefore I humbly conceive of it as an aspersion laid upon the deceased, who cannot answer for himself, and therefore cannot be diminished by the said Calandrine and his correspondents as by the account will appear.

For answer to the second article, it was upon the same false principle and suggestion, that the exchange was at 54 d. and so pretend, that the 5000 /. sterl. should have produced at Lyons 66666 livred 2 fols; when it was agreed with the honourable committee at 56 d. per crown, as will appear by the bills of exchange remaining in their hands, which do amount unto 64285 livres 14 fols; so the difference and mistake is 2381 livres. The bills of exchange were dated the 6:th of Aug. last, and were payable at Lyons the 20:th day of Sept. following, unto the right worshipful sir Thomas Vyner and sir Christopher Packe, knts. or their order; but by directions of the right honourable council of state and Mr. secretary Thurloe, I received order, that the money should be paid unto mons. John Lodowick Calandrine, and to take his acquaintance for the same; which accordingly I did efefct, as will appear by the said acquittance taken by my factor, who paid the money.

Now it is to be observed by the letter they write, that the exchange in the months of Oct. and Nov. at Paris was at 55 d. ½ and 56 d. ½ per crown, yet the framer of this account doth cast it up at 54 d. although I can prove, that in the month of Aug. I delivered to several merchants at 55 d. ¼ 55 d. 3/8 and 55 d. ½ at two months time per crown, both for Paris and Roan; and I paid the brokeridge in London, and the provision at Paris and at Lyons, and runned the hazard of the bills of exchange, and for the factors I intrusted, and there was the same fair of Sept. one of the chiefest of merchants of Lyons failed for a great sum of money, and one of my factors lost by him 8000 livres; so that any merchant may easily calculate what I got by the business; and I dare justify upon my reputation, had I known the danger I run, I would not have done it for two per cent. more; but I had not the forecast to make so wise a bargain as the Geneva merchant, to be sure of two per cent. profit, let the exchange rise or fall; neither shall I need to remember your worships, that I offered to remit the said money without any provision, so that I did run no hazard; but you would be at a certainty, and I undertook the business when other merchants refused it, and none would do it at so low a price, I regarding then more the advancement of the good work than my private profit.

For answer to the third article it is answered in the first; being the moiety of the former

Transcription entry and annotation to be completed

Add Internet Archive URL

---

---