Page:History of India Vol 6.djvu/311

EQUIPPING CAPTAIN WAYMOUTH'S EXPEDITION 247 A new subscription book was accordingly sent round to the brethren. In January, 1602, the court confirmed their proceedings by a " standing and unchangeable decree " for the expedition to discover " the northwest passage to the East Indies." Arrangements then proceed for the selection, survey, and purchase of two pinnaces with a total crew of thirty men at an estimated cost of 3000. Captain Waymouth agreed to conduct the voyage on payment of 100 for his instruments, with a promise of 500 if he discovered the passage, but without any remuneration if he failed. A question next arises as to whether the expedition will not infringe the chartered privileges of the Muscovy or Russia Company. The Muscovy Company take a high stand, yet offer to admit into their brotherhood such members of the East India Company as contribute to Captain Waymouth 's expedition. After a wrangle between the two bodies, the East India Company apply to the Privy Council, which directs the Muscovy Com- pany either to agree to joint action with the East India adventurers or to bring their patent before the Council for a scrutiny of their claim. The Muscovy Company give way, and finally the East India Company, having fortified themselves by a legal opinion, draw up instruc- tions for the voyage, having recorded each step of their proceedings in the Court Minutes of 1601 and 1602. A mass of detail follows, appointments of officers to the vessels, warrants for pork, wages, " hides to make the mariners' cassocks,- breeches, and gowns." The victualling is divided among three sub-committees,