| Description | 1. 30 Jan 1713 Letter from Francis Chamberlayne in London. 7,623 oz silver and some pearl necklaces to the value of £2,540 laden for China. Supercargo Fenwick to exchange them for gold and carry it to Henry Davenport at Fort St George to buy diamonds for transmission to London. Discussion on the market price and size of diamonds.
2. 6 Feb 1713 Letter from Robert Nightingale. Agreement that the diamond trade should be kept secret and no packets addressed by Henry Davenport to him. News that the last consignment had been sold in Holland and that the Company was considering legitimising the diamond trade with payment of duty etc. Prospects of elevation to a Governorship for Henry Davenport, gossip etc. 16 foolscap pages.
3. 20 Feb 1713 Letter from Francis Chamberlayne enclosing a note of hand for 3,171 rupees to be used for the purchase of diamonds. The note issued by Thomas Chamber, James Norman and John Rogers of Fort St George to Robert Nightingale. Made over by Nightingale to Chamberlayne and by Chamberlayne to Henry Davenport.
4. 20 Feb 1713 Copy of the previous letter.
5. 11 Oct 1713 Copy letter to Henry Davenport, unsigned but probably R Nightingale. 10 foolscap pages. Nightingale mentions buying a house and garden at Enfield, 10 miles from London, congratulates Henry Davenport on becoming deputy governor of Fort St David, advice on conduct, politics in the court of directors. Raworth found using company monies in his own affairs, expects him to be turned out of the HEIC Service and Governor Harrison to be severely reprimanded. Condolences on the death of Henry Davenport's wife, effects of the French war on trade, Nightingale forbidden to trade in diamonds or to send out money but recommends his friend Chamberlayne. Asks for a stone of 10 to 12 karats of good colour, for his personal use.
6. 17 Aug 1717 Letter to Henry Davenport and Chamberlayne from John Maubert at Fort St George. Explains that diamonds are of poor quality and dear but he had received a letter from Chamberlayne instructing him to employ the money in the country trade. Unsure of the apportionment of shares and requests their joint authorisation.
7. Undated account [1720]: Frances Chamberleyn in the sum of £1,182, of which balance due to Henry Davenport was £552.
8. 15 Apr 1727 Letter to Henry Davenport at Worfield. Notifies Henry Davenport that Mr Chamberlayne had paid in the money for Henry Davenport's mortgage, plus interest. |