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Die Mercurii 24. April, 1695. In the Exchequer Chamber.
At a Committe of both Houses, appointed for the Exa∣minations of several Persons touching the Receipt and Distribution of Monies mentioned in a late Act, In∣tituled, An Act to Indemnify Sir Thomas Cooke from Actions which he might be liable to, by reason of his Discovery, to whom he paid and distribut∣ed several sums of money therein mentioned to be received out of the Treasure of the East-India Company, and from any Prosecution from such Distribution.
Sir Bazil Firebrace being interrogated touching his receipt of 10000 l. and 30000 l. (charged on him by Sir Tho. Cooke) and also touching the distribution thereof.
THat rhe said sum of 10000 l. was given as a gra∣tuity to him by the said Sir Thomas Cook for his Losses, of which he had given Sir Thomas Cook a satis∣factory Account. That he received the 10000 l. some time before the Charter for the East-India Company passed.
That the said sum of 30000 l. was received by him by vertue of a Contract with Sir Tho. Cook, it was for Favours and Services done.
That the Stock at the time of the Contract valued at 150 l. per Cent. falling afterwards to 100 l. per cent. the difference was 30000 l. which they made up to him.
That the reason of the fall of the Stock, was the Ships not coming in, and if that had not happened, he the Deponent had gain'd as much as the 30000 l. paid him.
That he is positive the 10000 l. and 30000 l. were directly for himself, and the use of no other Person whatever.
That he paid no part of the same towards procuring a Charter, or Act of Parliament, nor made any pro∣mise so to do.
That he had several Discourses with Sir Tho. Cook, about using his (the Deponents) endeavours to procure a New Charter, for that it was his Interest so to do, after the Contracts were made.
That he did use all his Interest to prevail with the Interlopers to forhear Projecution, and that he did en∣deavour all he could to improve the Companies Stock, and made it in his bargain, That the Company should submit to Regulations in their Charter.
He believes that Sir Tho. Cook might desire him to acquaint him how he disposed of the Mony, but that he (the Deponent) told him it was not fair, it was con∣trary to their agreement, he was not to ask him, the Deponent, what he did with his own.
That in some of the Contracts the consideration or praemium (mentioned therein) was paid, and refers to the contracts, that in some of them 5 l. per cent. in o∣thers 5 s. is the praemium mentioned.
That in the contract, Sept. 15. 1693. the 3••0 Gui∣nea's were paid by a Note which Sir Tho. Cook kept some time, and after did deliver up to the Deponent, without having received any mony from this Depo∣nent.
Being asked what particular Services he did, or was to do for procuring a New Charter.
Saith, That he wisht he might Answer to this at some other time, being not well, not having slept two or three Nights, and much indisposed, as to his Health.
That he was unwilling to take too much upon himself; he thought he did great Service to the Company in Sollici∣tation, and other Services. He knew not of any money or stock given to any Person whatever for procuring 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Char∣ter.
Being asked whether the 30000 l. or the value of 30000 l. was wholly for himself, and was not disposed to any other Person.
Saith, That no part of it was to any other Person, but himself, except one 500 l. paid to Mr. Powel, whose Christian Name he did not remember, but saith, that he lives at Thannet-House; That he was not sure whether he paid that out of this or his own.
It was paid to Powel, because he had good Interest a∣mong the Interlopers, and was instrumental in reconciling differences.
Reported from the Committee of both Houses April 27. 1695.